Bishop Ryan senior Anne Fricke (center) commits to play volleyball for the Minot State volleyball team on Friday, Apr. 14, in the BRCS school gymnasium. Nathan Beitler/MDN

Bishop Ryan senior Anne Fricke signed her letter of intent to play volleyball as a Minot State Beaver on Tuesday afternoon, Apr. 14, surrounded by teammates, friends and family.

Fricke played as an outside hitter and opposite for the Lions varsity volleyball team as well as Empire Volleyball. The Minot State women’s volleyball team announced late last week that Fricke had signed for the team. On Tuesday she signed her letter of intent in person to commemorate her move to the collegiate level.

“I went on my tour [of Minot State] and the coaching staff, and the girls and the welcoming culture was the main selling point for me,” Fricke said.”I felt so at home when I started talking with them.”

Fricke says that family and community are one big reason she decided to stay in Minot as she furthers her athletic career.

“I’m closer to my family and I will get to be around people that I’ve grown up with and … stay in my community, being able to help,” Fricke said. “Minot State is great school so I’m glad to represent my hometown.”

Fricke was quick to thank her former high school volleyball coaches Nicholas Theis and Christopher Brewer for helping her reach this point in her career. She also thanked her club coach and trainers for their support.

“They have all pushed me to be the best person I can be and the best athlete as well,” said Fricke.

As a new member of the Beavers’ volleyball team, Fricke will play under Minot State’s new head volleyball coach Josh Wastvedt.

Minot State announced Wastvedt as the new head coach of the school’s volleyball team in mid January of this year.

Fricke says that showing up and working hard are what got her to the level she is at now, and its the advice she gives for other athletes looking to compete at the collegiate level.

“Your love for it is going to get you where you want to go,” Fricke said.