KFDM COOP Posted April 15, 2008 Report Posted April 15, 2008 Two-sport BH star Rivera opts for volleyball By Michael Pineda Baytown Sun Published April 16, 2008 MONT BELVIEU — It wasn’t an easy decision for Barbers Hill senior Keely Rivera, but that comes with the territory when you are a talented athlete. A standout in two sports, Rivera had the option of playing basketball and volleyball at the collegiate level. While she hasn’t completely given up her hope of playing basketball, it was volleyball that won out at the end, as she signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. “It was really a hard decision,†Rivera said. I even emailed the basketball coach to see if I could play both. “He said no one ever has because the seasons overlap, but he would email my volleyball coach and see.†UA-Fort Smith currently competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association, but will make the move to NCAA Division II in 2009. Rivera joins the program as one of the most productive volleyball players in the short, but rich history of Barbers Hill volleyball. During her career as a three-year starter for the Eagles, she helped lead the team to a 96-22 record overall, 38-2 in district. She ranks first all-time in digging percentage and second in serve-receive accuracy. She ranks fourth in hitting attempts, kills, and digs and eighth in serve-receive attempts. She is also fifth in wins in the Queen of the Hill tournaments and was district most valuable player in 2006 and offensive most valuable player in 2007. “Keely is the kind of volleyball player that you hope your younger players watch and emulate,†Barbers Hill coach John Leonard said. “She was a huge part of our success the past three seasons, and she left her mark all over our record book. “If it had not been for the back injury, she would have ranked even higher.†Rivera was slowed by a bulging disc and arthritis during her career. The pain was so intense at the end of the season, that she figured her volleyball career was over. “I didn’t play club (volleyball) for a while because I didn’t think that I would play college volleyball,†Rivera said. “I decided that I could play with physical therapy.†Rivera’s hopes were further strengthened by a healthy basketball campaign that culminated in an appearance in the Greater Houston Area Girl’s Basketball Association All-Star Game. She scored seven points and added five rebounds, four steals and one blocked shot in the game. “She played with her usual enthusiasm and energy,†Barbers Hill basketball coach John Chancellor said. “There was a lot of buzz from the crowd, because of the way she played.†Hill College showed interest in having Rivera play both basketball and volleyball following the all-star game. But at that point, her commitment to UA-Fort Smith was solid. “UA-Fort Smith talked to me about being a top outside hitter, although I don’t know what that means for next year,†Rivera said. “It’s good to get away and bad in a way. But it will be cool to go and experience new things.â€
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