Sherwood Christian volleyball standout Briana Collins signs with Mobile

ALBANY — Growing up, she was inspired by the beach volleyball tandem of Misty May and Kerri Walsh. That inspiration and her love for volleyball drove Sherwood Christian Academy’s Briana Collins to the point where she found herself Wednesday morning signing a letter-of-intent to play at the University of Mobile.

Collins, a defensive specialist on the SCA volleyball team, had offers from schools such as Toccoa Falls, Brewton Parker and Oglethorpe University. But in the end she chose to play for the Lady Rams.

“I chose Mobile because I had been to several camps with the coaches and I have a great relationship with them,” Collins said.

She currently holds the school record for most digs at 408. According to what the Mobile coaches have told her, she will begin her college career as a defensive specialist on the Lady Rams’ junior varsity squad and will try to compete for a spot on the varsity team.

SCA coach Ashley McClearn believes Collins’ work ethic, dependability and her willingness to learn will enable her to be successful at Mobile.

“Briana has been an incredible asset to the Sherwood volleyball program,” McClearn said. “She is very teachable and goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She is very dependable and will be missed greatly by the Sherwood athletic program.”

Other than playing volleyball, Collins loves to read books and spend time with her family. According to Collins, the family atmosphere at Mobile was another key factor in her decision.

“I loved the family atmosphere on campus and the students were really loving and welcoming to me. I just knew that was the right place,” she said.

Having attended Sherwood Christian since kindergarten, she believes the transition to Mobile will be an easy one.

“I’ve been given a strong Biblical worldview,” Collins said. “Since I’m attending a Christian college, I feel like it will be an easier transition, but Mobile will also help me build on that foundation.”