McMullen looking forward to joining national runner-up Washburn

Corinna McMullen has always found herself around volleyball.

Whether it was shadowing her older sister, Sophie, to all her volleyball events or just playing the sport herself, volleyball was quick to consume Corinna’s life — but in a good way.

Since she was young, McMullen has always wanted the opportunity to show what she could do on the college stage. Now she is going to get that opportunity. 

Last month, the Louisburg senior signed her letter of intent to play at Washburn University, and on Nov. 21, made it official in front of family and friends during a signing ceremony at LHS.

“I knew from the very beginning that it was my dream to play college volleyball,” McMullen said. “Whether that be for falling in love for the sport or watching my siblings do the same and it become an expectation for me, it was always been a realistic goal that I was determined to achieve. I had a tough time inviting everyone that has helped me get to the place where I am today because there are too many too count. 

“I was so grateful for everyone that could make it, but no hard feelings to the people who couldn’t because I know they helped me become who I am deep down inside. My parents also tried their very best to make sure my moment was special and I am forever blessed to not only have them, but the Louisburg community around me.”

McMullen was a four-year starter for the Lady Cat volleyball team and helped Louisburg to a state runner-up season and a fourth place finish during her time with the program.

She has earned All-Frontier League and all-state honors during that time as the team’s setter and McMullen ran the offense, along with teammate Davis Guetterman, for all four years.

All those accolades provided McMullen with a few different options on the college level, but it was Washburn that made the most sense.

“My decision to commit to Washburn was not a tough one,” she said. “My goal was to stay close to home to continue to watch my siblings grow, while also having my family and friends support me with a one hour drive. Another goal was to go somewhere where I could make an impact and leave my mark as I did with Louisburg volleyball. Family has always been a big part of my life and so is volleyball, so I got the best of both world when committing to Washburn.

“Coach Chris Herron is very successful, while also caring for every one of his players. I know he will be a perfect fit for me and will push me to be my very best as did all my coaches in the past. The decision was definitely stressful and took weight off my shoulders due to the fact that volleyball recruiting starts freshman year. Making highlight videos, emailing coaches, playing your very best at all moments is very stressful for all players, making committing the best feeling in the world. I put all my marbles into Washburn because I knew it was the place for me.”

The Washburn program took notice of McMullen early on and the Ichabods believe she is a great fit for their team.

“Corinna has had extensive training with the USA High performance program,” Herron said. “She is an outstanding competitor and very good defender as well as setter. She is the type of player you just want on your side of the net.”

This year’s Ichabod team found themselves as one of the two teams left standing in Division II. Washburn advanced to the national championship match, before losing to Tampa in three sets.

That recent success, along with academic success, has made McMullen excited to get started.

“Washburn has a very successful volleyball program along with an amazing academic program,” McMullen said. “They also have an outstanding nursing program for which I will study under to become a Pediatric Nurse. My goal was to get my school paid for and I am thankful that they can help through athletic and academic scholarships. The whole coaching staff is a great fit for me and the campus is beautiful.”