It didn't take Morgan Broussard long to realize just how much she was going to miss playing volleyball after the Gering High School volleyball team was eliminated from the state tournament in November.

"I wasn't expecting to play sports in college because I was thinking I needed a break," said Broussard, a talented setter for the Bulldogs. "It is easy to say that when you are so involved, but when it is over, it is over. I miss it, and I had to keep going. It really hit me after we got done playing [at state], and I went with my parents to watch some other games. And since I was done [playing], I was thinking that I will never be able to do this again. So, I texted [WNCC head volleyball coach Giovana Melo], saying I miss it and I want to play. I am ready for the challenge."

And if she was going to keep playing volleyball, she knew she wanted to play for the Cougars.

"I couldn't pass up the opportunity of playing with such an elite program," she said. "It should be a great experience. We have the same mentality and that is to win. I am looking forward to extending my volleyball career with the Cougars."

Broussard is following in the footsteps of her cousin, Sierra Schmidt, who played for the Cougars and won a national championship in 2010. Broussard hopes to accomplish the same things that Sierra achieved.

"Seeing [what Schmidt accomplished] was cool," Broussard said.

Melo said is excited about adding the talented Broussard, who will be a setter for the Cougars.

"I love the fact she is extremely competitive," Melo said. "She is very athletic. I told her that it is great when you have an athlete that can play many sports, and I am happy that she likes volleyball enough to come play for us. I think she brings a lot. She has a really fun personality, and she gets along with the girls. She will fit perfectly in with our program."

Broussard was a three-year starter for the Bulldogs, helping them earn back-to-back district championships. Broussard was named all-conference and honorable mention all-state this past season after piling up 57 aces, 510 set assists, 121 solo blocks, 260 kills, and 348 digs.

Broussard said it wasn't hard to choose volleyball over basketball and track and field.

"I like the other sports, but I don't have the love for basketball and track like I do for volleyball," she said.