Menu
MCC adding top Volleycat to its array of talent
DURANGO, Colo. — Christmas Week festivities at Ignacio (Colo.) High School began Monday, Dec. 13, with seniors asked to dress up as none other than Santa Claus himself. Considering that the 12th-graders had probably worn more IHS red-and-white than most anyone on campus, one could say the request was apt.
Alexis Pontine, however, declined, appearing decidedly blue as she entered IHS Gymnasium that afternoon.
But not blue as in sad; blue as in glad…to become the newest member of McCook (Neb.) Community College Volleyball’s 2022 recruiting class, which she made official by autographing a National Letter-of-Intent in front of extended family, friends, school administrators, plus teachers past and present.
“You think of all the countless hours you put into your sport—not only in games and at practices, but working out, eating right—and it’s just an overwhelming, amazing feeling that…for something you’ve worked so hard, for so many years, you finally achieved it,” Pontine said. “I really liked McCook, how they’re family-oriented. The coaches were super nice, they have a great volleyball program and I just really liked the culture, you could say, of the school.”
“It’s got a small-town vibe, which is nice because…you know a bunch of people and people you know come and support you. So it’s just a really good fit for me. I’m definitely focused on…just getting in shape, getting ready; I’m super excited.”
“She’s grown up so—oh, I’m going to cry now—much in the last couple years, becoming this amazing woman,” said mother and Ignacio head coach Shasta Pontine. “We’re just super proud of her.”
Named the Volleycats’ varsity MVP, First Team All-San Juan Basin League, and Second Team All-2A, Pontine helped IHS go 19-8 this fall—reaching the CHSAA State Championships for the first time since 1987—and 46-42 during her four seasons.
“I actually saw her play at the (Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports) All-State Games, and I said to my head coach at McCook…like, ‘We have to get her. I don’t know what you need to tell her to get her here, but let’s do it,’” said McCook assistant coach Hannah Emerson, a 2017 graduate of then-5A Greeley West—and former MCC player—who attended the signing ceremony.
“We want her as a setter; we have another tall setter too, so we want them both to be able to play. We want Alexis on the court all the time, so I think she’s going to be a great fit at that position, just based off her personality when she plays. And if we need her as a [right-side] hitter we can use her as a hitter too! She’s dynamic and that’s perfect for us.”
Reported statistics showed Pontine putting down a magnum-force 357 kills as a senior, and logging 338 digs plus 17 solo and 29 total blocks. Feared most when at the service line, she tossed up 370 serves this fall with 103 landing as aces.
“Hannah called me and told me that we had to have her, so I’m glad it all worked out for us,” skipper Hayley Kobza, 111-99 through six seasons at McCook after going 20-18 in Fall ’21, said through MCC Sports Information Director Brent Cobb. “I am excited to have Alexis join our family because she is such a versatile player.”
Having also earned IHS’ Coaches’ Award for highest grade-point average, the 5’10” Pontine—named First Team CHSAA All-Academic—expressed an interest in studying physical therapy or psychology (with a sports emphasis, naturally) at McCook.