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Gourley headed to Grand View to play volleyball

WCHS senior a three-team all-NCC selection

Webster City senior Gianna Gourley (front, second from left) recently signed to play college volleyball at Grand View University next fall. Joining her at the signing were (front, left to right) parents George and Kathy and older sister Morgan Gourley, as well as (back) WCHS head coach Jess Howard and Grand View head coach Tina Carter. Submitted photo

WEBSTER CITY — With a highly successful prep volleyball career now in her rearview mirror, Webster City senior Gianna Gourley has made the decision on her future.

Hello Grand View University.

Gourley, the daughter of George and Kathy Gourley, Stanhope, recently signed a letter of intent to head to Des Moines to play for the Vikings and head coach Tina Carter next fall. Her parents and older sister Morgan, a defensive specialist for the Morningside College volleyball team in Sioux City, were by her side when she made it official.

Gourley was a four-year varsity contributor and helped the Lynx post a 66-62 record over that time. Her versatility made her a valuable weapon for WCHS head coach Jess Howard, who used Gourley as a setter during her freshman season before switching her to libero to take over for her older sister.

“Gianna has been a great defensive player for us the past four seasons,” Howard, who also attended the signing, said. “She was an extremely versatile and knowledgeable player on the court and she did a tremendous job of leading us defensively. She has accomplished a lot (for) the Lynx on the volleyball court and I have no doubt that she will continue to grow and succeed as a Viking.”

WCHS libero Gianna Gourley makes one of her 402 digs during her senior season on the volleyball court this past fall. She’ll play colligately at Grand View. DFJ photo/Troy Banning

Gourley earned three all-North Central Conference accolades and she capped her career with a first-team honor this past season. She was the only libero named to the league’s top team.

Gourley earned a second-team accolade following her junior campaign and was a third-team choice as a sophomore.

As a rookie, Gourley distributed 360 assists to help the Lynx claim a conference championship. She piled up 479 assists in her career.

But it was in the back row wearing the gold jersey where she had the biggest impact. Gourley topped 1,000 career digs this past fall and concluded her career with 1,161 in all. She also smacked 135 service aces.

She’ll join a Grand View program that is coming off a 31-8 season and No. 10 NAIA national ranking in 2016. Carter has been in charge of the Vikings for the past nine seasons.

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