Meehan heads Kelly's first batch of recruits at NIC
From staff and news services | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 7 months AGO
COEUR d'ALENE - Kandice Kelly's first recruiting class as North Idaho College volleyball coach includes seven incoming freshmen - and one key transfer with local ties.
Former Post Falls High standout Danielle Meehan transferred from Walla Walla Community College, where she played last fall as a freshman.
"She just decided she wanted to come closer to home," Kelly said. "She's the hardest-working player on the team and does everything you ask."
Kelly said Meehan will play either at outside hitter or libero.
Also signing are Sierra Pancho (5-foot-8 setter, Newport, Wash.), Taralyn French (5-9, OH, Arcola, Saskatchewan), Emma Wolper (5-9, right side hitter, Strathmore, Alberta), Shelby Lausen (6-2, MH, Carseland, Alberta), Mariah Zaback (6-0, S, Kennewick, Wash.), Brooklyn Bradbury (5-5, S, Auburn, Wash.) and Yang Yang (6-0, MH, China).
Pancho spent seven years with the Sandpoint Volleyball Club and one year with the Sideout Volleyball Club in Spokane. She was a four-time Northeast A all-league nominee and two-time MVP.
After being named to the all-state second team in her junior season, she was first team in her senior year.
"You know how your friends tell you you'll just know when it's the right place for you?" Pancho said. "I never believed that until I made a visit to NIC. After I was done practicing with the team, I knew I would be a Cardinal in the near future."
Janele Vogt, Spencer Smiley-Shultz, Kendall Bergsten, Mariah Smith and former Coeur d'Alene Charter standout Sabrina Ewing are expected to return this fall for NIC, which finished 29-7 last year and placed fifth at nationals - the program's highest finish. Bergsten redshirted last year.
Gabriella Rifilato, last year's starting setter as a freshman, has transferred to Division II Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo.
Danielle Hodge, a reserve last year, will not return, said Kelly, an assistant at Montana last year.
NIC has one scholarship remaining as Kelly departs to run volleyball camps through the summer.
"Hopefully it will turn into a good recruiting tool," Kelly said. "I'm really anxious to start the season."
ARTICLES BY FROM STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES
Former Lake City coach named assistant at Montana
Bryce Erickson, head football coach at Lake City High for two seasons (2016-17) has been hired as tight ends coach at the University of Montana, Grizzlies coach Bobby Hauck announced.
Vandals ink 10 on first day of regular signing period
MOSCOW — Idaho’s football program signed 10 future student-athletes to national letters of intent or financial aid agreements Wednesday, on the first day of the 2019 regular signing period, Vandals coach Paul Petrino announced. The Vandals inked eight high school seniors and two FBS transfers who will be eligible to compete immediately.
Erickson, Plummer headed to CFB Hall of Fame
Dennis Erickson and Jake Plummer, two men with Idaho ties, are part of this year’s 15-member class named to the College Football Hall of Fame on Monday.