Cardinals’ Keeter set to attend John Brown

March 29, 2008 01:38 am

— By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
WEBB CITY, Mo. — Webb City High School’s Kassie Keeter is another reason why John Brown University volleyball coach Robyn Gordon is looking forward to the 2008 season.
Translation: The 5-foot-11 Keeter, mainly an outside hitter for the Cardinals, signed a national letter of intent with the Siloam Springs, Ark.-based Golden Eagles on Friday.
“We return everyone and Kassie will compete right away for a starting spot,” a smiling Gordon said. “Most definitely, I’m excited about this coming year.”
Keeter, the Cardinals’ co-most valuable player as a senior with Seminole (Okla.) State College-bound Kelsey Erwin, earned all-district as well as Southwest Conference honors the past two seasons. She earned three varsity letters under Rhonda Moore.
Moore said the Cardinals finished 38-23-4 overall with Keeter in the lineup. They won the Southwest her senior season and a Class 4 district title in 2006.
“She was a leader on the floor and didn’t rotate off the court,” Moore said. “She was an outstanding passer. ... so consistent. She was a true threat as a hitter. Credit goes to her for working so hard.”
Said Gordon: “Kassie brings height and power at the net. We’re excited because that’s something we were lacking this past season.”
Keeter, who plans to study business at John Brown, admitted that starting as a freshman is a goal.
“Sure, I’m hoping to start ... front or back. But I just want on the floor.”
Gordon, entering her 19th season as JBU coach, said last year’s team finished 14-20 overall and 6-6 in the Sooner Athletic Conference (after winning the championship in 2006).
Gordon, a JBU graduate, said Keeter is the first player she’s signed from Webb City.