BONNERS FERRY — Sierra Petesch, surrounded by her family, friends and teammates, signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Mont., a Division 2 school.

Petesch started playing volleyball in fifth grade at Boundary County Parks and Recreation and played club through Sandpoint. She is a two-time Intermountain League all-league player.

“I played mid and was constantly doing things, blocking every shot,” Petesch said. “It is a tough position, very active and keeps me on my toes.”

She said she will miss playing at Bonners Ferry and is so proud of the young players she is leaving behind. Her advice to future Badger players is to work hard and to follow their dreams.

“Put in the work, anything can happen,” she said.

That hard work put the Badgers within four points of going to state this year.

Petesch is an amazing person, student athlete and is always positive and smiling, BFHS Athletic Director Nathan Williams said. She will be missed, but everyone is excited for her, he added.

Teammate and friend Asha Abubakari said Dawson is getting a great person and player.

“[Sierra] keeps the team morale up and is a good friend off court,” she said.

“I’m really excited she will experience volleyball in college,” said head volleyball coach Cynthia Cummings. “I think she will enjoy the next level of play, as I did. She’ll do well.”

Sierra’s mother Paula Petesch was close to tears at the signing.

“She is super ambitious and has worked her whole life for this, she’s going to be great,” she said.

She is excited to play for Dawson, because of the similar small town feel in Glendive, Mont., she said. She is also excited because of the supportive coach at Dawson. Petesch plans to pursue a physical therapy degree.