Hollie Garvin Signs With Graceland

Hollie Garvin's name wasn't in the headlines on stories about the McDonald County High School volleyball team.

But that wasn't because of her talents but, more so, due to her position.

Garvin was a defensive specialist and libero for the past two years for the Lady Mustangs, not a position where headlines are made.

But her talents did not go unnoticed. After looking at several area colleges, Garvin recently signed a letter of intent to attend Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.

"It feels really good to sign," Garvin said. "It's been my dream ever since I started playing. I began going to camps when I was in third grade and started playing in junior high."

Garvin said, when she first started looking at colleges, she concentrated in the four state area, but Graceland ended up being the perfect fit for the MCHS senior.

"At first, I wasn't really looking anywhere except for Pitt (Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.)," Garvin said. "But my travel coach said, 'you should look at Graceland because they are always looking at girls.' They had already talked to me before, but I really wasn't looking into it. Then I thought, 'I really, really want to play and Pitt has its team made up so I am just going to see how it goes.' The coach told me 'I want you to come,' so I tried out and he really wanted me to come after that. I thought, 'This was it because the school is really amazing.'"

Another factor, perhaps the main factor, was the school's strong academic program in Garvin's chosen field.

"My major is med (physical/occupational therapy) with a minor in special education," Garvin said. "Graceland provided the best curriculum in my chosen major, and it will provide me with many long-term friendships and experiences."

Garvin played three years at MCHS for Kacha Kuhn, and her senior year for Meghan Thompson.

"It's been amazing playing at McDonald County," Garvin said. "My coaches and teammates have been an inspiration, especially coach Kuhn. She has coached me since camps when I was in third grade. Everybody has been real supportive. It's been an amazing place to go to school and play for."

Thompson said Garvin's work ethic and love for the game are her strengths.

"She is probably one of the most hardworking and dedicated kids I have ever coached," Thompson said. "She is willing to do whatever it takes to better herself and the team. She is a huge team player and I think she is going to do great things at Graceland. She is driven in her academics, so going to a school that has great academics and great volleyball is a really good choice. I am excited to see where it takes her. She is a great kid and will be a great addition at Graceland."

Garvin is the daughter of Kevin and Tonya Garvin. In addition to volleyball, she was a cheerleader for two years and was in show choir for one year at MCHS.