Signing Day for South Tahoe High athlete

Hard work does pay off, just ask South Tahoe High Senior McKenna Brewer.

The six-foot tall volleyball player from South Lake Tahoe is now headed to the next level and will be playing for Sonoma State next fall.

"I'm so excited," said McKenna as she signed a letter of intent to be the newest Sonoma Seawolf at the high school Thursday. Besides playing volleyball she will also be studying nursing.

McKenna started playing volleyball in seventh grade and hasn't looked back.

"I saw a raw talent in her, undisciplined with a lot of work to do, but a strong girl with an impressive work level," said former STHS Volleyball Coach Dan McLaughlin. "Every once in awhile we saw 'OMG' moments that let us know that she'd be the player she is today." He also coached South Tahoe standout at the Club level.

The Sonoma State Seawolves are currently 19-7 and just captured the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) North Division title. They are headed to the eight-team CCAA Championship Tournament in in San Francisco next week sitting in the fourth seed.

"She can make an instant impact at Sonoma," said STHS Volleyball Coach Kelly Racca of McKenna. "She is not a one-dimensional player. She can do just about anything."

While at South Tahoe McKenna was the middle hitter/blocker. She's also been playing for the Silver State Volleyball Club, a Nevada-based Volleyball. As a 17-year-old she played a level up, against 18-year-olds and that is where she got the attention of the Sonoma State Coach Bear Grassl. He brought his club team to Nevada and saw McKenna play, and soon he was calling to bring her to Sonoma.

"Her off season training with Everett Golberg launched her to a whole new level" added Coach Racca. Golberg is the school's Head Strength and Conditioning Coach.

Brewer spent more time in the school's conditioning room this year under the guidance of Golbert and now has school girls' records in the bench press, 135 pounds, and in the dead lift at 280 pounds.

Racca also credited McKenna's parents for their dedication and commitment. "You are her biggest cheerleaders," said Racca who has both coached McKenna during her two years as STHS head coach, as well as during her two years as McLaughlin's assistant coach.

McKenna's parents, Dave and Leigh Brewer have spent the last six years making sure their youngest gets to her practices, games and tournaments. McKenna's brothers are Evan and Logan, both graduates of STHS.

"She is an amazing kid," said Racca of the newest addition to Sonoma State.

After graduation, McKenna will be headed to Sonoma in August with her first college volleyball season starting shortly after.