HOLMES TOWNSHIP — Wynford senior Emma Steiger has made volleyball her sports life.

Steiger has had a dream to play volleyball in college. That dream became reality last week when she signed her letter of intent to attend Otterbein University next year.

“Volleyball’s my whole life basically,” Steiger said. “I have always known at a young age that I wanted to continue this career at the next level. Otterbein just felt like the right choice and I’m very excited for it.”

She had offers also from Malone and Bluffton and said it was a hard decision to make between the three schools.

“I kind of just took my time and tried to figure out the pros and cons. In my heart, I kind of knew that where I wanted to be was Otterbein. It just felt like home. I’m so excited to be a teammate with all the wonderful girls there and a wonderful coach.”

Otterbein — located in Westerville — has its volleyball program on solid ground under the direction of head coach Monica Wright. The Cardinals won their sixth regular-season Ohio Athletic Conference title under Wright this year, her 16th season at Otterbein. Wright has compiled over 300 wins for the Cardinals in her career there.

“It’s pretty exciting. I got to see her start as a freshman and see her grow until her senior year as part of the program,” Wynford coach Clara Adelsperger said. “It’s pretty exciting to see developed this season and throughout her career.”

Steiger said she will probably focus on being a defensive specialist due to her limited height but is willing to be a utility player and be used wherever she is needed.

Her high school coach thinks she has the makeup to play at the college level, but it will be more difficult.

“The workload of what is demanded of a college player is obviously much more than the high school level,” Adelsperger said. “That might be an adjustment for her. She studies volleyball, she works hard, and tries to develop as a player and that effort will make her be successful at that level.”

Steiger plans to major in pre-occupational therapy at Otterbein to become an occupational therapist.

“It’s going to take a lot of hard work and I realize I’m not going to be the best on out there when I step on the court,” Steiger said. “I have to earn my spot and I’m willing to do so and I’m excited.”

Steiger credited the support of her family and her club volleyball coach, Jason Miller, with getting her through the recruiting process.