James gives verbal commitment to play at UM
SANDPOINT - Calling it a perfect fit and wanting to put the college recruiting process behind her, Sandpoint volleyball standout Koko James gave a verbal commitment to the University of Montana this week, where she'll receive a full-ride scholarship to play for the Grizzlies of the Big Sky Conference.
James, a 5-foot-10 junior setter on the state championship Sandpoint team and one of the top players in the state, said the choice was pretty easy when she made an unofficial visit earlier this year and liked what she saw.
"I loved everything about it; the campus, coaches and players, everyone was so friendly," said James, who was also being recruited by Nevada, among others. "I'm relieved to know where I'm going, it's kind of done."
Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager said the Montana coaches plan to redshirt James the first year, then have her step in and start as a freshman, calling the five-year commitment a sort of compliment to James. Having been through the recruiting process herself, Alsager also touted the value of being able to relax and play your senior year without the stresses of recruiting.
"She's going to have the opportunity to impact a program right away," said Alsager, calling James' skill-set very marketable. "When you get a 5-10 setter that can jump well, block well and hit well - that's hard to find."
The James family aren't exactly strangers to the volleyball recruiting process, as Koko follows her two older sisters' footsteps into the college ranks. Jennie, the oldest sister, played at Idaho State, and Kelsey just finished a stellar senior season at Idaho. Koko said she didn't really want to attend either of those schools, breaking the in-state tradition and heading to Big Sky country, adding that her parents were happy with the decision.
Sandpoint club coach Jack Dyck says James has the perfect disposition to be a successful setter, calling her focused and aggressive, yet calm at the same time. He's had an up-close look at all three of the James sisters, and calls Koko the most physical of the siblings.
"Every time she touches the ball she improves it," Dyck said. " She's also a solid blocker. She'll be very successful at that level."
The Montana coaches came over to watch James play in person against Coeur d'Alene earlier this year, and obviously liked what they saw. The Griz, under third year head coach Jerry Wagner, went 12-15 last year, and 9-7 in the Big Sky. Alsager said it's unusual, but not unheard of, for school's to lock up commitments from juniors, saying Montana was the most aggressive school.
"It does feel good," said James of the scholarship, which she won't officially sign until November of 2009. "I just want to go play."