Ankeny Centennial volleyball players Kaelyn Rinehart and Bailey Snyder won’t have to deal with any more recruiting phone calls during the upcoming season.
The two Jaguars recently made their college choices.
Rinehart, a junior-to-be, has committed to South Dakota–an NCAA Division I program. She was recruited by the Coyotes as a libero.
“The thing that stuck out the most for me with USD was their coaching staff and the culture they have built in their program,” said Rinehart, the daughter of Centennial coach Jessica Rinehart.
Snyder, a senior outside hitter, is headed to Oklahoma Christian University. The Lady Eagles are an NCAA Division II program.
“I looked at quite a few schools throughout the recruiting process, and each one helped me figure out what was most important to me,” Snyder said.
Snyder helped the Jaguars to a 34-6 record and a runner-up finish in Class 5A last season. She played in 29 matches and pounded 59 kills.
“What really stood out about Oklahoma Christian was the Christian culture, the relationships I built with the coaching staff and team, and the opportunity to study my major–interior architecture,” Snyder said. “It checked all the boxes academically, athletically and personally, so it just felt like the right fit. I’m really excited for this next chapter!”
The versatile Rinehart had 65 kills as a sophomore, when she led the Jaguars with 45 aces and placed third on the team with 265 digs. She will likely move to the libero position this season following the graduation of all-stater Mya Lei-Butters.
Like Snyder, Rinehart considered multiple schools before making her decision.
“I looked at quite a few schools all over, and many of them were far from home,” she said. “I thought I wanted to go far away, but South Dakota ended up being a great fit.”