As of fall 2025, the Sterling College Volleyball team will welcome PHS Senior Chloe Smith. Sterling College is located in Sterling, Kansas, and is home to the Sterling Warriors. Sterling offers many athletic programs; however, volleyball was the only thing Smith was interested in.
“Volleyball has had a huge impact on my high school years. It taught me a lot about teamwork, discipline, and time management. Plus, the practices and games built amazing friendships and memories. As for life, volleyball has given me a sense of purpose and a way to stay active and healthy,” said Smith.
Senior Jersey Crane has grown up around Smith on and off the court. Crane has been playing with Smith for many years and has been able to watch Smith as not just her talent develops but also her character.
“Being around Chloe on and off the court, I can definitely tell she is such a great role model. She’s very good about including everyone, and she will pick anyone up when they’re down,” said Crane.
To finish out her last season of high school volleyball, Smith played for Head Coach Kinley Block. Block took over this past summer and stepped into the role comfortably, but one player stood out for all the right reasons.
“Chloe has something that no coach can teach because it has to come naturally from the athlete themselves – she has heart. She cares deeply about the sport and her teammates around her; she cares a lot about how to better herself so that her teammates can succeed, and she will figure out a way to do what is right,” said Block.
The most important reason Smith has her heart set on Sterling is because of her family history and the legacy her family has there.
“Another factor includes knowing my Poppy played football there added a sentimental value, making Sterling feel like I place where I can continue a family tradition,” said Smith.
Mike Smith, also known as Poppy, played football for the Sterling Warriors from 1979 to 1982.
“She is the first one in our family to pursue her athletic dreams since I did. I am so proud and honored that she is following in my footsteps. I hope her experience at Sterling is as amazing as mine was. I hope she makes lifelong friendships as I did. Me and Nonny can’t wait to watch her play,” said Poppy.
With graduation approaching, Smith will soon join her fellow teammates on the Kansas campus to start her Warrior volleyball journey.
“I am super excited and just a tad nervous about this journey. It’s a big step for me, but I am so ready! I have my passion for volleyball, a great college, and a family legacy all coming together. I’m looking for all the new experiences, challenges, and opportunities that college volleyball will bring,” said Smith.
