Planning ahead

By Gene Schallenberg
Staff Reporter

June 23, 2009 01:03 am

— Even though Caitlin Germany has another year left with the Lady Hornets volleyball team, she has already made plans for college. Germany accepted an offer to play volleyball for Louisiana Tech on a full scholarship.
“It’s really exciting,” Germany said. “I love volleyball. I wanted to continue playing in college and eventually coach volleyball. I want to get through this year. I wish I could be there now.
“I feel very lucky. I’m proud of myself because I’ve worked so hard. I’m happy with my choice. I think I’m going to have a great four years and great things are going to come.”
Not only was Germany happy to know that she would continue to play volleyball after her time at Huntsville is over, but having things settled gives her a chance to fully concentrate on the upcoming season.
“I’m glad I’ve got this all done before my senior year,” Germany said. “This year I can relax and not worry about it. I know some girls that spend their whole senior year stressing about where they’re going to go. I can just play all season. I don’t have to worry about impressing any coaches or anything”
Germany played club volleyball with the Brazos Valley Juniors in the spring, where they earned a bid to participate in the National Division of the USA Junior Olympics in Miami in July, and that’s where she caught the attention of Louisiana Tech coach Matt Sonnichsen. After meeting with several coaches and schools, Germany decided ultimately that Louisiana Tech was the best fit for her.
“I made to visit to a few schools and that’s just the place that I felt most comfortable with,” Germany said. “I loved everything about it. They have good coaches and they’ve got a good program. I know the coach will make me the best player I can be in four years.”
Germany looks forward to competing in the Western Athletic Conference, where not only will she get to travel quite a bit, but she will also get to face some of the country’s best teams.
“There are a lot of good teams in the WAC,” Germany said. “Hawaii is fourth in the nation right now. There are about four teams in the top 25 that we would be playing. They would be playing in places where there would be 6,000 people watching me. It’s kind of intimidating, but it’s not a problem for me. It’s a good, competitive conference and I want to make myself better.”