Schools

Bella Vista's Stepper Accepts Dual Scholarships

The 6-foot-1 senior forward received a scholarship to play women's basketball and volleyball at Simpson University.

Shelby Stepper, a senior from has signed with Simpson University on dual scholarships in both basketball and volleyball.

The athletic scholarships come with no contingencies, said Shelby's varsity basketball coach Gwyn Jackson. The 6-foot-1 forward will begin attending in the fall of 2012.

"We are so proud of Shelby for all the hard work that has gotten her to where she is, and we are excited that she will be able to continue to play the sports she loves," said Stepper's father Chris.

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Jackson describes Stepper as a committed player, both on and off the court. The senior is expected to graduate with a 3.5 GPA, was the captain on her basketball team and a top-five section block leader for her volleyball team. She had 276. Stepper also competed in high school track and field.

"She's the type of athlete that never gave up and kept fighting through," Jackson said.

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Indeed, the senior had miniscus surgery on her right knee in the spring of 2011, in order to make sure she was primed for play the following seasons.

"The way our season was this year, our team was a little dysfunctional and she set expectations for herself and her team, and lead by example," Jackson said.

Jackson believes Stepper will be ready for the transition from high school to college based on student's ability to manage time on the court(s) and in the classroom.

"(She) had some high-level competition," Jackson said. "Shelby is a triple-threat athlete. I think how she was able to balance her repsonsibilities will have her ready for college."

Stepper follows in the footsteps of other former teammates Kelly Logue and Leah Parrish, who have all gone on to compete in college-level basketball.

Parrish, in fact, a player at UC Santa Cruz, competes in the same division Simpson University does, and could face off against her former teammate.

For now Stepper can take a few moments to recollect on her accomplishments as she prepares for the next step.

"I am very happy about what I have accomplished in my sports career, and am very happy that I am able to continue playing the sports I love," Stepper said.


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