Three sign to play volleyball at NPCC
North Platte Community College will gain three volleyball players from Colorado next season. Whitney Chintala, of Fleming, Emily Johnson, of Briggsdale, and Taylor Schram, of Haxtun, have all signed letters of intent to play for the Knights.
"I am really excited about these three players," said NPCC Head Volleyball Coach Alexa McCall. "They have battled each other this whole year, and their careers, and it will be fun to see them on the same side for us. They are all good kids who have come from successful programs."
Whitney Chintala
Chintala, a 5-foot-5 setter and defensive specialist, finished her high school volleyball tenure with 371 total kills, an average of 3.9 per set, 434 digs and 333 assists - 3.5 per set. She surpassed her 1,000th career point mark earlier this fall.
As a freshman, Chintala was the only volleyball player in Colorado to make the 2018 MaxPreps Underclass All-American Volleyball Team.
She followed that up with both All-Conference and All-State honors and a selection to play in the Colorado Coaches of Girls Sports All-State Game.
Her team, the Fleming Wildcats, made it to the final four in the Class 1A state championships in 2018, won the championships in 2019 and claimed the runner-up title in 2020 and 2021.
"We are really excited to add Whitney to our team," McCall said. "She comes from a great volleyball program and family. Both her sisters played for me, and I am excited that Whitney chose us. Her attitude and competitiveness will be a great addition, and I look forward to seeing what she can offer our team."
Chintala said she opted for NPCC because she loves the atmosphere of the Knights volleyball program.
"They've always been so welcoming there," Chintala said. "Both of my sisters went to North Platte, so they were able to give me a real sense of what it was like to play there. I've been looking to go to North Platte for a long time, and it seemed like the best fit for me. I'm very excited to be at North Platte, and it definitely feels like the best place to be."
Emily Johnson
Johnson also achieved All-Conference and All-State honors and was chosen to play in the CCGS All-State Game. The 6-foot middle blocker was part of the Briggsdale Falcons who finished in the final four of the Colorado Class 1A state championships.
Johnson brings to the table 165 kills, an average of 1.4 kills per set, and 54 blocks for a .5 block per set average.
"Emily will offer us some height in the middle," McCall said. "Just in her senior year, I thought she really developed as a player, and we are excited to see how she comes along for us. I think she will be a good fit for our program."
Johnson chose NPCC after falling in love with the college during a campus visit.
"Family is important to me, and it seemed like the team would be a part of that," Johnson said. "I have grown up in small towns, and NPCC has that small-town atmosphere that I know and love. When I visited, everyone that I met greeted me with a big smile and made me feel like I was already part of their family. It seemed like a perfect fit."
Taylor Schram
Schram is a 5-foot-8 setter and outside hitter. Just like Chintala and Johnson, Schram was All-Conference and All-State, was selected to play in the CCGS All-State Game and made it to the final four in the state championships.
Her record includes 471 assists, for a 4.9-assist per set average; 279 kills, 2.9 kills per set, and 62 blocks for an average of .6 blocks per set.
"Taylor is a versatile and athletic player," McCall said. "We are excited to see how she fits. Whether it's as a setter or an outside, I think she will be a good addition. She jumps well and is a well-rounded player."
Schram is excited to move on and play volleyball at the college level – especially at NPCC.
"I decided to choose NPCC because it offers exactly what I need to continue my education and volleyball career while still having that hometown fit," Schram said. "I love how close all the girls are and the overall atmosphere of the campus."
The addition of Chintala, Johnson and Schram brings the Knights to four recruits for the 2022 season.