ShawneeDispatch.com

From the time she began playing in the fourth grade until she dug her last ball as a high school athlete this year, Mill Valley's Carly Jordan has had one goal in mind -- to play college volleyball.

Often viewed as undersized, Jordan has honed her defensive skills by playing competitively year round, and earned the attention of several colleges over the course of last season with her energy, court-presence and mind-boggling digs.

Among the schools that offered her athletic scholarships this offseason were Washburn University, Ottawa University and Avila University. But ultimately it was her other dream of becoming a nurse that most influenced her decision.

"I felt Avila was the best choice for me, because I would have the opportunity to pursue both there, and I really liked the coaching staff, as well," Jordan said.

So last Thursday, with that in mind, Jordan signed her letter of intent to attend Avila University, officially transforming her dream into a reality.

"I am very relieved," Jordan said. "It was an extremely stressful and difficult decision, and I am happy to have made up my mind. I am finally at peace with my decision, and look forward to attending Avila next year."

While Jordan's collegiate future may have been in limbo the past few months, her work ethic and drive to succeed have yet to take a moment's rest.

Through the years, Jordan has overcome all odds through endless hours of practice, and by living, eating and breathing volleyball in her free time.

She plays for a club team during the offseason and, in the summer, is the coach of a youth volleyball team. She even played overseas in New Zealand during her sophomore and junior years when she was anonymously nominated through "People to People."

"I enjoyed playing in New Zealand because I had the opportunity to play with older people from all parts of the world," Jordan said. "It was a positive experience because I got to play against strong competition and was exposed to different styles of play that I may not have seen otherwise."

While Jordan is delighted to have at last achieved her ultimate goal, her soon-to-be coach at Avila, Fredrick Wagner, is just as overjoyed to have signed her.

"We gained interest in Carly because of her court spirit and her poise on the court," Wagner said. "When we set out to find a defensive specialist, we were looking for someone with the qualities Carly possesses and were fortunately able to land her."

Jordan will begin her career under Wagner as an Avila University Eagle when she enrolls in the fall, just in time for volleyball season to begin -- no rest in sight.