By Chris Fitzgerald, Prep Dig
Kansas City, MO. - We’re so back! The Triple Crown NIT is ready to roll once again in Downtown Kansas City, bringing in the top club volleyball teams from all over the country.
Friday once again is serving as a prelude to the tournament with camps galore, ranging from opportunities to work with pro players from LOVB, college coach workouts, National Training and Development from USA Volleyball, to an unsigned workout concluding the night.
This afternoon featured sessions from DII, DIII, NAIA, Junior College coaches from across the country.
For the athletes competing at NIT, there are big dreams of playing at the highest level while also earning an athletic scholarship. However, there is more to the experience for these future college athletes.
Athletes are looking for a specific fit with academics, culture, financially, do they want to be part of an upcoming program, a national contender, do they want a full scholarship, do they want to play close to home (or go as far away as possible)? The options are endless. Today was a chance for athletes to start to work with coaches from multiple divisions under one roof.
Jamie Ashmore, an assistant coach at Grand Valley State in Grand Rapids, Michigan is able to take her playing experience where she can now coach at her alma mater in GVSU where she won a D2 national championship in 2005 while also being named All American. The opportunities and facilities at Grand Valley State rival many division one schools, including a ten day European trip for the volleyball team. It was the winning culture and student athlete balance that was key for Ashmore as a player and coach.
“I was a D2 player myself with offers out of high school to multiple D1 schools, but knew I wanted to play for a program that could win a national title. I had the best experience as a student athlete and coaching in it, I know it provides a great balance of athletics and a true college experience. Our players are able to compete at a high level, focus on their academics, and become involved in our community.”
Emmerson Rehkopf from Farmington High School just outside of Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas is beginning her recruiting process with this being one of her first chances to play in front of college coaches at a high level.
For the 2027 outside hitter, the dream is to play D1, but knows that finding the right fit is what is most important.
“I’m still new to high level volleyball having only played two years, but I’ve started emailing coaches by introducing myself. I am looking for a place that really values community which is what I am looking for out of my future teammates and coaching staff. I want to play in college where I want a high quality school instead of a specific division because at the end of the day I think that's what matters more,” said Rehkopf.
For 2027s (16s Age Group), they can begin their official recruiting process June 15 of this upcoming year. They are allowed to email college coaches, coaches can come evaluate, but conversations about scholarships or recruiting cannot happen until June 15.
Rehkophf is the 3rd ranked prospect in the Prep Dig Arkansas Class of 2027 rankings and will suit up for a loaded Ozark Juniors 16 Mizuno squad as they take the court on Saturday.
The nerves will be there for Rehkopf (as well as the thousands of others suiting up this weekend), but knows she can trust her teammates through this entire process.
“At first I was really nervous, but the more I thought about it, prayed over it, I found some peace and now I can just focus on playing for my team.”
First serve begins on Saturday morning with the 16s and 18s Division at 7:30 AM.
