Shade's Muha ready for the next level after announcing college declaration

Shade senior Jenna Muha verbally announced her verbal commitment to play basketball at Division II Frostburg State University in August.

It was a decision made ahead of the school year so she could enjoy her final year as a Shade student-athlete.

The three-sport standout made her decision official on Wednesday, signing a National Letter of Intent to play for coach Jenna Eckleberry and the Bobcats of the Mountain East Conference.

"I really like Frostburg. They have great education and schooling. The coach made me feel like it was home. It is a place I feel comfortable at, and I accept the challenges of what's ahead of me.

"I am looking forward to working my butt of every day. I love working hard. I like their style of play and I want to factor into that."

Muha, who boasts a 3.88 GPA, plans to major in sports management.

All-State accoladesShade junior, Shanksville seniors named to Pa. Writers Girls All-State Basketball Team

In 70 career games on the hardwood, Muha has racked up 1,497 points, 990 rebounds and 153 blocks, averaging 21.4 points per game and 14.1 rebounds per contest. Muha dropped 43 points to propel Shade past Rockwood in the District 5 Class 1A consolation game, helping the Panthers earn a state playoff berth in 2021-22.

Doing it allShade earns PIAA Class 1A tournament berth behind Muha's heroics

She was the only non-senior selected First-Team All-State by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers in 2021-22. Muha was also a third-team honoree in 2020-21. Muha is also a 2-time All-Somerset County First-Team selection as well as earning a second team nod in 2019-20.

Muha played an integral role in Shade's success this season in volleyball. The Panthers finished both WestPAC and District 5 Class 1A runner-up, advancing to the PIAA playoffs. She is the all-time leader in kills at Shade with 1,443, producing 568 in her senior campaign. She is a 3-time All-Somerset County First-Team, District 5 and WestPAC selection.

Another milestoneShade senior Jenna Muha adds another milestone to storybook career

She is also a talented softball player. In 37 career games, Muha has a .305 batting average. She was the starting shortstop on a team that advanced to the state playoffs for a second straight season last spring.

Muha, the daughter of Andy and Maxine Muha, is a member of National Honor Society, student council, yearbook and senior class president at Shade.

Muha's game has no boundaries. The talent she possesses on the hardwood will benefit her greatly at the next level. Muha can post up, handle the ball in the front court and her mid-range game is above average as well.

"They are looking for me to be a four or a five," Muha said of what position she may play at Frostburg State. "Coach Jenna knows I can shoot, dribble the ball, play big when I need to. She just loves the versatility I have and thinks I will fit in very well in the program she is trying to build."

Being a three-sport athlete while also playing AAU basketball and club volleyball, Muha is like a finely tuned machine no matter what field of play she is stepping on.

"Playing different sports has helped me develop my game mentally," she said. "It has helped me constantly improve my game. I've always known sports. My body is used to it and playing three sports has helped me develop my muscles and avoid injuries."

Muha thanks her parents, brother and sister, her family and teammates and travel teammates as well as her travel coaches Pat Gruss and Mike Reed.

"My parents and family have made a lot of sacrifices and gave up a lot of things for me to go tournaments every weekend," Muha said. "My sister would help run the business while my mom and dad would take me to games. We're gone all spring and summer, every weekend and during the week as well. They gave up a lot to help me get to this point."

With such great success comes scrutiny as well. But Muha has held her head high, played the game with class and charisma, showing the naysayers why she is so deserving of a day like Wednesday.

"I worked hard. I earned my scholarship. I earned the chance to play at the next level," Muha said. "The hard work and the dedication you put into the sport ... that's what truly matters, not what anyone else has to say about you."

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on Twitter @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Shade's Muha taking talents to Frostburg State University