Published: June 30, 2006 11:17 pm         

Daniels signs early with MSU

Staying close to home.

That was the key deciding factor in Samantha Daniels’ decision to sign an early letter-of-intent with Mountain State University.

“It’s close to home,” the soon-to-be senior said. “I have a little sister and a little niece that I wanted to be close to, so that was a big part of my decision.”

The Shady Spring athlete has been a standout in both volleyball and softball for the Tigers and will continue to play both sports for the Cougars.

MSU volleyball and softball coach Tim Berry was pleased to add the standout to his list of recruits.

“I’ve watched Sam and she’s been on my short list for recruiting,” he said. “She’s worked out with our girls. She likes the school and wanted to stay close.”

Berry believes Daniels will be an excellent addition to both squads.

“I think Sam is a perfect fit,” he said. “I think she’s going to mix real well with our players. I think the chemistry is going to be good in volleyball and softball.”

He was also impressed by Daniels’ maturity.

“She’s a pretty well-grounded kid,” he said. “She knows what she wants and she was pretty clear about it. MSU is where she wanted to be and she wants to play volleyball and softball.”

For Daniels, signing early was a no-brainer.

“I can just relax and just have fun with (playing),” she said. “That’s the good thing about it. I don’t have to worry about anything.”

Daniels has been a part of a Class AA state champion and a state runner-up team in volleyball in her first three years. The Tigers won a title her freshman season and took Philip Barbour to five games in the championship her junior season.

She captained the Class AA all-state second team as a junior.

“I think she will come in and be a good setter for us,” Berry said. “We’re graduating our setter, Kelli Webb, so I’m definitely looking for a setter. I think that Sam will fill right in. I think she’ll be able to step up and do us a good job.”

Daniels was also a member of two state softball championship teams and a runner-up squad for Shady. Berry likes her versatility and can see Daniels playing a variety of roles for the Cougars.

“In softball, she can play different positions,” he said. “(Daniels) was a shortstop for Shady. We’re graduating four seniors this year and we’re going to have some openings next year. Fundamentally, I think she’s pretty strong in softball. Defensively, she’s going to be a plus for us.”

Academically, Daniels is still unsure of what she might major in, but she has plenty of time to decide.

“I’m not sure yet,” she said. “I was thinking, though, about the sonography program, but I’m not positive.”

Along with her parents and coach Johnny Pachuta, Daniels acknowledges Tim Curtis and Carol Foust as big influences on her athletic endeavors at Shady Spring.

“They really helped me out throughout the years,” Daniels said. “I just want to thank them for all their help.”

— E-mail:

rjett@register-herald.com