Montezuma-Cortez High School athletes continues to excel both in and out of the classroom.
Senior outside hitter Amanda Chappell is the latest athlete to sign on at the college level this year. She will play outside hitter next fall at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely on a full-ride scholarship.
I went for a visit and the girls were really nice, Chappell said. I love the assistant coach. I think the head coach is really good at technical coaching. I think that hell help me a lot with my game.
The Lady Panther will soon become a Spartan. A process that has been a few years in the making. Chappell has been recruited during that time by CNCC assistant coach April Sanchez. The two developed a friendship.
The decision was officially made two weekends ago in Denver at the Colorado Crossroads club volleyball tournament. CNCC volleyball is head coached by Richard Barker.
A major reason to commit to the Rangely school was because the coaches and players provide a family-friendly environment. That is something Chappell feels she had playing at M-CHS, which was another important factor in her decision.
I liked having my mom as my coach, said Amanda about her mother, Barbara Chappell. All the girls, we just felt like a big family this year. I loved the family atmosphere of the team. I felt like our team was always there for each other. No matter what happened outside of the court. We were always together on the court. What happened this season really helped in my decision to play on again in college.
Lady Panthers coach Barb Chappell is excited about her daughters decision to go to CNCC.
When she was in fourth grade, she goes, I want to play volleyball in college, Barb Chappell said. Thats been her goal and my goal to help her get there. Its just such an accomplishment to play anywhere at the college level. Im really proud of her for that.
Amanda Chappell will pursue an associate of science degree in Rangley. She plans to transfer to Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction to complete a bachelors of science degree in radiology. As for continuing to play volleyball at Colorado Mesa? Amanda is just taking one step at a time.
Its definitely in my mind. Well see how it goes, she said.
As a senior, Amanda Chappell helped the Lady Panthers rally to the district playoffs. M-CHS won its last three matches of the season, as she led the team in kills in each match.
Amanda Chappell was named first team All-Southwestern League. She ranked third, fourth, fifth and seventh in aces, kills, blocks and digs in the SWL. Amanda will also play in the 56th annual Colorado High School Coaches Association, All-State volleyball games in June at Adams State College in Alamosa.
Barb Chappell will continue coaching M-CHS volleyball and will strive to send more spikers to play in college.
Ive got girls coming up that want to play, she said. My goal is to find a place for them somewhere. We feel like thats doable. I think as a school, we do a good job supporting our athletes. I dont think our record reflects how many talented athletes we have here. I think we need to continue to support those athletes that want to go on.
Amanda Chappell is the daughter of Steve and Barb.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.