Recruitment of Red Cloud’s Mary Nibbe Turning Into a Battle of GPAC Powers

When you are a tall, talented athlete located in a very remote part of Nebraska, it can be both a blessing and curse. Mary Nibbe, a 6’2 junior setter/RS from Red Cloud is a prime example.

Having spent most of her youth and early high school years completely off the radar of college programs, NIbbe went about her business as a three-sport standout that has helped Red Cloud achieve new heights in pretty much every sport during her time there. The problem is, when you’re that athletic and an entire school – and community, for that matter – is counting on you to be a three-sport athlete, it’s hard to find the time to develop your individual skills in one particular sport. 

It’s a two-and-a-half hour drive – one way – from Red Cloud to the nearest large volleyball training club in Lincoln. So, Nibbe goes to clinics and camps as often as possible, but she’s not going to have Division I programs knocking down her door. Her ability and athleticism screams Division I, but in this day-and-age it’s hard to find large schools willing to give scholarships to players that still need a year or two to develop to play at that level.

But, in a state where Division II and NAIA volleyball programs are among the very best in the nation, Nibbe will have plenty of attractive offers, and she’s totally cool with finding a small school that fits what she is looking for.

“Being from a small town, I like the idea of going to a small school,” Nibbe said. “Throughout the whole recruitment process my family’s mindset has been that I am going to college to get an education. Volleyball is a great opportunity that I will absolutely enjoy, but it will come second to my education. So when searching for a college I have looked a lot at the quality of academics at each school. I have especially looked for an advanced science department because I plan to go into the medical field. I also would like to go to a small college. I think I’ll be more comfortable because I come from a really small town where I only have eight students in my class. So small class sizes will feel more normal than classes with 300-400 students.”

Right now, Hastings College and Concordia University, where her older sister Morgan is committed to attend in the fall, are the two schools that have made the top impressions on Nibbe. 

“I have visited both Hastings and Concordia. I really liked both campuses and felt comfortable,” Nibbe said. “I think I will have great opportunities to excel at both schools, it will just depend on where I feel most comfortable.”

Prep Dig has Nibbe as the top remaining uncommitted player in Nebraska’s class of 2019 and the #13 overall prospect.