Two volleyball players sign with Columbus State

Published or Revised December 10, 2012

Two Paris Junior College Dragons volleyball players have signed to continue their academic and athletic careers at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga. Katie Poole of Rowlett, Texas, and Cheyenne Swenson of Draper, Utah, will join the NCAA Division II team for its first season since 1982, when the volleyball was discontinued there after 17 years. "I am extremely proud of both ladies," said PJC Head Volleyball Coach Justin Maness. "They have done a great job while at Paris and will continue to do so at Columbus State. Both are extremely explosive players that will get the inaugural Columbus State program off to a great start. Any program and institution would be lucky to have them." "It's been a great start here playing for Coach Maness for the past two years," said Poole. "(Columbus) Coach (Casey) Cornette was awesome when I met her. She brought me down for a visit. And I just loved everybody there that I met. Everybody was really friendly." "Katie Poole has been a tremendous asset to our program as a player and as a student," said Maness. "She has led on the floor with her consistent offensive presence that has earned her many honors." "Coach Maness has definitely taught me a lot," said Swenson. "It's going to help me the rest of my life, and the many years to go playing volleyball. He's a great coach." "Cheyenne experienced a setback this season with an injury," Maness said, "but still maintained the character that we expect of all our athletes. She has been working hard, and is ahead of the game with her rehab. She will be ready to go come August of next year." Maness added that Columbus State's inaugural season will be special for his two players. "I told the ladies it is an exciting opportunity. They have a chance to be first at many things there. There will never be another first kill, dig, block, assist or serve. They will be the ones to set the bar for others to follow."