Rio Grande News
Cuyahoga Falls High volleyball standout Kelsey Beatty is surrounded by family and coaches as she signs to play at Rio Grande
Wed, May. 2, 2012 - [Volleyball]
Rio Grande Sports Information
RIO GRANDE, Ohio - University of Rio Grande head volleyball coach Billina Donaldson has announced the signing of Cuyahoga Falls High School standout Kelsey Beatty for the 2012 season.
Beatty, a four-year letter winner and a two-time first team All-Northeast Ohio Conference selection for the Black Tigers, who finished the 2011 campaign at 16-8 following a loss to Wadsworth in the Division I district semifinals. "I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to play for the University of Rio Grande," Beatty said. "Volleyball is a huge passion of mine, so playing competitively for another four years is an awesome opportunity."
Beatty, who had 20 kills in the season-ending loss, was an Honorable Mention All-District selection in 2011. She also received the Akron Touchdown Club's All-Star Athlete Award and was named her team's Offensive Player of the Year by head coach Josh Stewart in 2010.
"Playing college volleyball has been a dream of mine since I first began playing in the seventh grade," said Beatty, who plans to major in chemistry and minor in mathematics. "It's so awesome that my dream finally came true."
Beatty, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter/defensive specialist, garnered interest from at least six other schools before deciding on the RedStorm.
"After talking with the players, coach Donaldson and a few of the professors, I knew I'd be happy there," she said. "Plus, they offer my desired major and I've been accepted into Honors College."
Donaldson is equally excited to have Beatty on board for the upcoming season.
"We are expecting big things out of Kelsey," Donaldson said. "We're wanting her to play all the way around and contribute from the back court, as well as from the front court. She's a very explosive player who has lots of potential. She'll come in and help us right away."
Beatty joins a Rio Grande program which finished 21-15 last season without a senior on its roster.
Beatty pointed to her leadership abilities and work ethic, in addition to both her hitting and passing, as the strengths to her game, but admitted that she hopes to become a more consistant player in the future.
"I want to become a powerhouse hitter and a standout passer," she said. "I'd love to help the Rio Grande volleyball team win a few championships as well."
And that sits just fine with Donaldson.
"I'm looking forward to having Kelsey and her family in our Rio family," said Donaldson. "Her work ethic is really good and I think she'll be a success at Rio. We're blessed to get her."
Beatty is the daughter of Mary and Harley Beatty of Cuyahoga Falls.
RIO GRANDE, Ohio - University of Rio Grande head volleyball coach Billina Donaldson has announced the signing of Cuyahoga Falls High School standout Kelsey Beatty for the 2012 season.
Beatty, a four-year letter winner and a two-time first team All-Northeast Ohio Conference selection for the Black Tigers, who finished the 2011 campaign at 16-8 following a loss to Wadsworth in the Division I district semifinals. "I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to play for the University of Rio Grande," Beatty said. "Volleyball is a huge passion of mine, so playing competitively for another four years is an awesome opportunity."
Beatty, who had 20 kills in the season-ending loss, was an Honorable Mention All-District selection in 2011. She also received the Akron Touchdown Club's All-Star Athlete Award and was named her team's Offensive Player of the Year by head coach Josh Stewart in 2010.
"Playing college volleyball has been a dream of mine since I first began playing in the seventh grade," said Beatty, who plans to major in chemistry and minor in mathematics. "It's so awesome that my dream finally came true."
Beatty, a 5-foot-9 outside hitter/defensive specialist, garnered interest from at least six other schools before deciding on the RedStorm.
"After talking with the players, coach Donaldson and a few of the professors, I knew I'd be happy there," she said. "Plus, they offer my desired major and I've been accepted into Honors College."
Donaldson is equally excited to have Beatty on board for the upcoming season.
"We are expecting big things out of Kelsey," Donaldson said. "We're wanting her to play all the way around and contribute from the back court, as well as from the front court. She's a very explosive player who has lots of potential. She'll come in and help us right away."
Beatty joins a Rio Grande program which finished 21-15 last season without a senior on its roster.
Beatty pointed to her leadership abilities and work ethic, in addition to both her hitting and passing, as the strengths to her game, but admitted that she hopes to become a more consistant player in the future.
"I want to become a powerhouse hitter and a standout passer," she said. "I'd love to help the Rio Grande volleyball team win a few championships as well."
And that sits just fine with Donaldson.
"I'm looking forward to having Kelsey and her family in our Rio family," said Donaldson. "Her work ethic is really good and I think she'll be a success at Rio. We're blessed to get her."
Beatty is the daughter of Mary and Harley Beatty of Cuyahoga Falls.
