Friends, family members, teammates and coaches gathered in the Sweet Home High School (SHHS) commons area to celebrate the most recent SHHS athlete to sign a letter of intent, May 15. Natalie Summers was that athlete, and signed to Lane Community College.
Beginning her freshman year, Summers was a dedicated athlete to the SHHS Volleyball Program.
“[She was] very active in the program [during the] season and worked hard on her skills every offseason,” Head Coach Mary Hutchins said.
According to Hutchins, Summers also made sure to cheer on her teammates as well as give her all during practices.
“[She was] dedicated and loved the sport,” Hutchins said.
Along with being an astounding teammate, Summers was always determined to better herself. She played all years of high school, and stayed active during the off seasons, playing in multiple summer scrimmages. This led her to be an all league honorable mention her junior year.
Summers noted that she never anticipated playing at the next level. That was until she got more involved, which made it her goal of making it to the next level.
“I never had any particular school in mind, I just knew I wanted to be able to continue playing in college,” Summers said. “Now that I’ve signed, I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to play.”
Summers will be continuing playing volleyball, while studying dental hygiene.
“My goal is to continue to grow as a student and an athlete at a higher level,” she said.
Summers was the first athlete Hutchins had signed with Lane Community College.
“I am very excited to follow her journey there,” Hutchins said. “She will definitely be missed by the SH coaching staff but we are very excited for her next adventure in volleyball.”