The journey ends here at San Diego City College for the 6-foot women’s volleyball middle blocker Darlene Nwagbuo, who has been recruited by Boise State University.
Women’s volleyball head coach at Boise State, Shawn Garus, signed Nwagbuo after being prompted to see a video of her on the Internet.
Garus asked several coaches about Nwagbuo, and then invited the Lady Knight to visit the Boise State campus. He felt she would be a great asset to the Boise family.
“Darlene brings tremendous athletic ability to our team,” Garus said. “We need another middle blocker and look forward to working with her.”
Nwagbuo has inspired many here at San Diego City College, Coach Dede Bodnar said. Nwagbuo is preparing to transition from being a Knight to a Bronco, which she will officially become June 5.
City College women’s volleyball Coach Dede Bodnar believes that Nwagbuo is a phenomenal athlete; she brags that Nwagbuo can touch 3 inches above the basketball rim and has a .692 hitting percentage.
“Very few athletes (at any level) can ever say they have achieved these stats and Darlene has developed into a player who believes in her abilities,” Bodnar said. “(Nwagbuo) has learned when to work hard and use her athleticism to make things happen on the court.”
Bodnar added that when Nwagbuo first came to City College she could barely contact the ball. Now she is the top recruit in the Pacific Coast Conference women’s volleyball league; and that may be attributed to Nwagbuo’s work ethic, drive and determination.
Nwagbuo said she has learned confidence and leadership, through volleyball and her time at City College.
“As long as I do my part, I am capable of reaching any goal,” Nwagbuo said.
She added that her favorite aspect of the game is teamwork.
“It’s not about me, but the whole team. We shine off of each other and get energy from one another. We win and lose together.”
Off the court, Nwagbuo has plans of becoming an athletic trainer and wants to follow volleyball wherever it takes her.
“She is a fighter and a team player,” Bodnar said. “I have loved every moment I’ve had with Darlene. I and the entire knights family wish her the very best.”
