Having the opportunity to continue playing sports after high school, at the college level, is something just a handful of athletes ever get to do and this years graduating class has several student athletes who will be wearing new colors next year and living the dream of playing collegiate sports.
Morgan Anthony, a libero for the AHS volleyball team last fall, has been invited to join the University of Nebraska Kearney Lopers’ volleyball team. Anthony said that her parents were “always pushing her to go to the next level in volleyball” which helped her decide to pursue this path. She also thanked her coaches saying, “Coach Marsh and Tara Minick always helped me to better myself in my position.” Morgan joked about their main tip “Get lower and keep your butt up.” Out of the various colleges she considered Anthony said she chose Kearney because, “ Their volleyball team is crazy good and their academic program is great for elementary education,” which is the career that Anthony hopes to pursue. Morgan said she is most looking forward to the new friends she’ll make and all the new experiences college volleyball will bring.
After suffering numerous injuries, basketball player Shae Brennan has chosen Midland Lutheran college as the setting to continue her stellar basketball career. Shae said she chose Midland because “the academics, the people, and the location.” Brennan said all of her coaches from throughout the years have helped make her the player she is today, “Coaches Brew, Tritle, Sautter, Manion and Lanik all helped me throughout the years,” she said. She also thanked of her parents saying, “They always keep me motivated.” Playing basketball has always been a big part of Shae’s life. “I’ve always loved playing basketball and playing in college has been my goal.”
Another Lady Bulldog has also selected to continue her basketball career, will be doing so a little closer to home. Olivia Vogel has selected Western Nebraska community College to continue her career and she will become a Cougar. “I chose WNCC because they offered to pay for all of my school and so I thought it was a great idea because I was able to play the sport that I love,” said Vogel. Olivia thanked her teammates saying, “My teammates and coaches helped me by pushing me and practicing hard and being reliable teammates in games.”
Danielle Brennan, a State qualifier in golf her senior year, has selected to continue her golfing career at Chadron State College. Danielle said she knew she wanted to play either basketball or golf in college so when the opportunity came, she took it. “I chose Chadron because when I visited the campus I really liked it and when I met with Coach Connelly I really liked her,” said Brennan, “It seemed like a perfect fit.” Danielle has worked hard to improve her game and she also expressed gratitude to all the people who helped her. “Ron Gunia and Coach Lanik have really helped me improve. Ron has worked with me all summer long every summer since freshman year. Coach lanik helped me a lot throughout my high school career, especially with the mental game.”
Taking to the tennis courts, Keagan Hill will continue his athletic career at Doane College. Keagan said that he selected Doane because of all the good things he’s heard about the college. “I’ve heard from many people that Doane is a good school and a good location, and their tennis team is very competitive.” Keagan said Coaches Rich Stickney, Linda Dean, and Doc Stout, as well as Alex Elston and his parents all helped him improve his game.
Alex Elston, another senior tennis player at Alliance, has selected Midland Lutheran as his college to continue his career. “Midland really seems like a great place,” said Alex, “Fremont is a small town, but still bigger than Alliance.” Alex said the Coaches, Stickney and Dean helped him become the player he is today. “Placing at State, as well as my love for the sport, made me want to pursue playing tennis in college,” said Alex.
Another senior, cheerleader Megan Gould, has selected to cheer for the UNL Huskers next year. “Cheerleading is what I love to do.” Said Gould, “Getting to cheer for the Huskers has been a dream of mine since sophomore year when I joined the cheerleading team at AHS.” Megan also mentioned everyone who has helped her throughout the years. “My coaches ,Tara Quick and Danielle Swanson, have taught me so much about being a cheerleader,” Gould added, “The other seniors, Ellie, Shelby, Sydney, and Morgan have all helped and taught me different lessons in cheerleading and life.” Gould is most looking forward to being able to cheer for Big Red.
Sydnie Heimstra will also become a college cheerleader next year as she cheers for the Eagles at Chadron State College. “I’ve always loved cheerleading and being a part of it, so it was an easy decision for me to try out,” said Sydnie. “My family has helped me so much in developing my talents.” Sydnie was selected to the cheerleading team earlier this year. She said how excited she is to “…make new friends and develop her cheer skills even further. Heimstra said she chose CSC because “…It wasn’t to far away from home, and I really liked the campus when I visited.
Other athletes who have decided to continue sports into college, but were unavailable for comment include Mitch Pancost who will play football for the University of Nebraska Weslyan, Isacc Burhnam who will play basketball at McCook Community College, and State Champion wrestler Tyson Dowler who will wrestle for the Mustangs at Morningside College.
As these athletes go off to continue their careers, there is no doubt that their hometown will be rooting for them and hoping that they do their absolute best. Good luck to all of the graduating athletes!
