Stallbaum signs with Midland

Ewing senior Sidney Stallbaum will continue her volleyball career as a member of the Midland University team.

In front of family, coaches and friends, Stallbaum signed a letter of intent, Dec. 17, at Ewing Public Schools.

Stallbaum was part of two Ewing squads that qualified for the Nebraska State High School Championships in Class D2, in 2017 and 2018, earning the runner-up trophy both years.

In 2019, Ewing joined Clearwater and Orchard to form the Summerland Bobcat cooperative, where Stallbaum made her presence known as a middle hitter.

The team competed in Class C2, advancing to the NSAA state volleyball tournament, where eventual-champion Grand Island Central Catholic eliminated the Bobcats in the first round.

Midland Head Coach Paul Giesselmann said one of Stallbaum's biggest strengths is her athleticism.

"We're big on recruiting Nebraska girls who are high character, good students in the classroom and are athletic," he said. "We feel like if we can get them in our program, and get a year of training under their belt, then they really learn how to play at the college level."

Stallbaum will move to the right side position next season.

"As a left hander, it's kind of her strong position," he said. "She's a very good athlete. She'll fit in well with our program."

Stallbaum will join Ewing graduate Bailey Schindler, a middle blocker on the Midland squad.

If Giesselmann has his way, he'll be back in Ewing, soon, recruiting more athletes from Suz Funk's team.

"I've known Suz a long time. One thing I admire about Suz is her players are going to be hard workers and will be coachable. She really develops these young girls into high character people who can go on and be successful."

Midland finished 19-10 in 2019, finishing 10-6 in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.