Comet volleyball adds pair of recruits

Incoming Cottey Comet volleyball recruit Kenlie Noel, is all smiles while surrounded by family and coaches during her recent letter-of-intent signing ceremony. Noel is a two-sport athlete, who also plans on playing softball at Cottey. Pictured front row, from left, are (mother) Melissa, Kenlie Noel, and (father) Brian Noel. Back row, from left, Siloam Springs softball coach Scott Wright, Cottey head softball coach Mark Skapin, Cottey head volleyball coach Marla Kannady-Foreman, and Siloam Springs volleyball Joellen Wright.

Submitted photo

Cottey Comet head volleyball coach Marla Kannady-Foreman has added a pair of incoming recruits to an already stellar class.

Kannady-Foreman recently inked current Siloam Springs (Ark.) High School senior Kenlie Noel, and 2017 Nevada H.S. graduate, Ellie Smith.

Kenlie Noel

Noel is expected to play both volleyball and softball at Cottey.

According to information distributed to the Daily Mail, Noel is standout in volleyball , softball, and basketball, as well as cheer.

Noel considers her best sport to be softball, with her primary positions — pitcher and catcher. Her prep credentials include: freshman Newcomer of the Year award, Underclassmen of the Year as a sophomore; honorable mention all-conference her junior year, and Utility Player of the Year.

According to an April 15 article in the Siloam Springs Herald Leader, “Whenever I head the softball coach at Cottey was talking to the volleyball coach for me, then it was like OK, this could help me get to college and even further my career volleyball,” Noel said.

The April 15 article further stated, “Noel played middle blocker for (Siloam Springs) last season and helped the volleyball team advance to the Class 6A state semifinals.”

Noel’s other accolades included, Most Spirited Award for cheer her freshman year, and Toughness Award for pushing through tough obstacles her junior campaign.

Siloam Springs head volleyball coach Joellen Wright lauded Noel for her versatility along the net, as well as her serving skills. Wright also said that Noel always keeps a positive and attitude and leads-by-example through her work ethic on the court and in practice.

Noel is also a top-flight student. During her freshman year, she received the science achievement award for excellent achievement in physical science. In addition, Noel, and Arkansas scholar, tutors chemistry students who are falling behind with coursework.

“I am hard-working. and always stay on top of all my school work,” she said.

Ellie Smith

Cottey volleyball signee, Ellie Smith, flanked by family and coaches. Smith was a standout spiker at Nevada High School , graduating in 2017.

Submitted photo

Ellie Smith, a setter, was an integral member of Nevada High’s 2016 Class 3 District 12 championship team.

Smith’s prep achievements include 2016 All-District First-Team, All-West Central Conference selection; All-Region honorable mention; team leader in assists (423); and All-Ozark Zone selection.

“She contributes with hitting, passing, and defense,” summed up Kannady-Foreman, as Smith concluded her senior campaign with 200 kills, 199 digs; a 40.7 kill percentage 30.9 hit percentage.

Former Nevada High School standout Ellie Smith, makes a play at the net, during a 2016 match at Wynn Gym.

Daily Mail file photo