By Mike Gallagher
Sports Writer
NORTH BRANCH — Laura Willson has had a stellar career as a North Branch volleyball player. Willson, a 2014 Michigan Miss Volleyball finalist, now looks to continue her outstanding play as a Central Michigan Chippewa.
“It was kind of a long process,” Willson said on Thursday after signing a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at CMU.
“Some of the colleges I had offers from, I wasn’t really interested in, but Central came along and it felt like home,” Willson said. “I liked all of the girls on the team, and the coaching staff, and it was all around just a great atmosphere.”
Willson was considering offers from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Arizona State, Central Arkansas and Wayne State before choosing Central.
Willson was a four-year starter on the North Branch volleyball team, and has earned many accolades. During her tenure, Wilson led North Branch to three Tri-Valley Conference East Division titles, four district titles, three regional titles, and most recently a state championship this season.
Willson blocks a shot during a State Semifinal match against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep.
But when Willson looks back on her career she will cherish the relationships she made with her teammates.
“Definitely my favorite moments during my four years here have been building relationships with the girls on the team,” Willson said. “We are all like family, and especially winning states together my senior year was a great way to go out.”
Willson finishes high school with career totals of 365 aces, 2,442 kills, 248 blocks and1,254 digs. She was also named first-team all-state twice, and second team once. She is just the ninth individual at North Branch to earn a Division 1 scholarship in the past 15 years.
“Laura is probably the best hitter I have coached in my 28 years of coaching volleyball,” said North Branch volleyball coach and Athletic Director Jim Fish. “I will never forget the state championship final point where Laura had three consecutive swings to win the title and she was not going to be denied.”
Willson now plays for Central Michigan coach Erik Olson.
“We are very excited to welcome Laura, and I think she will be a critical addition to our program as we work to get our program back to a high level that we expect,” said Olson in a press release. “She has a nice arm with great control. She understands how to work a court with her shot selections.”
Willson is looking forward to playing for Olson.
“He’s very understanding, and good at explaining things,” said Willson. “He’s great, and I like him a lot.”
Willson will play the front row for the Chippewas after playing all of the postitions on the court for North Branch. “There will be bigger blocks, and the game is going to be a lot faster tempo, but I am just going to go out and do my best,” Wilson said.
“The North Branch volleyball coaching staff and volleyball family wish Laura good luck in her career at Central Michigan,” Fish said. “We are all very proud.”