In the fall, Grand Forks Red River volleyball standout Hadley Steffen will try to help the Roughriders repeat as North Dakota state Class A champions.
The senior-to-be wanted to make the run without the stresses of college recruiting.
That led Steffen, a two-time all-state selection, to verbally commit recently to play college volleyball at North Dakota State.
"I wanted to do it before my senior year, so I could just have fun," said Steffen, the defending North Dakota Gatorade Player of the Year. "It isn't far from home, and I really liked the atmosphere, the coaches and the girls.
"I made a couple of visits to other schools earlier in the year but when I went to NDSU (in early May), I pretty much knew right away that's where I wanted to go."
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The Bison were 26-9 overall in 2011, including a 16-2 mark in the Summit League. NDSU advanced to the NCAA tournament, where the University of Minnesota ousted the Bison 3-0 in Minneapolis.
Steffen, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter, led the Riders to a 36-0 mark. She was named to the all-East Region, all-state and all-state tournament teams.
"Hadley is a great athlete," Red River coach Carolyn Olson said. "She jumps well, and she's very strong. She put a lot of time in the weight room to become successful at volleyball, basketball and track."
Steffen recorded 438 kills, 282 digs, 57 blocks and 52 service aces. She had 26 digs and 19 kills in a five-set state championship match victory over Bismarck Century.
On Friday, Steffen will fly to Orlando, Fla., to participate in a national AAU tournament as a member of the Black Ice, an all-star team comprised of players from North Dakota and Minnesota.
Miller reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1121; (800) 477-6572, ext. 121; or send e-mail to tmiller@gfherald.com .
