Allen Community College’s volleyball program is looking to improve on a disappointing 2016 season and coach Whitney Shaw believes that their most recent addition could be a big key to righting the ship in 2017.
Holly Shinn has been a star for Uniontown during her high school career. During her senior season, she led the Eagles to a 27-11 record and a second-place finish in the Three Rivers League.
“I really liked Allen’s coaching staff and the environment that they have here,” Shinn said. “I really enjoyed coming in and meeting with them and it really seems like my style.”
The Uniontown product said she is excited to be able to continue her career at a local school.
“I really wanted to stay in stay in southeast Kansas,” Shinn said. “I was willing to go farther, but defitely one of my main goals was to stay close.”
Shaw says that the coaching staff was very excited to get Shinn to chose Allen, especially with Fort Scott so close to Uniontown.
“With Fort Scott so close by, we obviously felt like that would be some competition for us,” Shaw said. “It is nice (to get a local signing) and hopefully we get a lot of support from Uniontown since it is not too far away.”
Shinn joins a Red Devil team that will be trying to replace top outside hitter Andi Dowell, who was named to the All-KJCCC second team and first team all-district.
“Holly was definitely a go-to option for her team,” Shaw said. “I feel like she will be able to replace Andi next year. She is that kind of player. She has had a lot of training and has played on a club out of the Pittsburg and Fort Scott area. Developmentally she is beyond (most small-school athletes).”
Shinn says her visit to campus earlier this year really convinced her that Allen was the right situation for her.
“That really factored into my choice to come here,” Shinn said. “Just seeing them and the environment they have, showed me that I can fit in here.”
