Kortney Carney Signs With D1 North Dakota

NDSCS sophomore setter Kortney Carney has signed with Division One Summit League member North Dakota University.

An All-Region 13 performer this year, Carney helped lead the Wildcats to a 21-3 record, finishing seventh nationally in assists per set (10.53) and eighth in total assists (821).

Carney, a Moorhead, Minnesota native that started her career at Concordia-Moorhead, signing with UND represents the culmination of a lifelong dream.

 “Playing Division One volleyball has been something I’ve always been working towards,” said Carney. “With my path not being the “normal” path to take right out of high school. I’m proud to have finally gotten to where I’ve always wanted.

“I picked UND because I saw it as a great opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a student. The support UND athletes get can’t be matched and it was important for me to stay close to home.”

Carney joins current South Dakota State libero Tatum Pickar as recent D1 signees from the NDSCS. Coach Jane Passa believes UND is getting a difference maker.

“Kortney brings a huge wealth of knowledge and experience and love of the game,” said Passa. “She is an extremely great court leader.”

In her one season, Carney helped the Cats win Mon-Dak Conference and Region 13 championships. She also helped Passa reach her 600^th career victory at NDSCS. With all the individual and team accomplishments, Carney believes her time in Wahpeton was imperative to her growth as a student-athlete.

“NDSCS gave me the opportunity to work and play with some really talented teammates that helped sharpen my skills,” said Carney. “Passa gave me the opportunity to play against a variety of competitors at different levels. She also taught me the “Never satisfied attitude” that I will take to not only UND Volleyball but also my education.”