By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
After two seasons at Johnson County Community College, former Seaman volleyball standout Addie Steiner did consider multiple schools to continue her college career.
Maddie Steiner
But given her family tree, it seemed almost inevitable that Steiner would end up at Washburn University.
"I've had my dad (Jeff) come play baseball here, my mom (Audra) came to finish her schooling and her master's degree here and then my brother (Nick) played baseball for four years, and here I am, transferring in,'' said the 5-foot-5 defensive specialist/libero.
"Coming out of Johnson County I had visits at Nebraska-Kearney, Ottawa and here, and here was by far my best choice. I love it here.''
A first-team NJCAA All-American and former national champion at Johnson County, Steiner made the switch to Washburn for the spring semester, using that time to start getting ready for the upcoming season.
"I think it really helped because I got to know the girls very well and and I really just bonded with them and got together as a team with them,'' said Steiner, who finished the 2021 season for JCCC with 663 digs, 43 service aces and 104 assists.
As a freshman Steiner registered 258 digs, 19 aces and 17 assists as the Cavaliers posted a 27-2 recordd and won the national title. This past season Johnson County went 32-7, won a district championship and finished third in the national tournament.
Steiner said she feels like the two years at JCCC helped prepare her for her next step.
"It helped build confidence, knowing that I could go on and play,'' she said. "Here's where I've always wanted to go, so I'm glad I could be here finally.''
Now Steiner joins an Ichabod team that is coming off a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division II national tournament and is one of several players who will be vying to replace former Shawnee Heights star and All-American Faith Rottinghaus as the Washburn DS/libero.
"We're all going to be pushing each other throughout it all,'' Steiner said. "All the passers are going to be pushing each other, so whoever earns it earns it and we're all going to be supportive and will be working for that spot ourselves.''
Rottinghaus is one of 10 seniors and four All-Americans that the Ichabods lost off last year's 31-6 team, but Steiner feels like the future is bright for WU, which opened practice Monday and will open the season on Aug. 26 in the Nebraska-Kearney Fall Classic.
"I'm very excited,'' Steiner said. "I think that we all bond really well and I'm just super excited to see what the future holds.''
