Published: 2:13 PM, 11/19/2009

Last updated: 11:46 AM, 11/23/2009

By: Steve Behr Sports Editor

By Steve Behr
sports@wataugademocrat.com
Maddi Bakken knew back in August where she wanted to attend college and play volleyball. Three months later, that didn't change.
Bakken made it official Tuesday when she signed a letter of intent to play at Mars Hill. She is the latest Watauga volleyball player and student-athlete to attend the Division II school. Becca King also played volleyball at Mars Hill, and several Pioneers have made the trip to the college to play sports.
"I'm really happy with my decision," Bakken said. "I'm really excited."
Bakken, who holds three Watauga serving records, is a two-time All-Northwestern Conference selection. In three seasons on the varsity level, she's been a part of two NWC championship teams, has a varsity record of 69-10 and was the team's captain this past season.
She holds the school record of 18 serving aces in a game, done in 2007 against A.C. Reynolds. Bakken, who has served the ball 1,028 times in three seasons at Watauga, also has 252 career aces and shares the single season aces record of 108 with Bailey Hagaman.
Bakken said making her decision at the beginning of the prep season allowed her to not only take care of all the paperwork that's required to attend college, but also to just relax and play the game. She led the Pioneers to a second-place finish to Hickory in the new NWC and to the third round of the state 4-A playoffs.
"It's made everything so much easier with the applications and not having to worry about it," Bakken said. "I didn't have to worry about who was in the stands or who is watching me. I know what I'm doing, so I just have to worry about that."
She joins a program coached by Tony Fontanelle, who just completed his fourth season. The Lions were 11-16 overall, 2-14 in the South Atlantic Conference. They lose just two seniors from the 2009 edition and had five freshmen on their roster last season.
Mars Hill returns three juniors and seven sophomores from the 2009 team.
Bakken said she saw the Lions play two times and was impressed with the enthusiasm of the team and the crowd.
"They love the game," Bakken said. "The whole time I was in the gym it was very loud and I can't wait to be in that atmosphere."
The Southeast Regional for volleyball begins this weekend at Wingate University, another member of the SAC. Bakken has a chance to help the Lions rebuild into a contender for a chance to eventually play in the event.
"There are a lot of good schools in the conference," Bakken said. "They're smaller, but they're big about sports, so I'm excited to get into that atmosphere."
Bakken also is looking forward to play for Fontanelle again. She'll likely play middle blocker, where she played at Watauga. Bakken finished her career with 670 kills and 276 blocks, mostly from her middle blocker position.
"He makes things fun," Bakken said. "He's not one of those coaches who will freak out on you. He's very supportive and I'm very excited to play for him."
Bakken also credited her prep coaches Kim Pryor and Pam Greene for helping her develop her skills on the court.
"I owe everything to the Watauga program," Bakken said. "I am more thankful for where I've gotten in this sport and in my life. I owe it all to Pam and Kim and the coaches. Without them, I would not have gotten to Mars Hill."

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