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“She’s going to be a diamond in the rough,” Pohlman said of the 5-10 Oates. “She’s such an athletic kid. She can fill multiple roles for us. I’m not sure exactly where she fits in positionally yet, but she jumps well and has a nice …
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Kelly Walsh athlete coming to Northwest
Ainsley Oates, a three-year member of the Kelly Walsh volleyball program, has signed a letter of intent to play volleyball for the Northwest College Trappers next season. Trapper head coach Shaun Pohlman announced the signing this week.
“She’s going to be a diamond in the rough,” Pohlman said of the 5-10 Oates. “She’s such an athletic kid. She can fill multiple roles for us. I’m not sure exactly where she fits in positionally yet, but she jumps well and has a nice swing. At the end of the day, we just need to get her reps.”
In high school, Oates was the only freshman listed on the varsity roster during her first season. She was a member of two state championship teams for Kelly Walsh and has competed in the off-season in numerous tournaments in Colorado as a member of USA Volleyball.
Oates’ athleticism really jumped out at Pohlman during the recruiting process.
“Their weight-lifting program at Kelly Walsh is really top-notch,” Pohlman said. “They really know what they’re doing down there, and she’s in the top 15 pound-for-pound performers for the school, boys and girls. She’s second among just the girls. The only person above her is her twin sister.”
Oates’ sister, Effie, has plans to attend Michigan State University as a member of the Spartans’ dance team.
Pohlman was also impressed with the way Oates was able to incorporate herself into the returning players on the Trappers roster.
“We do filtering with all our recruits, and she fit in like she’s been here for years,” Pohlman said. “She got along so well with the other kids on the team.”
The feeling was mutual, Oates noted, prompting her to sign with the Trappers. She was also being recruited by Casper College, Fort Lewis, Chadron State and Augustana (Ill.).
In the classroom, Oates plans to pursue a pre-medicine degree while at Northwest College.
The Trappers finished 15-17 on the volleyball court this past season, Pohlman’s first at the helm of the program. The team tied for a fourth-place finish in the final season Region IX North standings.
