Hardison, Weber sign with UAFS

Two members of the Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) Grizzly Volleyball team have found a new home for their talents.

Sophomores Angelina Hardison and Lauren Weber each signed national letters of intent to play for the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Lions, an NCAA Division II program. They signed the documents during a ceremony Friday, Feb. 11, at MSU-WP's Kellett Hall in front of their teammates.

Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann is thrilled that Hardison and Weber found a great program in which they can utilize their skills.

"We know what both players will bring to their next team, program, school and community," Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said. "Their dedication and love for this place is easy to see. They are the kind of people you want representing you, and they will do just that moving forward to UAFS. They bring a presence of leadership that is believable and easy to follow. Big things lie ahead for them!"

Hardison's stats

Hardison, a middle blocker/right side attacker from Houston, Texas, had 243 kills (1.77 kills per set), a .305 attacking percentage, 33 aces, 83 total blocks (15 solo, 68 assisted) and 316 points earned this past season.

Academically, she had a 3.85 cumulative grade point average for the past three semesters and was included in the 2020 and 2021 fall Dean's Lists and the 2021 spring Chancellor's List.

"Angie's growth as a player was fun to watch," Wiedemann said. "It happened because she was coachable, was willing to do the work needed and believed in what we were doing to become the player she is now. She was very consistent throughout the season, was a presence on the floor and kept getting better.

"Offensively, she earned big points for us, and defensively, she made us better because of her consistency and improvement in blocking" Wiedemann added. "She just put in the work and did her job well, and her teammates respect that. She is steady and determined, and there is never any doubt she is committed to being great."

Weber's stats

Weber, a libero from Nixa, earned first team NJCAA All-Region 16 honors and was named an NJCAA All-American by "Volleyball Magazine."

She recorded 143 assists, 713 digs (5.28 digs per set) and 40 aces this past season. She had a cumulative GPA of 3.88 for the past three semesters and was named to the 2020 and 2021 fall Dean's Lists and the 2021 spring Chancellor's List.

"Lauren holds herself to a very high standard, and achieving anything less than excellent is not okay with her," Wiedemann said. "She came from a high school state championship team, and the mentality she brought to our program made a difference in our team culture.

"Her willingness to move to a new position was huge for us, and her willingness to put in the work to improve week in and week out is a reflection of who she is as a person," the coach added. "Being selfless for the team to change and working her tail off to keep getting better…as a coach, you can't ask for more. We are excited to see what she will accomplish at UAFS and how she will influence that team moving forward."

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, visit the team's website, MSUWPGrizzlies.com.