Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The happy faces of those involved with Kimball's Danika Daum signing her letter of intent to play volleyball at WNCC include from left to right coach Binny Canales, Danika Daum, coach Jeri Ferguson, and standing, her parents Michele and Mitch Daum.
Danika Daum signed her letter of intent this past week to officially declare herself a Cougar, and a member of next year's WNCC Volleyball program. Western Nebraska Community College Coach Binny Canales, along with members of the WNCC Sports Information Department and other area media were all on hand to observe the Kimball High senior standout put her name on the line.
Daum chose the Cougar program knowing the success they have enjoyed through the years, including this past season when they came up just 5 points shy of a Junior College National Title, losing in the fifth, and deciding set, of the National Finals.
Coach Canales said "Danika has been at our camps and has shown great improvement. I think she is very coachable and will be a good fit for our program." When asked what his plans are for Daum he said "I want her for a setter, but we need to get her aboard and take a look at all of her talents and use her accordingly."
He mentioned her also as an outside hitter.
Danika has been a standout for Kimball High as a starter all four years in volleyball reaping many conference, regional, and state honors and just this season was selected as the Western Trails Conference Most Valuable Player. Along with her volleyball honors, she has also been a standout in basketball and has participated in track and field as well. She considered pursuing basketball at the college level but when it came down to it, her passion for the sport of volleyball won out.
Danika is hoping that her years with the Cougars can lead to an advancement to a Division One program, a dream she has for herself. There is no doubt she is joining up with one of the most highly respected volleyball programs nationwide and it gives her a chance to get her first two years of schooling, and volleyball, close to home which gives her parents and all of us fans a chance to see her in action. First things first however, as now she can concentrate on helping her Lady Longhorn basketball team to a winning season, conference championships, and perhaps a trip to the Nebraska State Tournament. Congratulations Danika from all of us here at the Observer, and for all of your Western Nebraska fans.