In the backyard of her childhood home, Ellie Lienemann's parents and neighbors set up a sand volleyball court.
It provided a direction for the Fort Calhoun senior's athletic journey.
“We would always go down there and play,” the Pioneer said. “That's really my first memory of volleyball, and I've always loved it since.”
With the completion of her senior season, Lienemann will continue on in her favorite sport as a member of the Morningside College Mustangs. The standout FCHS outside hitter signed her letter of intent to play at the Sioux City, Iowa, school Friday afternoon. She was joined by her parents, grandparents, and her high school coach and teammates.
“It felt real,” Lienemann said. “Finally committed.”
The Pioneer started thinking about a college volleyball career in eighth grade, but became more sure of her intentions as a junior. She toured the Morningside campus and was able to meet with Mustang coaches — including first-year head coach Jessica Squier — before making a decision.
“I love the coach at Morningside,” Lienemann said.
The senior also had the opportunity to attend Mustang camps and played with some her future teammates, which made her even more sure of her decision to sign.
At FCHS this past season, Lienemann led coach James Slie's team with 201 kills, according to maxpreps.com. She added 31 aces, 10 blocks and 186 digs as the Pioneers went 15-11.
The newest Mustang said her drive to improve on the volleyball court is a strength going into the college game — the next step of her athletic journey.
