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DOWAGIAC — As the beginning of the season is rapidly approaching, Southwestern Michigan College Volleyball Coach Jenny Nate has inked another player to the Class of 2024.

Former Cassopolis standout Ryli Burks has signed a National Junior College Athletic Association letter of intent to play for the Roadrunners this fall.

“Ryli will be a major-impact player both as an attacker and as a setter for us,” Nate said. “She is first-team all-conference, was captain of the Rangers, and brings talent, high-level skill, and a wealth of experience from both her high school career and her NIVA Volleyball Club career where she has been a key performer for the past four years.  We are excited to have her on the SMC volleyball team and love signing outstanding, local talent.”

Burks’ high school coach, Kaisha Martin, said that SMC is getting a player who can deliver.

“Ryli is a playmaker,” she said. “When there is a play that needs to be executed, Ryli is someone who is going to get the job done.”

Burks joins Reese Maa,s of Michigan Lutheran; Kallie Solloway, of Brandywine; Gia Jania, of Westville, Indiana; Talan Hiemstra, of Marcellus; Breanna Bara, of Hebron, Indiana; plus Zyon Brazo and Kadence Bixby, both of Niles, in the 2024 SMC Volleyball recruiting class.

The Roadrunners return seven players to the roster: Amanda Jones, Cadence Knight, Carlie Ritchie, Brianna Russell, Abi Marquis, Anna Johnson and Josie West.