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WORTHINGTON -- New Dordt University volleyball recruit Ellie Weg says she just wants to see where she fits in.
Her coach, Jacki Smith, says Weg just might fit in quickly with the Defenders, who are graduating three middle hitters this year.
“Ellie’s going to have an awesome opportunity to get on the court and compete for us right away,” said Smith, who welcomed the Worthington High School senior to the college game Tuesday morning during Weg’s signing ceremony at the WHS media center.
Weg, a 6-0 middle hitter who helped the Trojans to an 18-12 record in 2022 which included a five-set upset victory over No. 2-ranked Willmar in the Section 2AAA tournament, is a three-sport high school athlete who also competes in basketball and golf. But it’s volleyball that she loves the most, and she began her varsity career as a freshman. Since she was a seventh-grader, Weg became involved in club volleyball during both winter and spring.
That year-round devotion helped her develop into a versatile performer, one who’s not only outstanding in hitting and blocking, but also serves and digs with distinction.
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Smith, who is in her first year as the head Dordt volleyball coach, told the crowd assembled at the media center Tuesday that Weg is her first commit and signee.
“This is very special for me,” she said, then turning to address Weg, “I can’t wait till I see how you impact Dordt and how you impact the sport.”
Weg said Dordt was an easy choice for her to make. Her sister, Bailey, already attends the college. And besides that, she’s a big fan of the campus.
“I’ve always been drawn to it. I love the school, not just the program.”
It’ll be a while before Weg officially becomes a Defender, as her girls basketball and golf seasons are still ahead of her. And she’s not taking anything for granted as she looks ahead to her first college volleyball season.
“Honestly, I’m there to get better, I’m there to play. And wherever (Coach Smith) sees where I fit, that’s where I’ll fit,” she said.
Smith, who oversaw Weg at a volleyball camp and watched a few of her high school games, likes her competitiveness, her desire to grow, and also what she calls her “genuineness.” She’s buying in to her incoming freshman’s potential as both a blocker and a hitter.
The college game, both Smith and Weg said, is clearly a step up from high school.
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“It’s played faster. It’s obviously another level of volleyball,” said Weg. “I look forward to getting to know how they play and how Jackie coaches, and just how I fit in there.”
“It’s the speed and the tempo (in college),” said Smith, who added that “closing speed” is the most significant change from the preps. “Blocking becomes significantly harder.”
