Honorary Members of NTNUI Volleyball
NTNUI Volleyball introduced honorary memberships in the 2022/2023 season as a way to give special thanks to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the club. The criteria for becoming an honorary member are:
- Exceptional contributions to the club through administrative work or support in tasks beyond what is normally expected
- Athletic achievements as a representative of NTNUI
- Exemplary attitudes and a positive influence within the club, serving as role models to others
(Not to be confused with NTNUI’s knighthood system)
Oda Margrethe Skaug
In addition to being a key player on the club’s 1st Division and Elite teams in recent seasons, Oda has also achieved outstanding results on the sand court—topping it all off with a victory at NT Lofoten this past summer.
On the court, she is a role model, and off the court, teammates describe her as inclusive and dependable, someone who ensures that new players feel welcome and at home.
Beyond her efforts as a player, Oda was a crucial figure in the 2021/22 season for the operations of NTNUI Volleyball. She took on responsibilities far beyond what was expected in her role, setting a standard for how the club should be run. Her contributions will leave a lasting mark on the group.
Astrid Vangdal
Despite suffering a season-ending injury in 2022/23, Astrid remained a constant presence for her team—showing up in the gym, cheering from the sidelines, and offering support that went far beyond what one would expect from an injured player.
During the 2021/22 season, Astrid played a key role in the club’s operations, serving on the volleyball board and as head coach of the H2B team. As the board’s communications officer, she helped develop new routines for social media and was essential to the daily operations of the group. As a coach, she was a vital contributor to H2B’s efforts to stay in the league and was known for seeing and supporting every single player.
Astrid’s presence in the gym and her consistently welcoming attitude have made her a fantastic role model for new and veteran players alike.
Olav Strømmen Jevne
Over several seasons, Olav has played a central role in developing NTNUI Volleyball’s recreational sessions, turning them into some of the most popular in all of NTNUI. Unprompted feedback consistently highlights Olav as the reason these sessions are the highlight of the week for many.
Olav has also been a dedicated and highly competent coach. His players speak very highly of his coaching, noting his commitment and positive attitude. He often steps in to help other teams when they lack a coach—whether for practices or matches—and always with the same dedication, regardless of the team.
Olav is a key figure in NTNUI Volleyball and excels at including new players.
Hallvard and Loïc
For several seasons, Hallvard and Loïc have coached multiple women’s teams in the 3rd Division and are known for always going the extra mile. They’re the only coaches in the club who show up to matches in suits—or sometimes in fully pink tracksuits.
They consistently offer additional training sessions to their players, either alone or in collaboration with other teams. They are also flexible and willing to help other teams when needed, even attending their practices beforehand to familiarize themselves with the players and team dynamics.
Their “always show up” attitude and willingness to do that little bit extra have made them a beloved coaching duo and role models within the club.
Sigurd Festøy
The 2023 Honorary Membership Committee of NTNUI Volleyball wishes to recognize Sigurd Van Djik Festøy as an honorary member for his extraordinary contributions to the men’s elite team.
Year after year, Sigurd has performed at the highest level for the club. His most notable strength is leading by example—both in matches and on the training court. His dedication to the team, the club, and the sport is exemplary, and he is a respected role model for teammates, opponents, and the entire club.
Before the start of this season, Sigurd had recorded over 1,300 attack points at the top level for NTNUI, as well as nearly 100 blocks and 100 service points. This has resulted in him being the league’s top scorer multiple times and repeatedly recognized as the best player in his position.
Through years of 100% commitment both on and off the court, Sigurd has become the most recognizable face of NTNUI H-Elite in the Mizuno League. Without him, the team would not hold the position it does today.
Kathinka Lund
The 2023 Honorary Membership Committee of NTNUI Volleyball recognizes Kathinka Lund for her extraordinary contributions to the club and her prominent role as the face of the organization over the past two years.
Now in her second year as the club leader, Kathinka has done an outstanding job leading NTNUI Volleyball with clarity, empathy, inclusivity, and a solutions-oriented mindset. She has also represented the club through the Norwegian Volleyball Federation’s “Vi leder sammen” project.
This season, Kathinka has taken on even more responsibility by coaching the club’s 1st Division team—doing so with great success.
Back in the 2021/22 season, she spearheaded the launch of the annual charity weekend and has been responsible for organizing it every year since. Her contributions have far exceeded the expectations of her original role as the club’s treasurer, and she was a key figure in keeping the club running that year.
Kathinka’s leadership, presence, and passion have helped set the standard for how NTNUI Volleyball should be run and will have a lasting impact on the group.
Karoline Ruud Dahlen
The 2023 Honorary Membership Committee recognizes Karoline Ruud Dahlen for her extraordinary contributions both on and off the court.
Since joining the club in 2018, Karoline has shown unwavering commitment. Her decision to stay in Trondheim an extra year just to continue with NTNUI speaks volumes about her loyalty—something the club is incredibly grateful for. Her efforts as a coach, 1st Division player, and vice president deserve special recognition.
Now in her second year as vice president, Karoline plays a key role in the daily operations of the club. Her behind-the-scenes work is admirable—she’s always there to help, even when it’s not part of her job description.
Karoline has coached the H2B team for three consecutive years, and her coaching is characterized by her ability to see and support every individual player. She never misses a training or a match, no matter how busy she is. Her passion for NTNUI is infectious and inspires everyone around her.
Roar Munkeby Fenne
The 2023 Honorary Membership Committee recognizes Roar Munkeby Fenne for his extraordinary contributions over many years as a player, coach, and all-around great guy in green, yellow, and black.
Roar has been a well-known and well-loved figure in NTNUI Volleyball for years. His welcoming nature and consistent contributions to the club are deeply appreciated. With multiple years as a coach, several seasons as a player, and all his time being the good spirit of the team, Roar’s impact is undeniable.
His first season dates all the way back to 2014—when he was young and spry. Today, he’s a seasoned and respected coach, as well as a mature and highly valued player.
Throughout the years, he has not only played and coached, but also taken responsibility for social activities, training camps, and team dynamics. As the “grandfather” of the 2nd Division, Roar has become a central figure in the club, always including new and returning players alike.