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Creston’s Emma Hanson signed her letter of intent Wednesday afternoon, signing with Southwestern Community College to continue her volleyball career.
The weight being lifted off the senior’s shoulders was relieving, said Hanson after signing.
“Now I can relax and now I know I’ll be playing at SWCC. I’m excited,” said Hanson.
The decision to sign with SWCC came from a desire to both keep her proximity to home high and due to SWCC’s familiarity.
“I’ve always wanted to stay close to home, and SWCC just seemed like a really good option,” said Hanson. “I’ve been taking college classes (while in high school) here, and it’s just a really friendly environment and I’m just really excited to come here, so that’s why I chose it.”
A multi-sport athlete who has run track in the spring, plays softball in the summer and will be playing basketball this winter, volleyball had always been Hanson’s primary and favorite sport.
“Volleyball has always been my favorite since I started in middle school,” said Hanson. “... I’ve always wanted to play as much volleyball as I can.”
An important part of Creston’s starting rotation this season, Hanson totaled 136 kills, good for third on the team. She was 219 of 235 from serve with 18 aces and had a serve efficiency of .932. She posted the team high in blocks with 95, a number that was third in the Hawkeye 10 and five in front of teammate Kelsey Fields.
With Hanson being the first signing of the incoming freshman class for SWCC volleyball, Southwestern co-head coach Shaela Camp hopes for her to be an impact player right away next fall.
“Ever since she told me she wanted to come here, I’ve been smiling ever since,” said Camp. “I’ve seen her name in the paper pretty much every game and after talking with her she’s just a great kid, and I know she’s going to work hard for us. ... Right away when we start with preseason I know, and can already see, she is a hard worker and will push everybody on the team to work hard. Once season comes, I think she’s going to do a good job for us and put up good blocks and swing hard.”
Camp knew Hanson’s ability to move on the floor and her hard hitting were important traits to have in a Southwestern uniform.
“I knew she was quick and had a powerful swing, which I really like to hear,” said Camp. “As a middle, being quick is one of the key aspects.”
On the roster currently for Southwestern are former teammates Bree Ross and Taylor Buxton. Former teammate, but outgoing sophomore Cayla Maitlen, was also a Spartan this fall, but will not play with Hanson when she enrolls.
The ability to play with girls Hanson is familiar with and have shared floor time with is something she is very excited about.
“I think it’s really awesome to be able to play with my teammates that I played with in high school and to be able to come over and play at the college level with them,” said Hanson. “I think it’s really cool and it’ll be a neat experience.”
Camp hopes the draw for local recruits increases as the offseason goes on, leaving an open door for any athlete who wishes to play at the collegiate level.
“You’re always going to hope that people want to come play for you,” said Camp. “It’s open. If people want to come play they just have to reach out and we can make that happen.
Southwestern closed out the season with a record 5-33 and a conference record of 1-8. The Spartans lose two sophomores entering 2020, Payton Jellison and Maitlen.