Alumni Spotlight - Nov. 8, 2012
Renee DuFlon - Volleyball (Delaware '80)
One of the finest players in the rich tradition of University of Delaware volleyball, Renee DuFlon was an outstanding hitter for teams led by Hall of Fame head coach Barbara Viera during the late 1970’s. A native of Ridgewood, N.J., Renee led the Blue Hens to an impressive four-year record of 127-61-1 that included four straight Eastern Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (EAIAW) Regional appearances and a trip to the AIAW National Tournament in 1979 when the team posted a record of 35-8. She also was a standout on the 1977 team that won a school-record 38 matches. A 1979 team co-captain, Renee set school records for kills in a match (34), season (461) and career (1,283), and for hitting percentage in a season (.401).
She also ranked No. 2 for service aces in a season with 107. Her single match kills record still stands today and her season and career kills marks lasted for nearly 20 years. A two-time team Most Valuable Player, she was named the University of Delaware Outstanding Senior Female Athlete of the Year in 1980. Renee earned her degree in physical education with a minor in recreation from the University of Delaware in 1980 and currently serves as a legal secretary and bookkeeper. She resides in Saint Charles, Ill. with her husband, Ray Elsman. They have two children, Andrea and Dan.
As a student-athlete, what brought you to the University of Delaware?
The summer before my senior year in high school, I went to a volleyball camp in New York where I met two University of Delaware men's club volleyball players who convinced me to check out the school. After seeing the campus and meeting with Coach Viera, I knew it was the right choice.
What do you remember most about your time as a student-athlete at the University of Delaware?
I have wonderful memories of my time at Delaware but the thing I remember most is living and breathing volleyball. I knew when I walked in the gym the first day of practice that these girls were going to be my family and many, friends for life. I loved my teammates, the practices, the traveling and most of all, the competition.
Do you continue to follow the team?
I have been following the team thru the years but this past season was the first time I watched the team compete for the championship from the live feed. It was a lot of fun cheering for the Blue Hens from the kitchen table in Illinois (but I would have much rather been there in person).
What would be your advice to today's student-athletes?
Enjoy your time at Delaware. Always push yourself on the court and in the classroom.
Every experience will help develop who you are.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Both my husband and I still play volleyball and we are planning on playing in the Senior's division at Nationals next May. When not working or playing volleyball, I really enjoy spending time with my kids (both have graduated college and are out of the house), reading and visiting friends.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I really enjoy doing DIY (Do It Yourself) projects around the house.
