Kishwaukee's Hohl headed to Penn State

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

MALTA - Kimi Hohl was on her way to the University of Evansville before she received a phone call that changed her college aspirations. Hohl went to Evansville looking to cut down the small list of schools looking for her setting services. On her way there, she picked up her phone to listen to the offer she's wished for her entire life. Kishwaukee volleyball coach Ron Sweet delivered the news that Penn State was going to offer her a scholarship. Hohl immediately turned back home, and accepted the offer. “After years of being told that I was too short to play for Penn State - the team I loved growing up - by coaches, friends and family members, I can finally say that I accomplished my goal,” Hohl said. “Ever since I was in club in sixth grade, Penn State was the school I wanted to go to. It's ironic I'm going to the school no one told me I was good enough to go to. It's a huge chip off my shoulder.” Hohl has had a chip on her shoulder since her senior year at Cary-Grove High School. The top NCAA Division I programs tabbed the 5-foot-7 Hohl too short to play at their level. Because of that, and a lack of interest from the mid-major Division I programs, forced Hohl to change her college plans. That lack of interest became a recruiting coup for Sweet. The Kougars coach was searching for a top-notch setter to bring his program back to national prominence. In the end, it was the perfect fit. “Kimi is a big reason why we were so successful these past two years,” Sweet said. “She's been a great asset, and is one of the best volleyball players to walk into this gym. Kimi deserves what she's received. She's an undersized athlete who plays like she's 6-foot-3, believes she's 6-foot-3 and has proven that at every level.” Hohl's success on the volleyball court brought the Kougars back-to-back national championships in 2006 and 2007. She played unlike her 5-foot-7 frame by winning the NJCAA Division II Tournament MVP honors. She was honored by the AVCA, earning First-Team All-American honors along with teammate Natalie Marsh. And as Hohl dazed at her new NJCAA Division II National Championship ring on Thursday night, she finally saw the final layer of a dazzling two-year Kishwaukee volleyball career. Now, Hohl has a chance to win her third national championship. The Nittany Lions return the bulk of last year's national title team, and will be looked at as a favorite to repeat next season. “After two amazing years here at Kishwaukee and to try and get another national championship at a higher level ... you couldn't ask for more,” said Hohl. “Not that many players have an opportunity to play for a national title. And I could be going for my third. It's just icing on the cake.” The Penn State offer also brings Hohl closer to her ultimate goal of playing AVP Beach Volleyball. “This is definitely a big help toward that goal,” said Hohl. “I want to make that a reality.” Just like her other accomplishments. Daily Chronicle reporter Nick Gerts can be reached at ngerts@daily-chronicle.com.