Rustler standout commits to K-State

MILLER — As Kadye Fernholz of Miller embarks on her senior season of high school volleyball a little bit of weight has been lifted from her shoulders, as far as her future plans are concerned.
The 6-foot-1 middle hitter, who is a two-time first-team all-state selection in Class A, announced Monday on Twitter that she has verbally committed to continue her volleyball career at Kansas State University.
“The process was a lot of fun but could be very stressful at times,” Fernholz said. “I’m ready to go into my senior season and focus on getting that next step with my team as state champions!“
Linda DeBoer, who has coached Fernholz throughout her volleyball career with the Rustlers, was elated with the announcement.
“This is very exciting for Kadye, her family, and the whole community of Miller really,” DeBoer said. “She is such a talent and so deserving of this opportunity to play at the Division 1 level. She is a testament that  talent, hard work and dedication can take you to the top.”
After numerous school visits, Fernholz said the connection she felt during her time in Manhatten, Kan., felt right.

“The coaches are extremely welcoming and I felt super comfortable around them. They made me feel like I would have a family away from home if I would move that far away from my own,” Fernholz said. “Also, I went to a camp there and loved every second of it. I loved the way the coaches coached, I loved that the drills and everything were fun but still competitive, and I loved all the positive verbal and physical interactions made by the coaches/players to one another. It just felt like a place I could call home.”
Fernholz, who was also named to the Class A all-state second team as a freshman, led Miller into the championship match of the Class A State Volleyball Tournament a year ago. She amassd 471 kills, 75 blocks, 322 digs and had 24 ace serves during her junior campaign.
“Kadye is an awesome athlete and even a better person. She has the ability and personality to make everyone around her better,” DeBoer said. “She is a gifted volleyball player who has worked extremely hard in the weight room and on the court to get where she is.”
Throughout her career, Fernholz has recorded 1,422 kills making her one of the most dominant net players in the state. She also had 814 digs and 85 blocks.
Fernholz was highly sought after by numerouse collegiate programs. DeBoer said that list grew tremendously after she participated in the National Junior Olympic Volleyball Tournament, which was held in June in Florida.
“The recruiting process has been an adventure for her. In the past two years she has been recruited and received offers from NAIA, Division 2 and Division 1 schools,” DeBoer said. “She took her time with the visits and the offers and was diligent in weighing all her options.”
Other schools Fernholz said were near the top of her list were University of South Dakota, Creighton, University of Colorado, Marquette and Southwest Minnesota State.
In the end, DeBoer believes the Wildcats will be an excellent fit for Fernholz to begin her collegiate career in the fall of 2020.
“Kansas State has a lot to offer Kadye and the coaches saw that Kadye had a lot to offer them with her skills, ability, and potential,” DeBoer said.