When Finja Schul came to Western Nebraska Community College two years ago from Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, she came here for a chance to play volleyball and get an education.
                Her time at WNCC was more than that as she also gained new friendships that will be cherished for a while.
                On Friday, Schul became the first of several WNCC volleyball players to sign to continue their volleyball playing as the 6-foot-2 middle hitter inked Friday afternoon with Division II Western Colorado University, which is located in Gunnison, Colorado.
                It was a decision that Schul is pleased with as she stays close her friends in the Midwest while getting to continue her volleyball playing.
                “I picked Western Colorado because as soon as I started talking to the assistant coach and the coach, I felt comfortable,” Schul said. “The teammates were very welcoming and I also liked the community and the town.”
                Western Colorado is part of the RMAC (Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) and finished last season 12-16. Western Colorado plays teams such as Chadron State, Black Hills State, South Dakota School of Mines, Metro and Regis in Denver.
                At WNCC, WNCC helped the Cougars to a 28-10 record this past season and really developed as a player. WNCC finished last season with 271 kills with 138 blocks, 24 ace serves, and 95 blocks. As a freshman, Schul finished with 167 kills and 115 blocks.
                Schul was also named a Region IX South Second Team All-region player.
                Schul said playing that last competitive match in November was heartbreaking realizing her time at WNCC was coming to close.
                “It was really sad (playing that last match),” she said. “I was really emotional in the last game because I knew with this team we would never be on the court together again. But, we have the rest of the semester so I am happy to be with the team and the girls.”
                What Schul will take with her to Western Colorado is the friendships that she has made while at WNCC.
                “I have met a lot of friends that I will keep for the rest of my life,” she said. “I had great experiences playing volleyball. I am excited for the new challenge and the new colors and the new team. I will always remember WNCC.”
                When Schul came over here two years ago, she adapted being away from her family because of her teammates and all the friends she made while at WNCC. That, she said, will be something that she will cherish as she finishes out her last semester at WNCC before graduating in May.
                “I thought it would be harder, but I had a lot of fun with the girls and I found my best friends here and that is what made it easy,” she said. “We had some great memories on the court and off the court with the girls just spending the weekends together, doing all the fun activities. I am just grateful for everything that has happened over the last two years from the coaches, my teammates, and my friends.”