STrib: Volleyball Sensation Melani Shaffmaster's First Surprise Was Committing in Eighth Grade

[Ignatius L Hoops]

Gophers volleyball prodigy Melani Shaffmaster's first surprise was committing in eighth grade

www.startribune.com

Rachel Blount:

The news caught Hugh McCutcheon completely by surprise, like a wily setter dumping the ball over the net. Volleyball prodigy Melani Shaffmaster — an eighth-grader — ended her college recruitment on her first visit to Minnesota in 2016, giving the Gophers coach a commitment before she returned home to Indiana.

It seemed almost too good to be true, especially after McCutcheon looked at the calendar.

"It was on April 1," he said. "I really was holding my breath for 24 hours, just to make sure I wasn't getting pranked."

When it comes to volleyball, Shaffmaster doesn't fool around. The freshman setter felt at home from the moment she set foot on campus, and she's become an integral part of the lineup just as quickly.

 

[MRJ]

I remember when she committed, it became a big talker in the volleyball community.

Admittedly, I was skeptical. An 8th grade commitment is always going to make me nervous for a number of reasons. But in hindsight, it seems Hugh, the coaching staff, Melani and her family were all comfortable with it.

I'm just glad it's working out for everyone involved.