Web helps Falcon get noticed

West Franklin High School senior Melissa Reed used technology to impress college recruiters.

Reed put a highlight video on a scouting service and impressed Centenary College of Louisiana.

New Centenary volleyball coach Dan Gwitt e-mailed Reed and the two got to know each other. Reed visited the school in Shreveport, La.

The Falcon was impressed with what she saw and signed with Centenary.

“It is a good opportunity,” Reed, who led the Falcons to the 3A state tournament this past fall, said. “I have always dreamed of playing Division I.”

Gwitt was impressed with Reed.

“Melissa is a great young adult with an enormous amount of potential both on and off the court,” he said. “She is a lefty that puts a lot of snap on the volleyball with a great natural arm swing. I look for Melissa to develop other strengths in her game quickly and find herself in a position to be on the court right away.  

“We will be a very young team this year and we look for Melissa to be a big contributor at the Division I level. I know her family and community are proud of her accomplishments, and I would keep an eye on this young lady over the next few years.”

Reed said Centenary will have just one returner and all the others will be new recruits.

One of Reed’s strengths is her ability to adjust to new teammates, which was not lost on Gwitt.

Reed played last summer with a club volleyball team out of El Dorado that traveled throughout the nation playing in tournaments.

“I learned how to play with people that I have not before,” Reed said. “We went all over. I am used to traveling.”

West Frankin coach Angie Corwine, who coached Reed all four years in high school, said the star wasn’t an overnight sensation.

Corwine said each year Reed improved facets of her game.

“You have to put a lot of extra time in,” Corwine said of Reed, who played club volleyball for nine years.

Reed became a dominate prep player as a senior. She was second in the state in kills with 489.

Corwine said Reed not only improved her game, but her leadership skills during the off-season.

“She became a coach on the court,” Corwine said. “She was always helping the younger players develop their skills.”

Reed did not let the recruiting process pressure spill over into her play.

“She handled it very well,” Corwine said. “She took her time. She looked at what was the best fit. They are fortunate to have her.”

Reed was an all-around student-athlete for the Falcons. She was a three-sport standout earning honors in volleyball and basketball. She also played softball.

Corwine said Reed is a leader in school and a good student.

“She is not going there to be an athlete,” Corwine said.

Reed plans to major in business/communications.

Greg Mast can be reached at sports@ottawaherald.com.