Digger Volleyball Signs Another

In the span of two weeks, Montana Tech head volleyball coach Marilyn Tobin has stayed within 30 miles to solidify her program. And she has done so by picking yet another Anaconda Copperhead standout in the process.

This week, Tobin announced the signing of former AHS standout Kirstin King to the women's volleyball team. Last week, Copperhead senior Korey Krumm inked with the Diggers as well. King, a 5'5" defensive specialist will be studying business. She will be attending Montana Tech this spring semester.

"What I liked about Kirstin is that she is a no frills defensive player; she gets on the court and gets it done," Tobin said. "I like getting kids from (head coach) Joe Mehrens' program, they are a highly skilled and competitive bunch."

King, who signed on with the Carroll College women's basketball program following her senior year, decided on the change after meeting with Tobin during the holiday break.

"First, Marilyn is a great person, she's so much fun to be around," said King, who led the team her senior year (2007-08) in aces (51) and ace percentage (.12 percent) while dishing out a team-high 813 assists en route to a Southwestern A regular season championship. "Marilyn reassured me where I would fit in on the team. Plus, being at Tech and being closer to home is something I really wanted at this point in my life."

King's reintroduction to volleyball began earlier this year when she watched the game she used to dominate.

"The main reason why I chose basketball in the first place was the location," King said of her choice of Carroll College. "But once I stated watching volleyball again, I realized how much I missed it.

"I finally realized that if I was going to be a college athlete, I was going to do something I truly loved."

Now that King is back in what is now her chosen path, nobody could be happier than her high school volleyball coach. 

"I think at the time, Kirstin did what she thought was the best thing for her," Mehrens said. "I will say now that she is a diamond in the rough. Marilyn is getting a great athlete and a great kid."

King was a standout setter her senior season at Anaconda High School, earning first-team All Southwestern A honors along with a nomination to the Academic All-State team. Among other honors, King was awarded the "A" Club girls' Athlete of the Year for the 2007-08 season, a recognition voted upon by her peers and teammates.

King redshirted in 2008 for Carroll, but never really felt comfortable. However, staying active during practice and in the weight room is what had Tobin excited about her new recruit.

"I like athletes who play multiple sports," Tobin said. "When they play different sports, each one has the ability to enhance skills in other sports. I really like that she's been working in weight training, she's a lot stronger than she was in high school."

Tobin also said it will be nice having King already used to the collegiate setting.

"She is a mature person and player having been in college for a year and a half," Tobin said. "Once she suits up, she will immediately bring some leadership as well."