Merced County volleyball star finds right fit, makes college choice official
Buhach Colony High School senior Maggie Seifert couldn’t stop smiling on Thursday.
Seifert was excited about her future after signing her national letter of intent to play volleyball at the College of Saint Mary-Omaha.
It made the moment even more special that she was able to share the accomplishment with some of her high school teammates, club teammates, coaches and family during a ceremony held outside at Buhach Colony.
“I’m excited,” said Seifert, after thanking the small crowd that came to support her. “Let’s see what we can do here.”
Seifert was named a first-team all-Central California Conference selection as a sophomore and junior at outside hitter for the Thunder. She was named to the second team as a freshman.
Her junior year she was named the CCC’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Seifert also divided her time in high school, participating in swimming and track & field.
“Her positive attitude and great work ethic helped us win so many games,” said Buhach Coloy coach Emili Rivera.
Seifert knew what she wanted as she looked for the right college. She has wanted to become a nurse since she started high school. So she looked for a school that would allow her to join the nursing program right away and play volleyball.
“I was looking for a good nursing program that would educate me and a good, competitive volleyball program that would help me progress and allow me to keep playing.”
Seifert visited multiple colleges in October, including stops at Illinois Wesleyan, Nebraska Wesleyan and College of Saint Mary’s-Omaha.
College of Saint Mary’s-Omaha just stood out.
“It was just the opportunities and the environment,” Seifert said. “Also my sister is in Omaha so that played a factor in the decision. It brought a piece of home into the decision process.”
Seifert, who compiled a 4.02 GPA at Buhach Colony, will receive academic and athletic scholarships that will help offset the cost of school.
Seifert says it was nice to have something to celebrate after dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for the past 11 months.
“It’s been tough,” she said. “Especially the mental aspect. It’s really difficult to improve your skills when the gyms aren’t open and nothing is happening. It’s hard to stay motivated.”
The coronavirus pandemic also impacted her recruiting process. She had a tour of colleges scheduled for last spring that she had to cancel.
All of the frustration she’s had to deal with in the past year made Thursday that much more special.
“To be able to see these people come out here and support me really means a lot,” Seifert said.
