Mitchell fulfills lifelong dream

Ever since the sixth grade, Stefanie Mitchell has had a love affair with volleyball. Now she gets to keep playing.

A versatile player with an ability to play several positions well, Mitchell signed last week to study and play volleyball at McCook Community College. Though where on the court the Creek Valley senior will play is a decision McCook head coach Scott Weston has yet to determine.

"I had her playing out of her element a bit and out of position on the floor," said Weston of Mitchell's tryout. "She stepped in and never complained and did everything I asked her to do and did it with enthusiasm and vigor.

"That shows me she's the type of player that's willing to help her team be successful anyway she can," concluded Weston.

Weston is in his second year heading up the Indians volleyball program. He has a reputation for turning programs around. In his first year at McCook, he guided the Indians to an 11-win season after the team went 1-37 a season earlier. As a result, Weston was named Region Nine Coach of the Year as voted on by his peers.

As the Storm completed a highly successful season with a record of 20-6 in 2014, Mitchell was primarily a setter. She finished the season second on the team in set assists with 230 and digs with 339. She was also a reliable server as she clicked on better than 90 percent of her serves and had 23 aces.

But Mitchell wasn't always a setter. As a four-year varsity player, she has also been a successful middle and outside hitter. In the 2013-14 season Mitchell was among the team leaders in blocks with 88 and had 100 as a sophomore.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at McCook," Mitchell said. "During the tryout, the coach and the players already made me feel like I was a part of the team. It was a really a nice atmosphere. I felt very comfortable there."

While a sound offensive player, Mitchell also made a name for herself at Creek Valley as an outstanding defensive player.

"Stefanie was a hard worker and played her role on the team very well," said Storm head coach Roger Behrends. "Her strong point is probably her defense. She really anticipates well. I think as she learns the system she will play in college, she will improve each and every day."

Mitchell, also a basketball and track standout at Creek Valley, began her love affair for volleyball by participating in Steve Morgan's Volleyball Camps. She began playing in the sixth grade and soon after her desire to play college ball began. At the Morgan camps, she was given a solid foundation which prepared her for the hard work she was in store for.

"Keith and I are very proud of Stefanie and very excited," said Mitchell's mother, Susan. "As long as I can remember she has talked of playing volleyball in college.

"It has been an important part of her search for college. Stefanie was impressed with McCook's volleyball program and the educational opportunities," she added.

An honor roll student, Mitchell is looking forward to studying early childhood education. She also hopes to continue her education with a four-year degree upon her graduation from McCook. Mitchell would also welcome the opportunity to continue playing volleyball at a four-year institution.

Beyond her studies and athletics, Mitchell is also involved with 4-H, Girl Scouts and Venturing. At Creek Valley she participated in One Act. During the summer she works as a lifeguard at the pool and at the day care. This semester, she is a teachers aide for first graders.

"Stefanie has a tremendous upside and can potentially help us in a couple of different ways – offensive and defensive," Weston said. "She's just a great person with a pleasant personality willing to do what it takes to be successful in and out of the classroom ... Our potential for 2015 is through the roof."