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Redhawks Rausch, Sebetka commit to the college court

Redhawk volleyball players Breanna Sebetka, left, and Jade Rausch, right, pictured with their coach Channing Halstead last Wednesday, April 19, in the North Tama gym lobby following both athletes’ signing ceremony to commit to playing college volleyball. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
Jade Rausch, seated center, pictured with her extended family last Wednesday in the North Tama gym lobby following her signing ceremony to commit to play for Hawkeye Community College’s RedTail women’s volleyball team next season. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
North Tama senior Jadyn “Jade” Rausch pictured with her parents Tina and Josh Rausch and her siblings Max and Zoey Rausch last Wednesday in the gym lobby in Traer following her signing ceremony to play college volleyball for Hawkeye Community College next season. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
Breanna Sebetka, seated center, pictured with her extended family last Wednesday in the North Tama gym lobby following her signing ceremony to commit to play for Buena Vista University’s women’s volleyball team next season. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
North Tama senior Breanna Sebetka pictured with her parents Deanna and Brandon Kucera last Wednesday in the gym lobby in Traer following her signing ceremony to play college volleyball for Division III Buena Vista University next season. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER
Breanna Sebetka, seated left, and Jade Rausch, seated right, pictured with members of their 2022-23 Redhawk High School varsity volleyball team. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TRAER – Following a storied volleyball season that took them all the way to the quarterfinals of the state tournament in Coralville, Redhawk athletes Jadyn Rausch and Breanna Sebetka recently announced their respective intentions to commit to continuing their volleyball careers on the college court.

During a ceremonial signing held in the North Tama High School gym lobby on Wednesday last week, seniors Rausch and Sebetka – surrounded by not only their extended families but also their beloved coach Channing Halstead – committed to play for Hawkeye Community College’s RedTail women’s volleyball team and Buena Vista University’s Beavers women’s volleyball team, respectively.

Rausch – a setter with 892 assists this past season – was named to the 2022 All-State Volleyball Class 1A First Team while Sebetka, a middle hitter, was named to the Honorable Mention team.

Rausch said she was also in talks with BVU, an NCAA Division III school located in Storm Lake, Iowa, but ultimately chose Hawkeye due to its proximity to home as well as the fact that her parents are Hawkeye alums.

“It’s close to home, but is still good competition,” Rausch said before adding that she’s been playing club ball already with five of her future RedTail teammates.

Although she is undecided on a career path at the present, Rausch said she plans on attending a four-year college or university following Hawkeye once she decides on a major.

Sebetka said she also considered Hawkeye but ultimately went with BVU because she liked the program more.

Sebetka plans to major in biology while at BVU in the hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian.

“I can’t wait to see them [play] at the next level,” Redhawks head coach Channing Halstead said as she stood between her players moments ahead of the girls putting pen to paper last week. “We can’t wait to watch them represent us.”