Xavier’s Torson headed to UNO

CEDAR RAPIDS - For most high school seniors participating in fall sports, the declining temperature signifies the end of an era as the athletes try to finish their seasons strong before hanging up their jerseys for the last time.

For some, however, high school is just the beginning of their athletic career.

Senior volleyball player Kayla Torson has developed a high school résumé that has caught the eye of collegiate coaches. The highlights include four years as a varsity starter, two Mississippi Valley Conference Valley Player of the Year awards, two second-team all state selections, back-to-back conference championships and passing the benchmark of 1,200 kills.

Awards and all-state selections have not come out for this season yet, but it is more than possible that list ends up even longer.

Because of Torson's high school success and leadership on and off the court, her athletic journey is just beginning. She is set to start her collegiate career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha next season after verbally committing this July.

'I met the head coach, the two assistant coaches and a couple of the players,” Torson said on why she picked UNO. 'The impression they left on me definitely had an effect on my choice. It seemed like their personalities meshed with mine. They were pretty chill, but also very focused and competitive.

'I loved everything about the school - the campus, the education program, the coaches, the players. It's hard to explain, but I guess I just got the feeling when I was there that it was the place I wanted to be.”