Wakefield volleyball
Joined by her parents Maureen and Alan Slay, Wakefield's Katie Slay (center) signed her letter of intent Thursday, committing to the Penn State volleyball team. Slay joins one of the most prominent programs in the country as the Lady Lions have won the last two NCAA championships.
Wakefield's Slay signs with Penn State volleyball
During the past year Alan Slay, father of Wakefield volleyball star Katie Slay, decided to upgrade his family's cable package and get the Big Ten Network.
Why the sudden interest for a conference located in the heart of the Midwest?
Because they'll soon recognize someone on the channel.
On Thursday afternoon, Katie Slay officially became a member of the Penn State University volleyball team, signing her letter of intention to join the Lady Lions next fall.
It is quite an honor considering Slay will now join arguably the most dominate program in collegiate schools, winners of 90 consecutive matches and the last two national titles.
And this weekend Slay will get a closer look at the Lady Lions, taking her official visit to State College and watching her future team tussle with No.5 ranked Iowa. (She's also planning to see Penn State's football team battle Indiana Saturday afternoon because what would a trip to Happy Valley be without seeing Joe Paterno?)
Although Slay verbally committed to Penn State last school year, the senior said it's a relief to have the process over.
"Sure, I have known I was always going there, but it's nice just to have it official," she said. "Plus, it's kind of a milestone in the recruiting process, so it's great to finally reach this."
Katie's ceremony drew a pretty good-sized crowd with her parents, Maureen and Alan, varsity coach Cynthia Terrell, athletic director Dexter Cooley, principal Mark Savage and athletic trainer Brent Dorenkamp taking part in the festivities. Even Slay's middle school coach Michelle Muster was in attendance.
Having already been to State College on a few visits — which included a sitdown with academic advisors — Slay said this weekend's trip was more "for fun."
"I'm just looking forward to going up there, watching the matches and hanging out with the teams," she explained.
Having previously played with several current Lady Lions, including sophomore Katie Kabbes from Raleigh, Slay said she feels at ease with her future teammates and coaches.
Coach Russ Rose's easy-going manner sets the program's tone.
"He's not much of a yeller. He just talks to you when you make a mistake," Slay said.
The future coach and player joke often as Slay tries to convince Rose to watch her favorite MTV shows like "The Hills" and "The City."
While most recruits often say they are more relaxed following their verbal commitments, Slay said knowing what high standards the Lady Lions play at has made her work harder.
"Committing does take pressure off because you know where you're going," she said. "But it also adds pressure because you know you have to get yourself ready so you can be up to par when you get on campus."
The Slays won't have to go far to see Katie's work once at State College. She is just a cable channel away.
While signing her letter of intent with Penn State Thursday, Katie Slay (center, seated) was joined by Wakefield High volleyball coach Cynthia Terrell, (standing, from left), athletic director Dexter Cooley, Wakefield booster Tony Morano, athletic trainer Brent Dorenkamp, Wakefield Middle volleyball coach Michelle Muster and Wakefield High principal Mark Savage. Katie's parents, Maureen and Alan Slay, are seated beside her.
