KALONA

A volleyball journey not stopping anytime soon, Hillcrest Academy hosted a signing day for senior Kylee Statler who made her post graduation plans official at the school’s library on April 16.

After four years of Raven volleyball, Statler plans to take her talents to Pella as she signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Central College

“It was really good,” Statler said of her visit to Central College during her decision making process.

“I’ve been there for volleyball camps and all that from the past few years and I’ve seen the campus a little bit, but not really. Just getting to see the campus helped me more with my decision to go here.”

Another aspect of Central College Statler was drawn to was the prospect of  heading to a smaller school.

“This is more of a smaller school,” Statler said of Central College. “To transition from Hillcrest to Central would have been easier than going from Hillcrest to a bigger school.”

Statler, a multi-sport athlete who also participated in basketball and softball, has seen significant playing time on the volleyball court since her freshman year.

“My freshman year was kind of hard, just taking on a big role with there only being four freshmen and then five seniors,” Statler said. “And then stepping up as a freshman in the middle blocker position. It was just taking all that pressure on and then moving up is sort of a leadership process.”

Showing impressive improvement from season to season, in her senior year Statler was one of the key players for a team that ended with a 20-11 record, the most wins for the program since the 2013-14 season.

“It’s just really great. Just all the movement with the going up and blocking at the net,” Statler said about what she likes about volleyball. “And just being involved with my sisters and then my dad head coaching me, it’s been very good.”

With Central College being the next step of her volleyball journey, Statler finishes her time as a Raven having been named honorable mention all-conference twice, second-team all-conference twice and tallying 435 kills, 136 blocks, 281 digs, and 128 service aces overall.