Cary-Grove's Smith commits to Indiana

Following her remarkably successful club season there was little question Cary-Grove junior Colleen Smith would eventually play high-level Division-I college volleyball. It was simply a matter of where.

Smith, a junior, finalized her college plans Sunday when she committed verbally to play for Indiana University and coach Sherry Dunbar during her third visit to the Bloomington campus.

"They were the first school actually in on me," Smith said. "I took my first visit my sophomore year. I visited twice more, including this weekend. I met seven of the incoming freshmen and watched them scrimmage. They were really good players, and that made an impact on me."

"Also, the coaching staff has been there for two years and this will be their third season. They are really changing the program fast and bringing in great recruits, which I saw over the weekend. They're definitely on the rise and I wanted to be a part of it."

The 16-year-old, 6-footer from Cary raised her recruiting profile significantly in June while setting for the Sky High Volleyball 16-Black team. Her squad won the Open National Championship in Orlando, Fla., and Smith was named tournament MVP. Later in the month Sky High 16-Black placed third at the JDVA national championships in Louisville, Kent., and Smith was named to the all-American team.

Her stock rose sharply as a result. Smith was also recruited by Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Purdue, Notre Dame, Marquette, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. She narrowed her focus recently to the Big Ten schools before choosing the Hoosiers Sunday.

"It was just the perfect fit," Smith said of IU. "I loved everything about it - the coaching staff, the girls and the campus, which is beautiful. I could totally see myself going there."

This fall will mark Smith's first full season on the Cary-Grove varsity team. Set back by a case of mononucleosis at the start of her sophomore year, she played for the Trojans' junior varsity team last year and joined the varsity for the Class 4A regional as a right-side hitter.

Smith's commitment means Cary-Grove begins the season with two Division-I caliber setters. Senior returning all-area setter Abbey Heredia is expected to choose between four scholarship offers sometime in September, according to Cary-Grove coach Patty Langanis.