Ellsworth Community College Volleyball is proud to announce the signing of six new student-athletes for the upcoming 2016 season.
Madison Hoch, Algona High School. Hoch chose ECC because of the campus size and the community. "I was familiar with Iowa Falls and had often played there for high school," she commented. "I feel like I will be more than just a number here." She will be studying agriculture while attending ECC and plans to transfer after graduating with a focus on agribusiness. Hoch has high academic goals for herself at ECC. "My biggest goal is to obtain a 4.0 GPA after one year and continue with that throughout college."
ECC Head Coach Ashley Clark says about Hoch, "Madison comes from a high school with a competitive volleyball program. She understands what it takes to compete and I'm confident that we will see her experience have an immediate impact on our program."
Amber Workman, Dallas Center/Grimes High School. Workman will study elementary education at ECC to obtain her Associate in Arts (AA) degree. The class size at ECC was a big draw for Workman. "The classes are small enough that you can really get to know your professors," commented Workman. "I also like the location of the college, as it is not too far away from home." She is looking forward to being a valuable member of the volleyball team and contributing to its success.
"Amber is very excited to be playing volleyball at this level," says Clark. "She will most likely be a right side hitter or middle for us, but she has also been doing a lot of setting during this club season, so that is a viable option for us as well."
Nicole Nielson, Columbus High School. Nielson will be working on her AA degree while at ECC and plans to becoming a physical therapist or athletic trainer. Her academic goal is to do the best she can to her ability and strive to be a good student. "I chose ECC because I loved the campus and the people were friendly," says Nielson. "I thought it would be a good fit. I love the atmosphere, and the program fit me well."
"Nicole is a great student-athlete who is excited to continue playing volleyball at the next level," commented Clark. "She has really good ball control and is a heavy hitter that will be great to have in our front row.
Ashley Kraber, Martensdale/St. Mary's High School. Kraber chose ECC because it reminded her of her hometown. She will be studying accounting while at Ellsworth and working towards achieving her CPA. Kraber says, "I would like to become a close family with the ECC volleyball team, where we can accomplish not only our personal goals but any team goals that we may have for the year."
"Ashley is a great character kid and I'm very excited she chose Ellsworth," said Clark. "She is going to be a great teammate and will contribute to a positive culture within the program as well as on campus. I'm happy to have her on board in the setting position and to start working with her in the gym."
Mikayla Fiehtner, Kimball, NE. Fiehtner will be studying nursing while at ECC. "I chose Ellsworth because of the many incredible opportunities it is going to give me," commented Fiehtner. "I want to earn a spot on the team just like every other girl. I want to help our team to work hard at every game and to take a game one step at a time. I can't wait to be a lady Panther!
Clark pointed out that Mikayla is a versatile front row player. "She will most likely be playing outside for us. She has good ball control and hits the ball with power. I expect she will also have an immediate impact on the program."
Jewel Friend, Iowa Falls/Alden High School. Friend is looking forward to staying close to home. "I think ECC will really help me get prepared for my future," says Friend. "I want to be positive during the season and push to be the best player I can be for my team. I want our team to be a great influence on and off the court."
"Jewel is a local student-athlete from right here in Iowa Falls so I'm extremely excited to have someone from our community joining the program," exclaimed Clark. "She is a good character kid and works really hard to get what she wants in volleyball, school and in life. I believe she will be a great teammate and will help increase the work ethic in the gym."