Aug. 13, 2010
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Sarah Ammerman, Jola Kelner and Kristen Schevikhoven capped their Texas A&M volleyball careers in December by directing the Aggies to the 2009 NCAA Championship regional semifinals and a No. 21 final ranking. Each can add another distinguished feat to their list of accomplishments, as each have officially completed their undergraduate degree requirements and are set to receive their diplomas this weekend.
"Our athletes come to Texas A&M knowing that academics come first," Aggie volleyball head coach Laurie Corbelli said. "This is a great testament to what we must focus on, and I'm extremely proud that they stayed on course to get their diplomas from A&M and will move on to pursue awesome careers in whatever they choose.
"During the recruiting process we talk not only about the outstanding education available at A&M, but also about the Aggie Ring and the Aggie family and how they will undoubtedly boost your career in whatever path you take. The traditions and the spirit of A&M are unlike any other university and bring together so many people, and that will carry on for rest of their lives. It is a family they will always be a part of because they have earned it."
Ammerman, a four-year starting outside hitter and a third-team All-American from Parker, Colo., has completed the requirements for a bachelor's of science degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. A member of the 2009 Academic All-Big 12 first team, Ammerman majored in university studies with a business concentration and was a double minor in sports management and agricultural journalism.
Ammerman completed her illustrious Aggie career ranked third in the A&M career records in points (1708.5), fourth in kills (1,518) and tied for 14th in digs (1,009). She also became the 10th player in program history to reach the 1,000-milestone in both kills and digs.
Ammerman joined the professional volleyball ranks in the spring, playing for the Ponce Lionesses of the Women's Super Volleyball League, a member of the Puerto Rico Volleyball Federation. At the conclusion of the season, she returned to A&M and completed her course work during the summer and is currently pursuing a professional volleyball contract in Slovenia.
Kelner, a 6-0 setter from Beilsko-Biala, Poland, has earned a bachelor's of science degree in allied health. A member of the 2009 Academic All-Big 12 First Team, Kelner was a four-year letterwinner for the Aggies and was voted the team's most inspirational player after each of her final two seasons. Tabbed the team's most improved player following her freshman season, Kelner went on to play in 67 matches and 144 sets during her career.
Kelner has signed a contract to play professional volleyball with VT Aurubis Hamburg, a member of Germany's 14-team national first league, Bundesliga.
Schevikhoven, a three-year starting setter from Centennial, Colo., received her diploma during Friday's commencement ceremonies. An agriculture leadership and development major within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Schevikhoven ranked 20th in the nation in assists per set and directed an offense that led the nation in both kills and assists per set. She finished her Aggie volleyball career ranked fifth in the A&M all-time career records for total assists.
In addition to Ammerman, Kelner and Schevikhoven, seniors Jennifer Banse (San Antonio, Texas), Mary Batis (San Antonio, Texas) and Dylan Faulkner (Austin, Texas), are all proud members of the A&M Class of 2010 and have or will graduate in the calendar year.
Batis received her degree in May and is playing professional volleyball in France. Banse and Faulkner are both slated to graduate in December.
"This entire senior class, all six of them have or will have completed college in four-and-a-half years or less, and that includes two transfer students," Corbelli said. "That just says a lot about the work they have put in and the emphasis we put on keeping up with their academic studies. We have a consistently high graduation rate, and this confirms the commitment we have to academics. I'm just really, really proud of all of them; yet with the dedication, determination and perseverance they have shown, this doesn't surprise me.
"And for those three who now playing in international professional leagues, it is a luxury to be able to go and play and have your degree. And when their playing careers are over, they have their degree to fall back on. "