Seymour senior Hannah Sipe knew that she wanted to play volleyball in college; it was just a matter of where.
Focusing on her degree and major first, the setter decided that Indiana University Southeast would serve the perfect fit.
This past Thursday, Sipe signed to join the Grenadiers with family and friends present at SHS.
“I was familiar with a few of the players and the coach,” Sipe said. “I played club volleyball down at Union in New Albany for five years. I’m very familiar with the area and knew the program a little bit.
“(Education) was the No. 1 priority in picking a school to play volleyball at, and Southeast has a great nursing program.
This past fall, Sipe had 793 assists, 240 digs, 96 kills and 34 aces for the Owls (20-14).
She was named All-Hoosier Hills Conference first team for her efforts.
“Hannah was a great leader for us,” Owls coach Holly Birdsong said. ‘She is able to tell other players what they need to do to improve. I think that will be a good asset for her to carry on.
“We will miss her leadership and voice on the court. As our setter, she ran the offense on the court. There’s going to be a lot that needs to be filled in there.”
Sipe said she thinks that she brings multiple skills to the Grenadiers’ program.
“In volleyball, the two most important things are communication and movement,” Sipe said. “Being comfortable with my teammates down there, going to open gyms, is going to help a lot. We will build relationships and that will really help on the court.
“I’m looking forward to the bonds and relationships I will make with people from different areas. I’m looking forward to representing IU Southeast.”
Birdsong said that Sipe works with a 12-years-old club volleyball team in Seymour, and will continue to help coach youth teams in New Albany.
The Grenadiers, who compete in the NAIA River States Conference, went 23-14 in 2016.
IU Southeast is headed by Eric Brian, who will enter his fifth season as coach.
Brian also works with Union Volleyball Club, helping with several teams from 14 to 18 years old.