Sheldon, Iowa – The first volleyball recruit for the Northwest Iowa Community College Thunder volleyball team has been anounced by NCC.
Eva Stammer of Sheldon has officially committed to continue her academic and athletic career at NCC, marking a historic milestone for the College’s newest intercollegiate sport.
Stammer is a senior at Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School and will pursue an Associate of Arts degree at NCC while competing for the Thunder during the program’s inaugural season in Fall 2026.
“I chose NCC because I know it is a great school and I am very excited to play for Coach Kirlin,” said Stammer.
Stammer selected the Associate of Arts program to position herself for future transfer opportunities. “I chose my program so when I finish here at NCC my credits can easily transfer to a four-year school,” she said. While she has not yet decided where she plans to transfer, she intends to major in business marketing when she continues her education.
She noted that NCC’s supportive environment stood out to her during the decision-making process. “The faculty and staff seem to be eager to assist in helping me accomplish my goals academically,” Stammer shared. “NCC is a nationally ranked school, so going into it you know you’re going to get a high-quality education.”
Stammer received an athletic scholarship, which she says made a meaningful impact. “It benefited me greatly by helping pay for some of the cost to attend NCC, and it also made me feel very wanted on the team.”
A versatile athlete, Stammer has competed in volleyball all four years of high school, playing outside hitter, middle hitter, right side, and defensive specialist. During her senior season, she played all the way around the court.
In addition to her high school experience, Stammer has played four years of club volleyball. She competed with Midwest Power Volleyball (MVP) in North Sioux City, South Dakota; Siouxland Sports Academy; and most recently with NWI Premier Volleyball Club in Holstein, Iowa.
“I think it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to really be a part of a program that’s starting from the ground up,” said Stammer. “It will also allow me to continue my volleyball career.”
Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Mark Kirlin said Stammer’s signing represents more than just adding a talented athlete to the roster.
“I am very excited to have Eva as part of the team,” said Kirlin. “Not only is she a good player, but she brings a positive energy whenever I see her on and off the court. She is engaged, works hard, and interacts positively with her teammates. She will always be the first volleyball player to officially sign at NCC, but also my first-ever signee at the college level. I have no doubt she will be an excellent leader on and off the court and be a big part of the positive culture we want to institute at NCC.”
The NCC Thunder Women’s Volleyball program will begin competition in Fall 2026. Stammer’s signing signals the beginning of a new chapter in Thunder Athletics as NCC continues expanding opportunities for student-athletes to compete, grow, and succeed both on the court and in the classroom.
Students interested in Thunder Volleyball may contact Coach Kirlin at mkirlin@nwicc.edu or 712-344-2987.
KIWA Staff Photo
