ASHLAND —
One of the most challenging aspects of graduating high school is typically choosing a college.
However, for graduated Rose Hill Christian volleyball player Katelynn Hardin, that was not the case at all.
The University of the Cumberlands was one of three schools to which she had it narrowed down, with the others being Kentucky Christian University and Pikeville College.
Hardin made the decision to sign with Cumberlands on July 17.
“It really wasn’t that hard of a decision,” Hardin said. “They have a really great program, they have a lot of high standards with their players, and their coach (Kara Clemenz) is really nice.”
Cumberlands, an NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) school, went 17-21 (7-7 Mid-South Conference) last season with a young team that included a total of five freshmen.
Hardin, a 5-foot-9 middle hitter, was a four-year starter at Rose Hill, as she was a part of the school’s first volleyball team as a freshman.
During her high school career, Rose Hill won the 60th District championship twice — in Hardin’s junior and senior seasons — and was district runner-up when Hardin was a sophomore.
Hardin played under three coaches in her four years as a Lady Royal — Pam Euton (2006-07), Anissa Justus (2008) and Rachel Scott (2009).
While Hardin admitted the turnover was difficult to deal with at times, she is happy to have learned under various styles of coaching.
“It was kind of a hard thing to get acquainted to, but each had different experiences with the game so they could pass down different things,” Hardin said.
As a junior, Hardin experienced the Class “A” State Tournament after Rose Hill won the Class “A” regionals. Later that season, Hardin was a key reason why the Lady Royals defeated Ashland in the district championship game. She served the final five points.
Hardin was also named to the All-District team in each of her final three seasons at Rose Hill.
During her career, Hardin averaged two blocks, three kills and four assists per game.
Halfway through her senior season, Hardin realized she possessed the skills to play at the college level.
“I am really pleased that it all worked out and I had the opportunity,” Hardin said. “Definitely last year halfway through the season, I thought, I could do this. So I talked to my parents about it.”
Hardin plans to study to be a physician’s assistant.
AARON SNYDER can be reached at asnyder@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2664.
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Cumberlands was an easy call for Rose Hill’s Hardin
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