Bartlett's Sahagian says yes to Tennessee

Bartlett junior Carly Sahagian simply couldn't wait any longer.

A three-time Daily Herald all-area selection, Sahagian had originally planned to wait a couple of days after her late-March visit to the University of Tennessee before she made her final college choice.

But when you know, you know.

"On my way home I was talking with my parents," said the 6-foot-tall outside hitter. "I wanted to go there so badly that I just couldn't wait anymore, so I called them on the car ride home."

The highly sought-after college prospect picked the University of Tennessee over offers from Ohio State, Colorado, Iowa State, Cincinnati and several other Big Ten programs.

"I visited other colleges and I talked to other coaches, but when I went down there I just had that feeling," Sahagian said. "You just kind of know.

"I really wanted to go to a school that had a chance to be in the Final Four and also had great academics. They have awesome support there, which is great. The campus is beautiful, and the freshmen girls are so nice. I love the coach (Rob Patrick) and everything about it."

Sahagian is a powerful hitter who led the Hawks to a 21-win season in 2008 with 371 kills, 146 digs, 42 blocks and 86 aces.

The Volunteers will lose multiple players to graduation this season, but Sahagian will join a group of four current freshmen and a talented incoming class that includes her Sports Performance volleyball club 18-Elite teammate and best friend, Kelsey Robinson of St. Francis, who committed within a week of Sahagian's verbal commitment.

"We're the best of friends and we've played together for a long time now," Sahagian said. "I'm so glad I get to play with her because I know her so well on the court."

Playing time as a freshman isn't guaranteed, but the opportunity exists.

"They're losing a lot of people," Sahagian said of the Volunteers. "They have four good freshmen right now and some good incoming players, but there will be some open spots. I'll definitely have to work hard to earn one of those spots, but I'm not going to be redshirting the first year. I'll have a chance to play."

Sahagian plans to study Sports Management at Tennessee.