Marysville High School senior Lily Keber signs a letter of intent to continue her academic and volleyball careers at Fairmont State University in West Virginia. She is pictured with her parents, John and Billie.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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With a few strokes of a pen, Marysville High School volleyball standout Lily Keber made a commitment for her future athletic endeavors.
Keber, a senior setter for the Lady Monarchs during the 2017 campaign, has decided to continue her volleyball career at Fairmont State University in West Virginia.
“I had looked at a couple of other schools in the same conference (the Mountain East), but I like the size of Fairmont,” she said. “It’s not a huge school and it has a good student-to-teacher ratio. I just think it’s a very good fit for me both academically and for volleyball.”
Keber said she plans to study nursing at Fairmont.
After that, her goal is to obtain her master’s degree either at The Ohio State University or the University of West Virginia.
“The Lady Monarch volleyball program has a focus on the four ‘C’s” – connection, composure, confidence and commitment,” said head coach Bethany Bentz. “When I reflect on the volleyball career of Lily Keber to this point, she exemplifies the fourth ‘C’ of commitment.
“Lily began playing volleyball for the Lady Monarchs in the seventh grade and has earned four varsity letters.
“I first met Lily on the basketball court where I was her eighth grade coach,” said Bentz. “She demonstrated her love and commitment to volleyball that year as she spent time running from basketball practice straight to club volleyball practice to ensure that she gave ample commitment to both sports.”
Keber began her high school volleyball career three years ago by splitting time between the junior varsity and varsity squads.
She quickly earned a full-time spot on the top team as a middle hitter-blocker.
Keber played those two positions as a freshman and sophomore before transitioning to setter in 2016
She continued in that position this past season, running the team’s offense throughout the year.
Keber, who plans to play setter and outside hitter at Fairmont, tallied 109 kills, 95 assists and 34 blocks during her senior campaign.
She earned second-team honors in the Ohio Capital Conference both her junior and senior seasons and honorable mention accolades in Division I for the Central District this year.
“During our off-season, Lily demonstrated her commitment to the sport of volleyball, spending countless hours the gym, perfecting her craft through lessons and playing club volleyball (for seven seasons), as well as playing beach volleyball,” said Bentz.
Keber is also a dedicated track and field athlete. She will go into the 2018 season as the defending Ohio Capital Conference Central Division girls high jump champion.
“In addition to her commitment to the sport of volleyball, Lily also demonstrates commitment to academia as a Lady Monarch,” said Bentz. “She has earned scholar-athletic honors during her sports seasons.
“We know that Lily will continue her high level of commitment to volleyball as she embarks on her new endeavor as a Lady Falcon at Fairmont State University,” said Bentz. “We look forward to hearing about the many awesome accomplishments she will earn throughout her (college) career.”
Bentz said Keber’s picture will hang in the team’s lockerroom “as recognition of her volleyball journey, continuing on at Fairmont State University.”