Gilliland officially a Ball State Cardinal

COLDWATER - After making her decision a long time ago, Lauren Gilliland is now officially a Ball State Cardinal.

The Coldwater senior signed her national letter of intent to play for the NCAA Division I volleyball program on Wednesday just before taking part in the District 8 All-Star Match being held at the Palace.

"I've been waiting for this day since my sophomore year," said Gilliland after putting pen to paper. "It's so exciting to make it official."

There was never any wavering in Gilliland's decision. She grew to love the Muncie campus as her older brothers both went to Ball State and older brother Greg was a long snapper on the Cardinals' football team. Keith Wenning, the former Coldwater and Ball State quarterback, is a cousin of Gillilands as well.

"For me, when I first stepped on campus and would go to football games, I'd talk to my parents about going to volleyball matches," said Gilliland. "Sitting in the stands (of Worthen Arena), I was like 'I want to play here!' Talking with the coaches and players, it was an easy decision."

The Cardinals, coached by Kelli Miller Phillips, are 15-11 this season and 9-5 in the Mid-American Conference with two league matches remaining before going into the tournament.

"High school has prepared me (for the college action)," said Gilliland, who is currently undecided on a major. "I'm excited for the competitive atmosphere over there."

Gilliland is a two-time Midwest Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a first team All-Ohioan. She dominated the attack this season for Coldwater, averaging 5.3 kills, 0.9 blocks and 2.1 digs per set to go along with 55 service aces. Gilliland became the first Coldwater player to reach 1,000 career kills.

"I'm really thankful for the MAC and other teams we played and the coaches that have prepared me to this point," said Gilliland. "That will help me transfer (from the high school game to the college game) with the lessons that I've learned."