Cassaundra Rogers moved to the Lowcountry 10 years ago, but has kept her Minnesota ties.
The Minneapolis native and Battery Creek High volleyball standout initially wanted to return to her home state for college. A visit and offer from Converse College persuaded her to do otherwise.
“I got a better offer here,” she said.
Rogers signed this week to play volleyball for the Valkyries, disappointing several schools from several different states.
Rogers, who has played three years for the Beaufort Volleyball Club, created a website during her junior season to promote herself. She then began e-mailing potential suitors and sending her highlight video. Responses began to flow from schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland and New York. Rogers also heard from Francis Marion and Columbia College.
But Converse sent the most correspondence.
“I never really paid any attention to it until I started talking to the coach,” Rogers said. “I realized the school had my major. And it has a really good (volleyball ) program. It’s got so much potential.”
Converse volleyball finished 6-29 in 2009 and were 2-15 in conference play. The Valkyries were winless (0-19) on the road.
That’s the potential Rogers mentioned more than once. A November visit allowed her to meet the coaching staff and future teammates. She said she was sold on the camraderie and campus feel.
The 6-foot-1 standout plays on the right side. She said Converse coach Regina Schantz told her she would have a chance to play as a freshman.
“She told us (freshmen) that we won’t get as much playing time as a sophomore or junior, but we will still see the court, which I really like,” Rogers said.
Name: Cassaundra Rogers
High school: Battery Creek High School
Sport: Volleyball
High school coach: Katie Cox
Position: Right side
College: Converse College
Probable major: pre-med
About Converse College: Spartanburg college’s volleyball team finished 6-29 in 2009, including an 0-19 mark on the road.
Why Converse College: I think the program has a lot of potential. And the girls on the team are really welcoming. The school’s atmosphere is amazing.
Other schools considered: Columbia College, Francis Marion University
Other high school sports played: Basketball
Accolades: Two-time all-region selection, 2009 all-state pick
