Raven volleyball player Stephanie Killins signs with Hofstra 

Photo: Stephanie Killins, front center, signs her letter-of-intent with Hofstra as her parents, sitting, and Raven Head Coach Delice Downing look on.

Coffeyville Community College sophomore middle blocker Stephanie Killins became the first volleyball player under Head Coach Delice Downing to sign with a NCAA Division school on May 11.  Killins signed a letter-of-intent with Hofstra University. 

Killins led the Ravens in kills, blocks, and was second on the team in ace serves.  Killins ranked fifth in the nation in blocks. She was also a first team selection on the All-Conference and All-Region teams this past season.  Killins, a transfer from Panola Junior College in Carthage, Texas, was also an All-Conference selection her freshman year at Panola.  

"They are getting a wonderful athlete," said Downing.  "If she stays on top of her books, she will be very successful at Hofstra." 

Location factored heavily in Killns' decision.  Killins is a native of Burlington, Ontario, a city located between Toronto and Buffalo, New York, approximately an hour away from the New York border.  Hofstra University, located on Long Island, will be about a seven hour drive for her parents to attend games. 

"The other girls on the team and the coaches also seemed like a perfect match," said Killins.  "They are a good academic school, especially in business." 

The Ravens finished the past year with a 20-19 record, deceiving because of six forfeits early in the season due to a roster certification error involving a player who never played in a game.  The Ravens also finished third at the district tournament following regular season play. 

"We had a really good season, we had a lot of fun," said Killins. 

Downing described Killins as a coachable player.   

"She's a joy to have on the team," said Downing.  "I don't think you can fill Stephanie's shoes, but we have some combinations we will throw at teams next year. 

"I wish her all the luck at Hofstra."