Fillies’ Powelson signs to play ACCC volleyball

By JOCELYN SHEETS
Register Sports Editor

Register/Jocelyn Sheets Iola High senior Misty Powelson signs a national letter of intent Monday to play volleyball for Allen County Community College. On hand for the signing were her parents (seated) Deena and Terry Powelson, Iola, and (standing) ACCC assistant volleyball coach Todd Francis and ACCC head volleyball coach Jessica Peters.

Misty Powelson has grown up watching Allen County Community College sporting events. She also has been on the ACCC campus as a student.
It’s a natural fit for the Iola High School senior to decide to pursue her college athletic career at Allen County Community College. So that’s what Powelson is doing.
“I’m excited about being a part of the Allen County volleyball team. I really like the program and the coaches,” Powelson said Monday after signing a letter of intent to play volleyball for the Red Devils.
Powelson has been a starting setter the past two years for the Iola High Fillies. During her senior season, Powelson was credited with 502 assists with a 99 percent successful setting mark (2,039 of 2,065).
As a junior, she was one of two setters for the Iola team that stayed on the court. She had 220 assists with a 98 percent setting mark.
“We’re so excited about having Misty sign with us. She brings a great work ethic with her talents,” said Jessica Peters, ACCC head volleyball coach.
“We see Misty as a back row specialist and a setter. She just has a great drive and desire to play volleyball.”
Peters said it would be good to have Powelson as “a full-time” student at ACCC. Powelson has taken college classes while in high school.
Powelson said she also intended to play basketball for Allen County next year. Powelson is the starting point guard for the Fillies.
Powelson earned All-Southeast Kansas League volleyball first-team honors this past fall. The Fillies were 23-15 overall and 5-3 in the SEK.
She led the team in service aces with 49 and with points served, 214. She was an 87 percent server plus could play the net well. She had 80 kills and 21 blocks, which was third on the team.
Powelson was voted most inspirational player by her teammates.
As a junior, Powelson was named to the All-SEK second team as the Fillies were 24-8 and 6-2 in the SEK. She served at an 89 percent clip that season with 26 aces and 119 points served.
Another factor for Powelson is her dig percentage, which has been above 80 percent for three seasons as an Iola player. As a sophomore she went in to serve and play the back row.
“Allen County is the best place for me to have an opportunity to play both volleyball and basketball,” Powelson said.
“I believe my experience on the volleyball court will help me do whatever the coaches need me to do at Allen County. I believe I have a good court awareness and good communication skills while on the court that will help me do my best for them.”
Peters said Powelson has the tools to be an impact player with her defensive and setting skills.
“It’s an honor for us to be able to sign a hometown girl to play for our team. We’re working hard for community support. Misty is talented and we believe she’ll do well for us,” Peters said.
“And we’re hoping that those who followed her through high school will come out and support her and us next year.”
Powelson is one of the leaders on the IHS basketball team. She is among the top scorers and three-point shooters. She also leads the Fillies in assists and one of leaders in steals.
Powelson said she planned to go into the education field as a college pursuit.
She is the daughter of Deena and Terry Powelson of Iola. Deena has been her high school volleyball coach for four years and is a IHS teacher. Terry is an agriculture instructor at ACCC.