The newest Mountaineer

MONTROSE — Montrose senior volleyball player Brianna Verble will trade in her Lady Indians uniform this fall to become a Mountaineer.

On Wednesday, Verble signed a letter of intent to attend Western State College and join its volleyball program.

While Verble fielded offers from CSU Pueblo, Mesa State and Western Wyoming Community College, she said Western State was ultimately the best fit for her.

"I really love the college and they have a great new coach there," Verble said. "I really liked her."

She was also convinced to commit to Western because of its art program. Verble said she would like to pursue art as a major and that the program Western had a lot to offer in the field.

Montrose volleyball coach Shane Forrest said she was happy for Verble, but said she would be missed.

"When she joined the team her junior year, she was a valuable addition. She added a whole new dimension to the team," Forrest said. "It was great to have her here and there's going to be a big hole to fill."

Verble said she was excited to have the opportunity to play volleyball at the college level. A player since fifth grade, she said she enjoyed the game because of her love for competition and because it was just a fun sport.

"I just love the feeling of getting a kill, or an ace, I love all of it," Verble said.

Verble's parents, Maria and David, also said they were thrilled to have their daughter attend a college close to home so that they could continue to watch her in action. Verble said it was an added bonus for her as well because she would be able to come back home to visit family and friends, as well as attend some of the Lady Indians' matches next season.

While at Montrose, Verble was named to the All Southwestern League player team three times and was given Honorable mention All-State honors by the Rocky Mountain News twice. This summer, Verble will compete in the Colorado High School Coaches Association game.