Minnetonka High Volleyball Standout Kate Simington Commits To Clemson

MINNETONKA, MN —Kate Simington still is a junior at Minnetonka High, but on Monday the volleyball standout made a major decision about her future, verbally committing to play collegiately at Clemson.

"I am very excited to announce my commitment to play division 1 volleyball at Clemson University! Thank you Coach Kirr, Coach Unroe, and Coach O'Keefe for this amazing opportunity. GO TIGERS," Simington tweeted, referring to Clemson head coach Jackie Simpson Kirr and assistants Taylor Unroe and Dan O'Keefe.

Simington, a 6-foot-4 middle blocker, was a First-Team All-Lake Conference selection last fall on a Skippers team that went 20-10 and reached the Section 2AAAA semifinals, where they lost to Eden Prairie.

"Kate is 6-4 and is the kind of player that needs to be game-planned for and accounted for by every single opponent," Minnetonka volleyball coach Karl Katzenberger told Patch. "Kate understands that because of the attention she receives, there are ways for her to generate opportunities for her teammates."

Katzenberger added: "Kate is a caring and kind teammate and an unselfish player. We have been very fortunate to have Kate in our volleyball program."

The accolades have continued for Simington in the club season, where she plays for Maple Grove-based Minnesota Select Volleyball Club. In March, Simington was one of several players from the club named to the 2022 Junior Volleyball Association Watch List.

The players nominated are considered among the best in their age division this season and they are eligible for selection to the 2022 JVA All-National Team in June.