Staying active in one's passions can be difficult for a highschool student transitioning into college and beyond. Stratfordsenior Haley Harris will be immersed in both of her preferred areasof interest at Oklahoma Baptist University.
Harris signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at theShawnee, Okla., university, where she plans to study graphicdesign. Athletically, Harris will join a program that finished31-11 this fall and was undefeated in the Sooner AthleticConference before reaching the NAIA Tournament for the firsttime.
"As a player going into something like that means a lot," Harrissaid. "I've worked so hard and I'm super excited about theirvolleyball program. I love volleyball so much and it's a huge dealto be going on a scholarship. It's a very joyous moment forme."
Harris, who started at middle blocker for the Lady Spartans, hasbeen playing volleyball since fifth grade and said it did not takelong to develop enthusiasm for the sport.
The same could apply to her involvement in art. In addition toclasses at Stratford she studied at the Museum of Fine ArtsHouston's Glassell School, earning a scholarship during threeyears.
"I went into drawing and sculpting," said Harris, who hasapplied for art scholarships for college as well. "Art is anotherpassion of mine. I get to do two things I love in college."
OBU was one of Harris' top selections for higher education,along with Bryant University in Rhode Island. Bryant Universitycompetes in NCAA Division I in the Northeast Conference.
"I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school and one that excelsin a lot of things," Harris said. "OBU had more of a firm ground onwhat I was going to major in and I thought their volleyball programwas a better choice for me."
On the volleyball court Harris capped her Stratford varsitycareer as an All-District 17-4A selection. She led the LadySpartans with a 34.4 hitting percentage and was third on the teamwith 2.2 kills per game.
Harris plays middle blocker and outside hitter, also aneffective server. She plays select volleyball for the TexasTornados and looks forward to facing college-bound competitionduring the club season.
"I want to be in top shape when I get to OBU," Harris said. "Iwant to do my very best, because I am so excited for nextyear."
The Stratford volleyball team had four representatives on theAll-District 17-4A team, with seniors Susan Burrows, FrancesDannenbrink, Haley Harris and McKenzie Martin selected.
Burrows led the Lady Spartans with 2.9 kill per game toaccompany a 28.8 hitting percentage. Dannenbrink averaged 9.2assists as the team's setter and Martin added a team-high 30 acesto 2.6 kills and 1.8 digs per game.
Senior Brooke Wiggins and junior libero Lindsey Neumann wereall-district honorable mention. The Lady Spartans finished 19-19and narrowly missed the playoffs with an 8-6 mark in leagueplay.
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