Kheala Roberts signs a scholarship with Wallace State Community College Wednesday afternoon.Seated with Roberts is WSCC coach Randy Daniel. Standing behind her are DHS principal Pat Smith, Roberts’ mom, Carol Craig, and DHS assistant volleyball coach “T.K.” Kinney. | Brent Maze

Kheala Roberts will be continuing her volleyball career next year, after she signed a letter of intent to play volleyball at Wallace State Community College Wednesday afternoon in the Danville High School library.

The 6-1 Danville senior spent just one season with the Lady Hawks after she transferred from Lawrence County High School, but she said it was a memorable season for her.

“It’s been a great experience for me this year,” Roberts said. “I’ve really developed a great relationship with my teammates. I couldn’t have asked for more.”

In particular, Roberts has a close friendship with her partner in the middle, Sydni Shelton.

“We’ve played club ball together and we’ve gotten really close,” Roberts said. “We push each other to get better through. She’s a great teammate and a great player.”

Wallace State head coach Randy Daniel, who attended the signing Wednesday, said he will use her at her natural position, middle hitter. He also had the opportunity to coach Roberts with the Smith Lake Volleyball Club.

“She’s not just a great player, but a great person,” Daniel said. “I’ve gotten to know both Kheala and her mom when I coached her for a couple of seasons. They are both great people and that’s something that I look for.

“Kheala is only now beginning to reach her potential as a player.”

Roberts helped the Lady Hawks win the Morgan County Championship, the area championship and then advance to Elite Eight again. This was her third individual trip to the state tournament.

Roberts said part of the reason why she chose to sign with Wallace is due to its nursing program.

“T want to go in and study nursing,” Roberts said. “I want to be a missionary one day, but my mom told me that I needed to get a degree in something first. So I chose to go into nursing.

“My friends and family have always been great of me. Even my friends back in Moulton are still supportive of me. My mom and my grandmother have helped me so much. And (head coach Spencer Cole) pushed me and was able to get me to play my very best.”