According to senior Paige Steward, Luther College in Iowa was her first choice for a college based on academics and the opportunity to play volleyball, making her decision on April 15 a lot easier.

“I wanted to go there originally before I knew I could play volleyball there because I really liked the campus and the feel of the school,” Steward said. “When I found out I could play volleyball it was a huge plus.”

On her official visit to the college, Steward said she enjoyed the team dynamic and sense of community.

“(The players) were all very welcoming and down to earth and seemed like very nice people,” Steward said. “While I was there they gave me a tour of the campus and gave me a feel of what the next four years was going to look like.”

Park head volleyball coach Whitney Meierotto-Simon said she believes Steward will thrive at Luther and easily adapt to the strenuous schedule of college athletics.

“Transitioning from playing at the high school level to the college level is always a challenge for any athlete. However, I know Paige is ready and will be successful in her career at Luther,” Meierotto-Simon said. “In the very short two years I had to work with Paige, she was always improving.”

Meierotto-Simon said Steward’s drive, work ethic and coachability is what made her a great candidate for any college volleyball program.

“Every day, Paige continued to improve her game. She has always been willing to grow and get better, a quality that is going to serve her well in the coming years,” Meierotto-Simon said.”With her willingness to take feedback and directly apply it on the court is what has helped her grow into the player that she is today.”

Steward said she feels confident in her decision and is excited to see what the future, especially her volleyball career, has in store for her.

“It feels like a weight off my shoulders to finally decide on a school where I can play and I know next year will be a lot of fun,” Steward said.