M-CHS senior Keeley Clarke recently announced her intent to play volleyball at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa. Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal
Panthers libero signs on to Marshalltown Community College
CORTEZ – Since her freshman year as a starter for the Dolores volleyball program, Montezuma-Cortez High School Panther Keeley Clarke has handled just about every type of serve imaginable from her back-line position.
Over her four years playing high school volleyball – the first two with Dolores High School and the final two with M-CHS – Clarke led her team in serves received each season. Following her senior year, the strongest of her career for both Clarke and her team, she set out to ensure her final action this past fall would not mark the end of her volleyball career.
Her efforts paid off as Clarke made her intentions official this past week, committing to continue her playing days at Marshalltown Community College in the heart of the Hawkeye State.
Montezuma-Cortez senior Keeley Clarke is surrounded by family as she announces her intent to play volleyball at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa. Ben Bradley/Special to The Journal
The Tigers, members of the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference’s Division II district, were in search of a libero, and after Clarke visited campus, both sides agreed she would be a good fit for MCC.
Clarke led the Panthers in aces and digs, recording nearly 400 digs during her final season, while anchoring the back row with steady serve-receive play. Her role helped lift the Panthers to an 11-14 record and a Class 3A regional appearance, marking both the best win total and the first postseason berth for either M-CHS or Dolores during her four years.
Club volleyball aided Clarke’s pursuit of playing at the collegiate level, particularly as she took initiative by compiling game film and posting it to recruiting portals. That self-advocacy generated interest from multiple programs, with Marshalltown presenting the best opportunity.
“I never originally thought going forward with my volleyball career would be a thing for me,” Clarke said. “But after meeting the team, I’m really excited to get to start somewhere fresh and new.”
Clarke also competed in basketball and soccer during her high school career, but volleyball consistently stood out as the highlight of her athletic calendar. Her passion for sports has also guided her academic plans, as she intends to pursue kinesiology before branching into physical therapy or athletic training.
“I really enjoy sports, and I feel like working in those areas would be really fun,” Clarke said.
Off the court, Clarke was a regular supporter of her classmates’ athletic events, a gesture returned by the dozens of teammates and friends who attended her signing-day celebration.
“I’m grateful for all the support – this has been a class where we’ve made sure to find fun in everything we do – and that’s something I’ll always take with me.”
