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St. Henry senior Karlee Buschur (seated center) will attend the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne and play volleyball for the Cougars. Buschur signed surrounded by family, coaches, teammates and Saint Francis coach Scott Haddix.
The nursing program at the University of Saint Francis was what sold Karlee Buschur.
But the chance to play volleyball for the Cougars was also a benefit.
The St. Henry senior formally signed with the school out of Fort Wayne on Monday, joining a program that is looking to climb their way back up the ladder in the Crossroads League.
"Looking at their nursing program, they have such advanced technology and such a nice facility. That's what drew me in, wanting a nursing degree," said Buschur. "The chemistry of the (volleyball) and practicing with them drew me closer. Coming down to the final decision, they just made me feel very confident and that I can be myself around them."
The Cougars struggled this season. After opening the season at 4-2, USF was not able to win another game, finishing 4-26 and losing all 18 Crossroads League matches.
Over the years, USF has drawn from Midwest Athletic Conference schools. This past season, Fort Recovery graduate Teigen Fortkamp just wrapped up her second season with the Cougars.
"The first couple times I talked to the coach (Scott Haddix), he said 'You're from the MAC, I already know you're competitive,' " said Buschur. "Teigen and her sister (Paige, who recently played for the Cougars) have that grit from the MAC."
Buschur was a key member of the St. Henry's run to the Division VI state championship match this past season, losing to Newark Catholic in the final to finish 23-6 and taking runner-up in the MAC at 7-2.
In 86 sets this season, Buschur averaged 3.5 kills and one block per set while serving up 42 aces. Buschur was a first team All-MAC selection and second team All-Ohio.
"I think our coaches teach us to be mentally strong outside of volleyball and in volleyball," said Buschur. "I think I will carry a lot of those mental strength activities."
