Emma McKinney of South Central Calhoun High School in Lake City has signed a national letter of intent to attend Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and play volleyball.

McKinney is the second commitment to the DMACC volleyball program for the 2020-21 school year, joining Morgan Tupper of Nevada.

McKinney said she chose DMACC because she thinks the school is the kind of place that will make her feel comfortable in her first year away from home.

"The campus and classes are small which I am used to and which I prefer," McKinney said. "DMACC had such a small town feel and all of the students and staff that I interacted with were so genuine and helpful."

McKinney said she thinks DMACC is a well-rounded school in which coaches and professors push students to help them get to the next level.

"I see DMACC as a very hands-on school in the fact that all of the staff are willing to sit down and answer any questions you may have and they do their best to help you out," McKinney said.

McKinney said she plans to transfer to Iowa State University following two years at DMACC.

"Going to DMACC first will help me prepare for Iowa State as it is much larger and more intense," McKinney said. "DMACC athletics will keep me true to myself and what I love to do. It will also give me a family that I can count on and spend time with."

McKinney helped South Central Calhoun High School to a 28-15 record this past season, leading the Titans in kills with 371 and in hitting percentage at .304. Her kills came from 816 attacks with 110 hitting errors. McKinney also led her team in ace serves with 70. Her season included 490 assists, 230 digs and 27 blocks, including 20 block assists.

McKinney has played volleyball all four years of her high school career, earning all-conference honorable mention as a freshman, all-conference third team as a sophomore and all-conference first team as a junior and a senior. She was her team's Player of the Year in 2019 and compiled more than1,000 assists and 1,000 kills during her career.

McKinney also participates in basketball and track at South Central Calhoun High School, earning varsity letters in each throughout her high school career. She has also been named to the school honor roll throughout her high school career.