ARKANSAS CITY – Great Bend Panther volleyball defensive specialist Sydney Unruh has signed a volleyball letter of intent with Cowley College. The Panthers (20-11) qualified for the 5A state tournament with a 25-20, 25-19 victory over Hays High.

Unruh was named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year and is a two-time All-WAC player. The daughter of Gary and Adria Unruh ended with 1,700 serve receptions, 1,600 digs, 46 ace serves, 91 assists and 24 kills in 302 sets.  

“Sydney is a one-of-a-kind player,” said Great Bend volleyball coach Shelly Duvall. “She’s extremely athletic always striving to get better. She’s one of the best liberos in the state. As a coach, I appreciate that she took every piece of information given to her during the season and rolling with it.  She will do big things next year for Cowley County and I cannot wait to watch her.”  

Maxpreps selected Unruh as Great Bend’s Player of the Match during the 5A state volleyball match against Maize South in a 25-12, 25-11, 25-14 state tournament setback. She was named the Panthers’ Player of the Year.

She was Nextech Wireless Player of the Month in October 2019 and holds the GBHS Volleyball record for serve receptions.  

“I learned how important your teammates are and how much team chemistry means for the sport of volleyball,” Unruh said. “I’ll miss the friendships I have made during my high school years.  Cowley College has a great academic program and high level of volleyball. Cowley was an easy decision. I can take what I learned in high school and elevate it. I thank my coaches, teammates, parents and friends for getting this opportunity.”