Douglass will play volleyball for Clackamas

Katie Douglass wasn't planning on playing volleyball after she completed high school, but she got an offer she couldn't refuse.

The 2011 Sisters High School graduate and star setter for the Lady Outlaws' volleyball team will play for Clackamas Community College.

Coach Diane Bremer made a call to Coach Kathie Woods at Clackamas and told her she had a player who might be interested in playing volleyball for her. Woods called Douglass and invited her to come to an open gym.

Katie decided to accept the invitation.

Douglass said, "As soon as the open gym was over she (Woods) offered me a position right on the spot. She said she loved my hands, my mental focus, my court awareness and my leadership. I was shocked, and then told her of course I'd play. I wasn't going to let the opportunity pass on by."

When asked how playing for the Outlaws prepared her, Douglass said, "Diane (Bremer) taught me to be a selfless player and to play for my teammates instead of myself. She taught me the importance of being mentally focused every game. She also taught me to constantly improve my game and never settle for good enough. This opportunity wouldn't have been possible without Diane Bremer."

Douglass got a tour of the campus and loved the small-campus feel. Douglass received a scholarship that will pay for two-thirds of her schooling.

"Of course it was pouring down rain when I was there, but Oregon City is beautiful and the campus is right next to the river," she said.

Katie will start pre-season in July, which will involve conditioning classes and local tournaments. The official season will kick off in August and continue through November. Clackamas is part of the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC).