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Hendren's hard work pays off
Daily Mail Sports Editor
After four years in the Lady Tigers volleyball program, Nevada High School senior Mindy Hendren has signed a college letter-of-intent to play for Highland Community College (Kan).
"I'm really excited to continue my volleyball career and nervous for what's to come," Hendren said, shortly after she signed Thursday inside the NHS Media Center. "I never thought I would be playing at the college level."
Hendren, a middle and outside hitter helped lead the Lady Tigers to 13 consecutive victories en route to a 22-win campaign last season.
"Mindy was voted our team leader by her teammates this season for her positive attitude, guidance and leadership on and off the court," Lady Tigers volleyball coach Ashley Thoreson said. "Mindy is a vocal player that plays with intensity, enthusiasm and has a winning spirit, all of which have been and will continue to make her successful as a player and teammate."
Hendren capped her prep career by picking up All-Conference Honorable Mention honors in the West Central Conference.
Hendren has excelled in the classroom as well, receiving Academic All-State accolades both her junior and senior seasons.
"Mindy has grown tremendously during her volleyball career," Thoreson said. "During her senior year she was one of our key hitters and was a great leader for our team."
Thoreson said Hendren faced adversity her junior season, after being sidelined for extended time with a foot injury.
"When she came back she had a lot of catching up to do," Thoreson said. "Which she did because of her hard work and motivation -- and earned a spot playing on the front row. During her senior year she was a great part in helping our team finish second in the conference."
Hendren said she has come a long way under the tutelage of Thoreson.
"To be honest, when I first started I was pretty bad," Hendren said with a smile. "And I feel like I've grown a lot with her as my coach."
Hendren said she is familiar with Highland volleyball coach Jon Bingesser, who at one time served as Nevada's junior varsity volleyball coach. Thoreson added that she has no doubt Hendren will continue to improve on the court under Bingesser.
"If she continues to work on her consistency and power, she can have great success at the collegiate-level," the fifth-year NHS head coach said. "I am very proud of her for pursuing this dream she had to continue her career and know that she will be in great hands playing for coach Bingesser."
Also factoring into Hendren's decision to attend HCCC, was academics.
"They have a marketing program that I'm interested in pursuing," she said.
Hendren said she plans on staying sharp over the summer via conditioning and plenty of practice, adding that she hopes to play middle hitter at Highland.
"You get a lot more playing action at middle hitter (as compared to outside hitter)," she said. "And you have to be quick on your feet playing middle hitter."
Hendren, who has ran track all four years at Nevada, said her most memorable moment on the court was defeating St. Pius X twice last season, which included a dramatic victory at Wynn Gym. Hendren said she will miss playing for the Lady Tigers, but fully expects her teammates to continue its run of success on the court.
"They are a great group of girls and will do well next year," Hendren said of her returning former teammates.