Pinckneyville's Bella Pasquino wasn't sure a college scholarship was in her sights when she stepped onto the court as a freshman Panther.
Three years later, Pasquino was joined by family and friends when she inked her National Letter of Intent to continue her volleyball career recently at Pinckneyville High School.
Pasquino will be attending Lincoln Land College (Springfield) and credits head coach Jim Dietz for her decision to join the Loggers.
"He's a really good coach, he has good connections and I would really like to pursue volleyball after my two years at Lincoln Land."
Pasquino admitted the process of just getting a scholarship has been "crazy."
"I still don't know if we're even going to get a season," Pasquino said. "Who know's what my freshman season at Lincoln Land will look like? But, it does mean a lot to me that I'm able to get this done.
"In the back of my mind, but I didn't really know I would progress as much as I have and develop the skills to be good enough to get a college scholarship. I've kind of come into my own and I'm forever thankful and blessed for this opportunity."
At Lincoln Land, Pasquino said she intends to major in radiology.
Spyder Dann covers prep and college sports for the Southern Illinois LOCAL Media News Group. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.
