Southwestern Community College

DECEMBER 6, 2011, Creston, IA—Southwestern Community College (SWCC) Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Blessington had a busy week of recruiting last week, landing three more top notch players for the Spartans 2012 volleyball campaign.  Alex Duffy of Bondurant, Andrea Kayser of Agency, and Ashley Strong of Vinton will be joining the Spartans volleyball program.

In May, Duffy will graduate from Bondurant-Farrar High School.  She was a unanimous first team selection in the Raccoon River Conference, received special mention all-state, and was all-district for her team.  She has consistently been on the honor roll and serves as student council president, a student ambassador, and vice president for her senior class.

Blessington said Duffy is going to bring a lot not only to the court at Southwestern, but also to the SWCC community.  “It is exciting to add a dynamic player like Alex to our team,” Blessington explained.  “She possesses great leadership and will provide that for our team on and off the court.”

Duffy, who is planning to major in public relations and communications, is the daughter of Andee and Randy Duffy of Bondurant.

Kayser will be a May 2012 graduate of Cardinal High School in Eldon.  Kayser, who excels in multiple sports, has been a four year varsity letter winner in volleyball and received all conference honorable mention her sophomore, junior, and senior years; and received letters in basketball and track her freshman, sophomore, and junior years.  Academic honors for Kayser include National Honor Society, academic all-conference, A-honor roll, and the Dean’s List at Indian Hills Community College.  Kayser volunteers at the Agency Community Center.

“Andrea exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete,” Blessington stated.  “She is a talented all-around player and her quality work ethic will really help our success next season.”

Kayser is the daughter of Matt and Lori Kayser of Agency.

Strong, who will be a 2012 graduate from Vinton Shellsburg High School, plans to major in elementary education/special education.  In 2010, Strong was named second team all-conference and all-district and this year she was named first team all-conference and all-district.  Strong also plays softball in high school, being name honorable mention all-conference in 2010 and second team all-conference, all-district, and honorable mention all-state in 2011.  In her free time she works with elementary students and assists with events at her church.

Blessington is excited about the athletic abilities Strong possesses.  “Ashley has the ability to play multiple positions and excels in many facts of volleyball.  She is an extremely powerful hitter and will be very exciting to watch next year.”

Strong will play softball during her college career at SWCC as well.

Her parents are Scott and Teresa Strong of Vinton.