Minooka has had a rich history of student-athletes who receive college scholarship offers for their respected sport. Whether it has been for football, baseball, cross country, the athletic program has shown great ability to produce college-bound athletes.

The most recent student athlete to verbally commit to a college is junior Sammi Hermann. A middle hitter on the Lady Indian’s state runner-up team, Hermann committed to Ferris State University, a Division II program located in Big Rapids, Mich.

Hermann described how the school was the perfect fit for her, as it appealed to her both athletically and academically.

“Ferris State was the right choice for me because I fell in love with the coaches and the team. Ferris State has a beautiful campus and a great volleyball program,” said Hermann. “Academically, Ferris also has my major, which many schools do not have.”

It has been a long but eventful journey when it comes to her volleyball career. The constant hard work, preparation, and coaching has helped lead her to this point in her career. Hermann described how there have been many people that have supported her throughout the years.

“I would first like to thank my parents for all the love and support. I would have never made it this far in my volleyball career without them,” said Hermann. “I would also like to thank all of my coaches. Each coach has helped develop the player who I am today.”

During the high school volleyball season that included the girls’ state run, many players described how teamwork helped to produce the results they were looking for everyday. To them, it is more than just a team, it is more like a family.

Many of them aimed to improve every single day, and Hermann described how her teammates helped her throughout her journey time and time again.

“They push me to become better every single day,” said Hermann.

She explained that she has an endless amount of gratitude for her coaches for helping her get recruited. They have prepared her for this journey and have been with her every step of the way during this process.

“My high school coaches, Coach Prosek and Coach Soto, and my club coach, Coach Baranski, have helped me become prepared for this part in my life,” said Hermann. “I cannot thank them enough for everything that they did.”

Despite the fact that she is only a junior, Hermann can not contain her excitement for the future as a collegiate athlete. Hard work has gotten her this far, and it will carry her through her career going forward.

“Words can not describe how excited I am for college volleyball. I am stoked to continue my volleyball career in college,” said Hermann.