Beaufort High's Banner signs with South Carolina State

As a middle-schooler, Blake Banner started playing volleyball to simply get in shape for basketball. Now some five years later, the sport she once leisurely played will serve as her ticket to a free education and childhood dream.

The Beaufort High senior hitter signed a letter of intent last week to play volleyball on a full scholarship at South Carolina State, culminating a process that seemingly saw her doing almost as much recruiting as her college suitors.

"It's amazing to think I just started playing and now this is going to pay for my education and I get to play the sport that I love. But it's been a long process," Banner said. "I probably visited almost every college in the state since my sophomore year, sending e-mails and calling coaches like crazy. I look at somebody like (Beaufort High star football player) Justin Parker and think, 'Man, he's probably got it easy compared to me.' "

But like Parker, Banner's hard work and substantial talent ultimately spoke for itself.

This fall, Banner led the Eagles in kill, serving and reception percentage as well as digs and aces, averaging one per game. In doing so, the senior captain earned all-state and all-region honors while leading Beaufort to its first outright region title in 20 years and its first-ever third-round playoff appearance.

"To be in this position is a bit surprising because I didn't expect to get a full scholarship," Banner said. "I really enjoyed my official visit to (South Carolina State) and bonded really well with the team, so I'm excited to play there next year."

Name: Blake Banner

High school: Beaufort High

Sport: Volleyball

High school coach: Jeni Whitman

Position: Hitter

College: South Carolina State

Probable major: Pre-med biology

About South Carolina State: Heading into this weekend's Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference Volleyball Championships, South Carolina State is 13-19 and 4-4 in conference play. The Lady Bulldogs, who participate in Division I play, are led by third-year coach Millicent Sylvan.

Other schools that showed interest: Charleston Southern, Coker, Limestone

Other high school sports played: Basketball

Accolades: Four-year varsity letterman; Named to SC Coaches Association of Women's Sports All-State team in 2009; Garnered All-Region 8-AAAA honors in 2008 and 2009; Served as team captain in 2009; Named team's all-around best player in 2008.

Qualified academically?: Yes