OHS volleyball standouts will play for Ave Maria University

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OHS volleyball standouts will play for Ave Maria University

Sports

Friday, 29 June 2012 12:52

News-Gazette Photo/Ken Jackson

Natalie McClain (left) and Colleen Arago (right) recently celebrated their volleyball scholarships to Ave Maria University with Osceola High Volleyball Coach Carrie Palmi.

By Ken Jackson
For the News-Gazette
A pipeline from Kissimmee to Naples has formed for volleyball players.

Colleen Arago and Natalie McClain will be the second and third Osceola Kowgirls to dot the roster at Ave Maria University after recently signing grants with the NAIA school. They join Colleen’s sister Megan, another OHS alum, who will enter her senior season with the Gyrenes this fall.
“I got to play one year with Megan at Osceola and I’ll get one year at Ave,” Colleen Arago, who leaves Osceola as the career leader in digs, said.
McClain battled knee injuries during her three years on the OHS varsity squad, and she played with a slight ACL tear her senior season. She has worked in the months since to rehab and get ready for her college career.
“I’ve worked like mad, but the hardest thing will be to get over it mentally,” she said. “I just want to be healthy.”
Both OHS players initially had other college plans, but going to Ave Maria became their best options.
McClain originally intended to go to Georgetown or George Washington in Washington, D.C., but the out-of-state tuition cost was a deal breaker.
“I didn’t think I’d have a chance to play in college,” she said. “The coach at Ave saw me on tape, gave me a shot and said I have a chance to be a dominant player.”
Arago, an education major, said Ave Maria provides an excellent progression for her game and life.
“It’s a comfortable program and there’s a close connection, which I’m used to, plus it’s a good academic school,” she said. “I know it will be tougher competition, but I’ve been playing up with older players my whole career.
“The coach there told me I will be a major competitor and a big contributor this season. That’s exciting, and it will be fun playing with Natalie when she’s finally healthy.”
Carrie Palmi, Osceola’s coach and the Aragos’ older sister, said Colleen Arago, a libero who may also play as a defensive specialist, and McClain, an outside hitter, have the tools to be contributors at that level.
“Natalie has yet to scratch the surface on how good she can be,” Palmi said. “Once she gets past the mental part of her injury, she’ll be a force because she’s so strong and aggressive at the net.
“Colleen knows the program, knows what’s expected, and shows strong maturity and leadership. She’s an excellent defensive player and passer, and has made defending some great hitters look easy.”
The Gyrenes were 11-18 last season under Coach John Leonard.