FORTVILLE — Mt. Vernon senior Mary Grace Ertel is taking her game to the next level, signing her letter of intent last month to play volleyball at the University of Indianapolis.
Ertel just completed an illustrious career at Mt. Vernon, where she was a varsity letter winner in each of her four high school seasons.
She was named to the All-Hancock County Tournament Team (2012, 2014, 2015), and All-Hancock County Team (2012, 2014, 2015). She received All-Hoosier Heritage Conference honorable mention in her first three season before making the all-conference team as a senior.
Ertel also earned the Marauder of the Year award twice (2012, 2015), which is the highest award given in each sport at Mt. Vernon.
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She won in the classroom as well, making her way onto the All-HHC Academic Team in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
During the course of four seasons, Ertel amassed 986 kills, 899 digs, 158 aces, 112 assists, and 98 blocks. She was an instrumental part in the success the Marauders experienced these past two seasons, finishing the 2015 campaign 29-5 (6-2 HHC) and earning a sectional championship.
“My most memorable moment from my high school career was winning the sectional this year in a five-set match against Greenfield,” said Ertel, who credited coach Eric Bulmahn for being a force behind her success. “In the two years I have played for him, he has taught me so much and helped me improve greatly as a player.”
She chose UIndy because of the “amazing coaching staff and girls on the team. It also has a great physical therapy program, which is what I will be studying.”
The choice also gives Ertel the chance to continue playing in front of friends and family throughout her college career. According to Ertel, her biggest goal going into her first year playing for the Greyhounds will be to earn playing time on the team and contribute to a successful 2016 campaign.
The University of Indianapolis is an NCAA Division II university. The Greyhounds compete in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, and just finished the 2015 season 17-17 (11-7 GLVC), and runners-up in the GLVC Tournament.
Shelton signs with Butler
After verbally committing to the Butler Bulldogs this fall, Sydney Shelton made it official last month by signing her letter of intent. Shelton considered numerous offers, including one from Kentucky, before accepting the offer to play for Butler.
Through her first three seasons at Mt. Vernon, Shelton has accrued an impressive stat line.
A letter winner in each of her high school seasons, Sydney made a splash her freshman year as she helped guide the Lady Marauders to a 23-4 record, conference championship, and a state title (first girls’ basketball state title in school history).
Shelton has been selected to the All-Hoosier Heritage Conference team in every high school season, and is a three-time All-State selection through three seasons (2013 – 2nd team; 2014 – 1st team; 2015 – 1st team).
She was named an Indiana Junior All-Star after the 2014-15 season, and currently holds the school record for scoring with 1,617 points. Through the second week of her senior season, the Marauders have amassed a record of 66-12 (19-1 HHC).
“My most memorable moment from my high school career was being on the team that won a state title my freshman year,” said Shelton.
She cited her father’s influence as a major impact in her basketball career. “He coached me from a very young age and has always trained me, and given me advice. When I play basketball I definitely rely on him.”
Shelton’s choice of Butler keeps her close to home, which is something she looks forward to.
“I’m an Indiana girl, and I want to represent my home town. My friends and family are a big part of my life, so playing at a place where they can come see me play was a big factor in choosing Butler.” said Shelton.
Butler University is an NCAA Division I school. The Bulldogs compete in the Big East Conference, finishing the 2014-15 season 14-16 (10-8 Big East).
