By Mark Schmerling

When Kara Overholt’s signing to play a sport in college was announced, one question might have been, “Which sport?” as the Polk County High School senior has starred in volleyball, basketball and soccer.

On May 15, Overholt signed a letter of intent to play volleyball on a scholarship to Coker College, in Hartsville, S.C.

“She’s very excited, and so am I,” announced Wolverines’ volleyball coach Molly Hill, for whom Overholt represents her first athlete to be so honored. “She’s worked very hard.”

“I’m very excited,” Overholt remarked at the signing last Friday. “I just feel kind of blessed, knowing that there are people behind me.”

Overholt, Polk’s current soccer goaltender, got a good dose of people being behind her, during the Wolverines’ second-round multi-overtime win over defending state champion West Stokes in the second round of state playoff action at Columbus on Saturday, May 16.

During regulation, and especially during the deciding penalty-kick overtime period, when Overholt blocked more shots than the West Stokes goalie, Polk fans cheered her prowess, and at the match’s end, her teammates hugged her lovingly.

Overholt, daughter of Patrick and Trish Overholt, said that a few schools expressed interest in her playing for them.

However, when she met the Coker coach, “That’s what really did it for me . . . She cares for the girls. That’s what really clinched it for me.” Head women’s volleyball coach for the Cobras is Julia Rafalowski.

When did Overholt realize that collegiate volleyball might be attainable?

“My junior year is when I thought about pursuing college,” she answered. During this school year, “I had a lot of doubts. Coker came, and it seemed to fall into place.”

Overholt plans to major in physical education.

“We’re blessed,” said Patrick Overholt. “We’re very proud of her.”

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