RAPID CITY - Rapid City Stevens' Kelly Herrmann, who helped the Raiders claim the 2007 South Dakota State Class AA girls volleyball title as a junior, has decided to play volleyball at South Dakota State University next year.

The 6-foot senior, and only returning starter from last season's state championship this season, has helped the Raiders to a 9-1 mark so far this season.

Herrmann said she decided just last month to commit to SDSU, where she plans to pursue a career in education.

Her commitment to go to Brookings is just verbal. She'll wait until after her final season of high school volleyball to formally sign a letter of intent to play for the NCAA Div. I Jackrabbits.

"Probably the biggest thing that made the decision for me was the coach (Nana Allison-Brewer) and her philosophies and her mission. I just agreed with everything she said," said Herrmann. "It felt like I had a connection."

Herrmann is looking forward to playing at the D-I level.

"I think I'm up for the challenge and ready to rise to the occasion," said Herrmann. "I'm excited to work hard and pursue it.

"It's been a dream of mine since I was little kid," she said.

Herrmann is also glad to have the decision about her future behind her.

"I went through the stress of it all last year," she said. "Now I get to relax."

"We all get to relax," joked Raider coach Josh Lien.