West Burlington's Sophia Armstrong signs to play volleyball for Winona State
Sophia Armstrong was looking for a college where she could get playing time on the volleyball court, fit in with the team and pursue her studies in business and finance.
Winona State University, an NCAA Division II school in Winona, Minnesota, fit the bill perfectly.
Armstrong, a third team all-state middle hitter for West Burlington High School, made it official Wednesday when she signed a national letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Winona State.
For Armstrong, one of the most efficient hitters and blockers in the state, it is the best of both worlds.
"I love the town. After meeting the team and the coach, it was apparent that is what would be best .I went on other visits and it just seemed to be the place where I fit," Armstrong said. "Going into my freshman year I knew I wanted to keep playing, but I didn't know what level that would be. After putting in a lot of work in the offseason, I'm super proud of where I'm at now."
"I think it shows we have some real quality kids who have put in the work and worked so hard year round for this," West Burlington head coach Maureen Heath said. "This just doesn't come easily. It shows a lot of great things for the program and hopefully it sets a good example for the kids coming up."
Armstrong put up monster numbers for the Falcons the last four years, capping it with a brilliant senior season in which she helped West Burlington to a 36-7 record, an SEI Superconference South Division championship and a berth in the regional final.
Armstrong averaged 4.2 kills, 0.8 blocks and 1.7 digs per set and served 94.2 percent with 33 aces this season. Her .463 kill efficiency was fifth overall in the state and her 80 blocks tied her for 15th in Class 2A.
Armstrong owns the all-time single season kills record at West Burlington and was named as the South Division co-player of the year.
"Starting four years is pretty unique. Not a lot of people get that opportunity. So playing on this team with these seniors was really special because we have been together for so long," Armstrong said. "I pretty much played volleyball year round for four years. I started playing for the Iowa Rockets my freshman year. We start the season in December and we don't end until July. Then I come back in open gyms and then we start the season up again. It was definitely worth it, though. I love this sport. I don't regret any of it."
Armstrong will join a Winona State team coached by Joe Getzin which went 12-15 this season, including 8-12 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
Armstrong, who has been a middle hitter for West Burlington, is projected to play rightside hitter for the Warriors, a position Armstrong played with the Iowa Rockets.
"I play rightside for club, so I think that's where they are leaning to. But I could play outside, too," Armstrong said. "I love playing rightside. It's definitely different, but as far as playing defense I like it better."
Matt Levins is a sports reporter for the USA Today Network in Burlington, Iowa, who has covered local sports for 32 years at The Hawk Eye. Reach him at mlevins@thehawkeye.com.
This article originally appeared on The Hawk Eye: West Burlington's Sophia Armstrong signs to play volleyball for Winona State
