After chasing her dreams through clubs and towns in the shadows of Frankfurt, Kathi Buelte is preparing to make her biggest move yet: across the globe to the Winnipeg Wesmen.
 
Buelte, a 6-foot-3 left side from Kelkheim, Germany, has committed to Phil Hudson's Wesmen women's volleyball program as the first member of the 2027 recruiting class.
 
Buelte visited UWinnipeg last December during the Wesmen Classic and had an opportunity to train with and get to know her future team as she prepared to make arguably the biggest decision of her life.
 
Fourth-year setter Naomi Unger and her family hosted Buelte while she was in Winnipeg and she said she found a connection with the teammates and families in her short stay in the city.
 
"It was really cool to experience it all by myself," Buelte said. "When I came to practice and was able to practise with the team, I just recognized the supporting and also competitive atmosphere, and I really liked it because it was competitive on one side, but also positive and motivating. I just knew that this was the place that I could develop.
 
"They were also so open-minded, and super supporting, and such lovely people. I'm super happy that I get to see them again next year."
 
The 18-year-old Buelte has played in multiple clubs in Germany, as well as in the youth national program, as she's developed into a high-level prospect. She currently plays for TV Waldgirmes in the 2. Bundesliga Pro, Germany's second-tier professional league. There she is getting the experience of playing against grown women and holding her own, setting her up for success when she transitions to Canada West and U Sports.
 
"Kathi will bring athleticism, leadership and a high level of competitiveness to the Wesmen," Hudson said.

"Kathi plays the game well above the net, is a very skilled six-rotation player who plays every game with passion and a strong desire to work towards personal excellence. She has a great personality and her experience playing in pro volleyball in Germany will undoubtedly allow her to have an immediate impact on our program."
 
Buelte noted the support her parents have provided as she changed clubs and moved around during her youth, always seeking a greater challenge and pursuing her dream of going abroad and then playing professionally.
 
"Before I also did swimming for a long time, and then I had to decide if I want to play volleyball or swimming, and I decided volleyball because it was my dream to become a professional volleyball player and maybe to go abroad. So it was kind of important for me to play at a good level."
 
Buelte, through the agency VolleyUSA, which links prospects with post-secondary opportunities, was put in touch with Hudson last September. A few months later she was on a plane to Winnipeg, a rather quick turnaround that ultimately led her to decide she had found her second home.
 
"I'm really excited to start studying and playing in Winnipeg," she said. "I'm super grateful for the opportunity to play for the Wesmen women's volleyball team. And, yeah, I'm excited to be stepping out of my comfort zone, experiencing a new culture, and also experience everything through living in Canada. I hope that I can be a great addition to the team, and just help the team to be successful."