By Staff
Russellville senior Cassie Montgomery is taking her volleyball career to the next level after verbally committing to the University of West Alabama.
Montgomery, who has started for the Golden Tigers for three years, will be a defensive specialist for West Alabama.
"When my parents and I visited UWA, met the staff and players and toured the campus it just felt like UWA was the place I'm supposed to be," Montgomery said. "I'm honored to have the opportunity to play in college. I plan on working to be a better player so I can contribute to the UWA team."
Montgomery has played as a setter for Russellville this season, but has quite a bit of experience as a defensive specialist. She played the position for three years on a club team coached by Mississippi State coach Tina Seals and has also played the position for the North Alabama Spikers Association team in Huntsville last year.
West Alabama was not the only program to show interest in Montgomery. Shorter College, Northwest Shoals, Snead State and Wallace State all pursued her skills. She was even offered a walk-on position by Seals at Mississippi State.
A formal signing ceremony will be held in November.
"I'm thrilled for Cassie, she's worked very hard," said Russellville coach Charlotte Dollar. "This is a big step for our program. I hope our younger girls will be encouraged and see that it is possible for them to get a college education by playing volleyball."