Ottumwa -- Emily Sands, a goalkeeper for both Waverly-Shell Rock High School and the Cedar Valley Select team, has signed a letter of intent to play at Indian Hills in the fall.

"Emily brings a great personality to our program," said IHCC coach Stephanie Gale. "She is an outgoing young lady who will fit in nicely. She always has a smile on her face and works extremely hard to be the best player she can be. One thing that excited Emily was the opportunity to compete with players from all over the world. And at Indian Hills she will be joining current and former club teammates."

Sands played for a Waverly-Shell Rock HS team that was the runnerup at the state tourney as a junior and a state qualifier as a sophomore. She is active in student senate, the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and also played volleyball all four years of high school, being named honorable mention all-conference once and playing in the state volleyball tournament.

The IHCC recruit said she chose Indian Hills because it "felt like home." "Everyone at the college was so welcoming," she said, "and I am excited to see what (coach Gale) is going to do with this group of girls in the future. I am anxious to be a part of the team and meet new teammates."

Gale thinks Sands will continue to grow into a great goalkeeper with solid footwork. "I know the defense will feel comfortable playing the ball back to her and playing from the back her reactions are just as good, her speed to make the second save is very impressive. Emily will learn over the next year from some of the best keepers and when it is her time to step up I have no doubt she will be ready and have the confidence in herself."

The addition of Sands to the IHCC roster brings depth to the goalkeeper position and is a sign of the coach's goal to have competition at every position so the players don't get complacent. Gale said she knows Sands will come in with a positive attitude and be motivated to reach the goals she will set.

"I couldn't be more happy with the family support Emily has," said the Indian Hills head coach. "Her parents have made the process very easy and are great to work with. They already know some of the other parents and I know they are happy with the opportunity for Emily and, as parents, will enjoy the ride with her."