It took awhile, but Lexi Stephens finally found the college that was the right fit for her.
Ankeny’s senior libero has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball next year at Nebraska-Kearney, an NCAA Division II program.
“When I went to Kearney and met the team, it felt like home,” said Stephens. “They welcomed me and made me feel extremely comfortable being there. Also, the school itself provides a quality education.”
Stephens racked up a team-high 460 digs and 58 aces while helping Ankeny to a 40-6 record last season. The Hawkettes reached the Class 5A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Pleasant Valley.
Stephens received all-state honorable mention from the Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association. She was also named to the CIML Iowa Conference first team.
Stephens was a two-year starter for Ankeny coach Dave Whims. As a junior, she had 261 digs while helping the Hawkettes to the Class 5A championship.
Stephens said the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative effect on her recruiting.
“I did look at a lot of schools and I emailed a lot of schools, but because of COVID and players getting an extra year of eligibility, it really slowed down the recruitment of my position in the class of 2022,” Stephens said.
Stephens will be joining one of the nation’s top Division II programs. The Lopers were the NCAA national runner-up in 2019 and posted a 26-7 record last season.
“I definitely could have the opportunity to have court time right away,” Stephens said. “I just have to prove myself and earn it like any other girl in the gym would.”