Stephanie Washington is the first volleyball player in the history of South Puget Sound Community College. The senior out of Puyallup High School officially signed her Northwest Athletic Conference Letter of Intent to play for SPSCC’s newest athletics program on Tuesday, February 2, at the SPSCC gymnasium.
“I’m really happy I get the opportunity to do this,” Washington said of being the college’s first volleyball recruit. “I love volleyball. Being able to keep playing is awesome.”
SPSCC Clipper volleyball will debut during the fall 2016 season. New coach Melanie Miller is excited to kick things off with the signing of Washington.
“I’m super excited because she is so excited,” Miller said. “She was one of my first recruits who was just gung-ho, and really wanting to be part of a brand new program.”
Washington shares many similarities with her new coach. Both are left-handed, and primarily plays or played the opposite hitter position. Washington also played some middle back for the Puyallup Vikings, helping lead the team to a 14-11 record and a berth at the 4A State Volleyball Championships last November. There, she helped Puyallup defeat Inglemoor in the opening round.
“She’s a team player, she’s low drama, she’s competitive and she’s eager to learn,” Miller said. “She’s willing to put in the time right now to be prepared for when the season starts. I really like her.”
SPSCC Athletic Director Nick Schmidt was also excited to celebrate the historic signing.
“It’s a testament to the quality of volleyball we have here in the Pacific Northwest, and of the excitement of being able to offer volleyball here,” he said.
Schmidt said SPSCC will be joined in the NWAC by two additional new volleyball programs: Lane Community College, which is also beginning a new program; and North Idaho College, which is shifting to the NWAC from the National Junior College Athletic Association. The Clippers are the first of the group to finalize a signing.
The team is hosting a “Meet the Coach” event on Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. at the SPSCC Percival Room dining area. The event is open to the public, as well as area coaches and players.
“Anyone who wants to learn more about the program can come out,” Schmidt said.
