BENTONVILLE — Hailey McNee’s college choice not only included a place where she could continue her volleyball career, but she could also pursue a degree in athletic training as well.
Southern Arkansas presented her with the ideal situation, so the Bentonville senior signed her national letter of intent with the Magnolia school during Thursday morning’s ceremony at the school.
“I really feel blessed,” said McNee, who chose SAU over Pittsburg State and several other Great American Conference schools. “It’s the perfect fit. I’m set now, and I’m really excited to start over.
“The academics there appealed to me, and the athletic training program is top notch. I’ll have a lot of opportunities there that other schools wouldn’t allow.”
The 5-foot-11 McNee played several roles on Bentonville’s volleyball team this year, as well as fill the role as co-captain. She led the Lady Tigers with 305 kills, and she was second on the team with 272 digs and 37 aces and tied for third with 44 blocks.
In Bentonville’s three matches during the Class 7A State Tournament, she recorded 47 kills, 33 digs and six aces. She also serves as a student athletic trainer during Bentonville’s football games.
“She’s very happy with her choice,” Bentonville coach Michelle Smith said. “From the moment she came back from her recruiting trip to Southern Arkansas, she said ‘I love it.’
“That puts any coach ease, knowing that one of your seniors is comfortable. It’s such a load off the shoulders of that player.”