Minden, Nebraska — A sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air at Minden High School on Wednesday, as two rising volleyball stars, Mattie Kamery and Myla Emery, made significant announcements about their futures in the sport. While Kamery signed her National Letter of Intent (NLI) to join the Wayne State College Wildcats, Emery made it clear she was all-in for Concordia University, setting the stage for an exciting volleyball journey for both athletes.
Here's ads banner inside a post
A Legacy of Excellence: Kamery’s Commitment to Wayne State
For Mattie Kamery, the signing with Wayne State Volleyball marks the culmination of a remarkable high school career that has solidified her as one of the most accomplished players in Minden’s history. Kamery has been a cornerstone of the Minden Whippets volleyball program, leading the team to back-to-back state championships in Class C1. The Whippets’ domination on the court has been powered by Kamery’s leadership and impressive individual achievements, and her signing with Wayne State is the latest milestone in what has already been an extraordinary journey.
Here's ads banner inside a post
During her four-year varsity career, Kamery set a number of records that will stand the test of time at Minden High School. She broke five school records, including career kills (1,706) and career aces (250). These accomplishments are a testament to her dedication, work ethic, and passion for the game of volleyball. Kamery’s commitment to excellence on and off the court has earned her recognition not only at the local level but also from collegiate programs looking for top-tier talent. The Wayne State Wildcats, competing in NCAA Division II, are thrilled to have Kamery join their ranks.
In a heartfelt message to her supporters, Kamery shared her decision-making process. “Ultimately, I just found home at Wayne with the team and the coaches that are down there,” she explained. “The way they run the program and the school just felt like home, and so I ultimately just decided that’s where I wanted to be.” For Kamery, it wasn’t just about joining a winning team; it was about finding a place where she felt comfortable, supported, and valued.
Here's ads banner inside a post
Her passion for the sport and her desire to inspire the next generation of athletes were clear in her words to young fans: “To all the little girls who have watched me, I hope they were able to see things that they can take from me and, most importantly, working hard to achieve your goals.” Kamery’s journey is an inspiring example of what dedication and perseverance can achieve, and her legacy in Minden will surely inspire future players to reach for greatness.
Emery’s Commitment to Concordia: Building on Tradition and Values
While Kamery’s signing with Wayne State is the culmination of a storied high school career, Myla Emery is still in the process of shaping her future as she looks ahead to her senior year at Minden. Emery, who has been an integral part of the Whippets’ success, recently committed to playing volleyball at Concordia University, an NAIA school competing in the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Unlike Kamery, who signed her NLI as a senior, Emery’s commitment won’t result in any formal agreements until 2025, as she is still a junior.
However, Emery’s passion for the sport and her strong belief in the culture at Concordia have already solidified her commitment. “The coaches there and the atmosphere, they really strive to get the best small town girls,” Emery said. “Just the culture that they’ve built is on love and character and that really seemed like a good fit for me. I knew when I wanted to make my decision, when it felt right, and it did.”
For Emery, it wasn’t just about choosing a school with a winning volleyball program; it was about finding a place where she could thrive both as an athlete and as an individual. The emphasis on love, character, and personal growth at Concordia resonated deeply with her, and she is excited to join a team that shares her values. Emery’s choice reflects a growing trend among young athletes—seeking environments where they can not only excel on the court but also develop as individuals and contribute to a positive, supportive team culture.
As she heads into her senior season, Emery is determined to help lead the Minden Whippets to a potential three-peat in the state championships. Despite losing eight seniors from the team, Emery’s leadership will be crucial to the team’s success. Her ability to inspire and motivate her teammates will be essential as the Whippets look to defend their titles and continue their legacy of excellence.
The Future of Minden Volleyball: Kamery and Emery’s Impact
The signing of Kamery and the commitment of Emery are just the latest examples of the exceptional talent emerging from Minden, Nebraska. Both athletes have left a lasting impact on their high school volleyball program, and their futures in college volleyball promise to continue that tradition of excellence.
For Kamery, her time at Wayne State will provide her with new challenges and opportunities to further develop her skills at the collegiate level. Her leadership and proven success in high school will make her a valuable asset to the Wildcats, who will be looking to her as a key player for years to come.
Meanwhile, Emery’s journey at Concordia will allow her to build on the foundation she has already established at Minden. Her commitment to the program reflects her desire to be part of a team that values character, teamwork, and personal growth. Emery’s leadership in her senior season will be critical to the Whippets’ success as they look to make history with a third consecutive state championship.
The story of Mattie Kamery and Myla Emery is not just about their athletic achievements; it is also about their character, their dedication to their teams, and their commitment to making a difference in their communities. As they move forward in their volleyball careers, they will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes to dream big, work hard, and never settle for less than their best.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Kamery embarks on her collegiate career at Wayne State and Emery prepares for her senior season with Minden, the future of both athletes looks incredibly bright. Their achievements serve as a reminder of the hard work, dedication, and resilience required to succeed in the world of sports, and their stories will continue to inspire fans, young athletes, and their peers alike.
Minden volleyball has produced some remarkable athletes, and with Kamery and Emery leading the charge, the legacy of excellence will continue for years to come. The dedication and passion these two young women bring to the sport are sure to make waves at the collegiate level and beyond, leaving a lasting mark on the world of volleyball.
