Ames High School's Hannah Buckels has signed a national letter of intent to attend Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and play volleyball.
Buckels is the second commitment to the DMACC volleyball program for the 2019-20 school year, joining Eryn Anderson of Fort Madison Holy Trinity Catholic High School.
Buckels said she chose DMACC because of the school's size.
"It creates a personalized atmosphere which I believe will impact my education in a positive way," Buckels said.
Buckels said it is her belief that academics are emphasized over athletics at DMACC, which was important to her in making her decision.
"Academics are held to a high standard and they are very personalized" Buckels said. "I have perceived the athletics as being nationally recognized and well represented."
Buckels said attending DMACC is a step forward in her future. She plans to transfer to a four-year college or university following her two years at DMACC and will major in veterinary medicine.
"(Attending) DMACC will aid in a perfect transition between high school and veterinary school," Buckels said. "DMACC provides the core classes I need for success."
Ames High School was 12-24 during Buckels' senior season. She finished the season with 116 kills and a .151 hitting percentage. Her kills came from 358 attacks with 62 hitting errors. Her season also included 26 ace serves, four assists, 108 digs and 12 blocks, including seven solo blocks.
Buckels is a four-year letter winner in volleyball and track at Ames High School. She has earned eight Ames High All-Academic Awards and two American Legion Distinguished Academic Achievement Awards. Buckels has earned two Ames Tribune Best of Preps Volleyball Awards and has received all-conference honorable mention recognition all four years of her high school career. She has also been named to the school honor roll throughout her high school career.
Buckels has qualified for the Drake Relays on two occasions and is looking forward to qualifying a third time this spring. She also qualified for the Kansas Relays in 2018 and was a member of three Ames High relay teams that placed fourth and sixth in the state track and field meet and sixth in the Drake Relays.