GRAVETTE -- Shannon McKnight, a senior at Gravette High School, has been playing volleyball since she was 11 years old. She played volleyball for the Bentonville Tigers until eighth grade, then transferred to Gravette High School.
McKnight extended her playing days Wednesday when she signed a national letter of intent with Henderson State University. She received a full scholarship with the Henderson Reddies. She decided to attend college at Henderson because of their quality coaches and her love for the Arkadelphia community.
Also on Wednesday, Shannon said she considered not playing volleyball during her senior year at Gravette, but there's no doubt about her move to the next level.
"I'm just ready to get the ball rolling, move in and start play," McKnight said. "There's a bunch of new freshmen coming in there, so it will be a new start for me and the team.
"I'm not really sure what the coach's plans are for me. When we talked, she said to come and be ready to do what I can. I'll give it all I can, and we'll see where that takes me."
McKnight was a two-time all-conference selection for the Lady Lions, where she compiled 186 kills, 315 digs, 47 aces and 42 blocks. She was named Gravette's most valuable player following the 2014 season.
Shannon, the daughter of Robert and Debbie McKnight, is talented on and off the court. She uses her weekends to compete in beauty pageants and said modeling is a hobby. She says she is looking forward to a successful future at college.
Brandon Ballard contributed to this story.
Sports on 04/20/2016