Le Mars Community volleyball senior Holly McNaughton recently signed her letter of intent to play volleyball collegiately at Northwestern College in Orange City next year.
Volleyball has been a constant for McNaughton who has competed in many different sports growing up. She says she has a love for the sport that is different than any other sport she played.
Northwestern was an easy choice for McNaughton as well. The Red Raider program has been successful for a long time, and it caught McNaughton’s eye early. She says the proximity and her appreciation for the program led her to going to college in Orange City.
McNaughton was a do-it-all player for the Bulldogs who could hit, serve, block, and pass very well. Le Mars head coach Jess Wolles says her game will translate seamlessly from high school to college.
The move to college will potentially bring with it a position change. McNaughton played in all six rotations for the Bulldogs, but her coaches at Northwestern anticipate a swap to playing exclusively in the back row. McNaughton says that is a welcome change, and one she is excited about.
The Bulldog volleyball program has not produced that many collegiate volleyball players over the last decade, so this commitment is a big achievement. McNaughton hopes her move up to college can show future Bulldogs what the sport can do for them.
Coach Wolles says McNaughton is the kind of person that is incredibly valuable to have in your program.
Northwestern College is currently the top-ranked team in the NAIA with an undefeated record heading into the national tournament.
