SENATOBIA - Northwest middle blocker
Kaya Coleman signed with Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday morning, honoring her commitment originally announced in July.
A native of Cobden, Ill., Coleman transformed into an everyday starter during her redshirt sophomore season, earning the program's single-season blocks record (111). She concluded her Northwest career ranking fifth in career blocks, tallying 129 over the past two seasons.
"Northwest has meant everything to me," Coleman said. "Last season was more of a development year for me, and that really helped me get to where I needed to be as a sophomore. Coach Burchyett and Coach Culver provided a steady foundation for me, and that helped me learn a lot about leadership and good character on the floor. I am very grateful for the opportunity to play for LMU and I'm also grateful for my time at Northwest."
Coleman was a reserve for Northwest in 2023, but played in all 34 matches this season. Her career-high eight blocks came in the Lady Rangers' win against Itawamba on September 30, and she also had six matches with 10 or more kills.
"She worked really hard in the offseason," Northwest volleyball coach
Allison Burchyett said. "I am so proud of her for developing into an elite blocker. She led our team on defense at the net, and I am so proud of her and all the work that she put in to be a leader on our team."
Coleman was chosen for Second Team All-MACCC accolades and was named MACCC Defensive Player of the Week on September 17. She is the first member of the Lady Rangers' 2024 volleyball roster to sign with a four-year program, but more are expected.
Northwest finished the season with a 25-9 overall record and an 8-2 mark in conference play. The Lady Rangers captured the first-ever MACCC title and finished as NJCAA Region 23 runners-up for the second consecutive season.
An NCAA Division II institution in Harrogate, Tenn., Lincoln Memorial University competes in the South Atlantic Conference. The Railsplitters finished with a 17-9 record this season and an 11-7 mark in the SAC, closing out the 2024 campaign with a 3-1 loss to Anderson University in the SAC Tournament.
