DALTON, Neb. — Leyton standout libero Kaydence Haupt signed with McPherson College volleyball on Wednesday morning.

Haupt, a cornerstone of the Warriors' historic state runner-up tournament run, has been passionate about the sport since second grade.

"I have fallen in love with this sport," Haupt said. "It’s always been my sport."

A visit to McPherson solidified the senior's decision.

"The school felt right," Haupt said. "It’s a smaller college, and I really like that coming from a small high school. The players and coaches were nice and genuine."

Haupt plans to major in elementary education at McPherson in Kansas, drawn by the program’s hands-on learning opportunities. She wrapped up her senior season with 465 digs and 33 ace serves, bringing her career totals to 1,170 digs and 51 aces.

“What stood out most about McPherson was their no-nonsense coach (Cory Cahill)," she said. "I connected with him immediately."

For the past four years, Haupt played under the guidance of her mother, Leyton head coach Natasha Haupt.

"My mom doesn’t sugarcoat anything, so when I’m doing something wrong, she lets me know," Kaydence said. "It means a lot because I got to experience this with her, and I wouldn’t want it any other way."

Natasha shared her pride in seeing her daughter take this step.

"To see what they have put in at practice and the games, and all of the hard work and dedication, it means a lot to me," she said. "This is awesome to see what she has worked for is really paying off." 

Kaydence also competes in basketball and track for the Warriors.