Northwest Notes Dec. 16, 2022

Former Lakeland High, NIC setter Neff signs with Lewis-Clark State

LEWISTON — Abbey Neff, who starred at Lakeland High before playing the last two seasons at North Idaho College, has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at NAIA Lewis-Clark State College, Warriors coach Shaun Pohlman announced.

“We had some really close opportunities this year to get back to nationals and we just missed out,” Pohlman said. “With how close we are to getting the ‘big break,’ we are recruiting people with a high drive to want to excel, compete at a high level, and are serious about that goal. Abbey definitely fits that mold. She's very competitive, she commands the court very well and helped North Idaho College go far into the postseason. We love that we get to also have Abbey come at the break which will give us time to break her into our system and get to know the team and be part of the vision we have for our future.”

The 5-7 Neff helped Lakeland to a state 4A title in 2020. Neff was voted first-team all-state in 2020 and All-4A IEL in 2019 and 2020. At NIC, she helped the Cardinals to an NWAC East Region title in 2022 and was an East Region First Team selection. The team placed fourth in the NWAC tournament. Neff totaled 1,097 assists in the 2022 season (9.07 per set) and collected 402 digs. She finished her career at NIC with 1,410 assists, 482 digs and 31 service aces.

“I am so excited to join an amazing program and be a part of the Warrior family,” Neff said. “I'm looking forward to growing together and competing at a higher level. I believe that coming in already having two seasons of college experience will greatly contribute to this team. I know what it takes to win in college athletics and I can bring that to LC. I am very serious about wanting us to be at the national tournament. The program is so close already and I will continue to work my best on and off the court so that we can go to the next level as a family.”