Ciara Parizek/MDN Glenburn High School senior McKenna Rolland, right, and volleyball head coach Katie Dufner, left, stand together after Rolland signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at North Dakota State College of Science.

The student body of Glenburn Public School gathered in the new gym yesterday to watch senior volleyball player McKenna Rolland sign a National Letter of Intent to play for North Dakota State College of Science next fall.

Rolland had been previously interviewed for a sports spotlight story earlier this fall. In that story, it was mentioned that she was still undecided on where she wanted to attend college and play volleyball. Her three choices were NDSCS, Williston State College and Bismarck State College.

She took a tour of the Williston campus and later toured NDSCS in Wahpeton. As soon as she stepped onto the campus in Wahpeton, she immediately felt at home. Walking into the gym, she knew that NDSCS would be her next home.

Rolland had been in contact with NDSCS volleyball coach Jane Passa before volleyball season started.

“It was really nice being able to be in contact with her constantly and she showed a huge amount of interest,” Rolland said of Passa.

With that interest came a great opportunity, not just to play volleyball, but to also get her associate’s degree in nursing. Upon receiving that degree, she plans to transfer to Minot State University to play volleyball and get a bachelor’s degree in nursing, as well. Her end game goal is to become a registered nurse and help those in need.

After getting her final acceptance letter and getting a dorm room with another Glenburn High School graduate, Rolland will move to Wahpeton at the end of July. Practice begins on Aug. 1.

When asked about juggling athletics and homework, Rolland is positive she can get her work done and still play volleyball. To make things a little easier for her freshman year of college, she took all of the dual-credit courses that Glenburn offers: math, English and speech.

“I know that college sports are not as easy,” Rolland said. “They take more time than what a high school sport would, but I definitely think I have the attitude and confidence to get it done.”

She knew she had made the right choice for herself when she decided to go to NDSCS. She said she felt very comfortable on the campus and she didn’t feel like she was being pressured into doing anything. Rolland felt like she could be herself. Until then, she has regionals to look forward to, starting on Tuesday in Rugby.