Mindy Powelson has been around volleyball all her life. Both of her parents coached the sport.
It was a natural progression for Powelson. And Wednesday, it was easy for the Iola High senior to sign a letter of intent to play college volleyball next year.
Powelson signed to play at Labette Community College in Parsons. She is a 5-6 outside hitter.
“Of all the colleges I tried out Labette was where I felt I fit in. I enjoyed being on campus and meeting the girls on the team,” Powelson said. “I like the head coach and the program.”
As one of Iola High’s outside hitters this past fall, Powelson had 37 kills, 10 solo blocks and six assisted blocks. She was credited with 30 digs plus was an 89 percent server with 26 service aces.
“Mindy has a big arm and has a lot of potential as an outside hitter. We were looking for outside hitters,” said Jennifer Ginn, who just finished her third season as head coach.
Ginn said the Cardinals had a “tough” season in 2009 going 6-27 overall. The Cardinals were 0-11 in Jayhawk Eastern Division play.
“We have five returning sophomores for next year. We think Mindy will fit in with what we’re trying to do at Labette. We want to build a competitive program,” Ginn said.
As a junior, Powelson put down 72 kills and had three blocks.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play college volleyball. I want to do whatever the coach wants me to do to help the team,” Powelson said.
Powelson played three season under her mother, Deena Powelson at IHS. Deena Powelson was head coach for the Fillies for six years before stepping down at the end of the 2008 season and is still teaching at IHS.
Powelson’s father, Terry, coached volleyball as assistant then as head coach at Allen County Community College in the 1990s. Terry Powelson is an agriculture instructor at ACCC.
Mindy Powelson plans to major in business at LCC.
Powelson signs to play volleyball at Labette
