SPSCC volleyball signs first player

South Puget Sound Community College has inked its first volleyball player in the history of the program.

Stephanie Washington, a senior at Puyallup High School, signed her letter of intent to play for the Clippers on Tuesday.

“I’m really happy I get the opportunity to do this,” Washington said. “I love volleyball. Being able to keep playing is awesome.”

Washington is left-handed, and primarily played at opposite side hitter or middle back for Puyallup. She helped the Vikings to a 14-11 finish and Class 4A state tournament berth in 2015.

“She’s a team player, she’s low drama, she’s competitive and she’s eager to learn,” first-year SPSCC coach Melanie Miller said. “She’s willing to put in the time right now to be prepared for when the season starts.”

The SPSCC program debuts this fall. Miller said she is excited to initiate the signing process with Washington.

“She was one of my first recruits who was just gung-ho, and really wanting to be part of a brand new program,” Miller said.

SPSCC athletic director Nick Schmidt has emphasized the importance of finding local talent since the program’s inception last year.

“It’ a testament to the quality of volleyball we have here in the Pacific Northwest, and of the excitement of being able to offer volleyball here,” he said.

The Clippers program is one of two new volleyball programs in the Northwest Athletic Conference. Lane Community College is also adding volleyball to its athletic slate. North Idaho College will shift to the NWAC from the National Junior College Athletic Association.

SPSCC will host a “Meet the Coach” event at 5 p.m. on Feb. 19 in the college’s Percival Room dining area. The event is open to the public, as well as area coaches and players.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 3:59 AM with the headline "SPSCC volleyball signs first player."