DAPHNE – All set! Bayside Academy’s two-time all-state volleyball stand out Lauren Reibe signed grant-in-aid papers April 30 to play volleyball at Birmingham Southern College.

“Since I was little, I've always wanted to play NCAA ball,” she said. “Now I can't believe I get to play for Birmingham Southern. I'm so excited.”

After considering other opportunities including full-ride academic and athletic offers, BSC won in straight sets, she said.

"The quality of the education and athletic programs and the whole school completely won me over.”

A big part of the last four of the Lady Admirals’ most recent historic streak of seven state titles, Reibe played as a freshman, started as a hitter her sophomore year then locked in the starting setter spot as a junior and senior. In 2007 she was named the 2A state tournament MVP and named to the 3A all-state team as a senior.

Lady Admiral head coach Ann Schilling has had a lot of great setters call the shots for her on the court and Reibe continues a tradition of playing in the college ranks.

“She’s excited. I’m excited for her,” Schilling said. “I think it’s a good spot for her. She loves the game and that’s what it takes to play at the next level. You’ve got to love it and she does. She’ll do well. I think her best days are ahead of her. She did a great job for us and I think it’s going to continue into her college days”

Schilling expects Panthers coach April Fricke to utilize Reibe’s mobile, quarterback-like instincts on court at setter. "That’s where your setter can win a lot of games for you. She performs best under pressure and she’s seen some pressure. But she’s so athletic and very versatile, I can see her playing defense. She’s great.”

Reibe said there were many to thank.

“I definitely want to thank coach Schilling. She's helped me with everything. I can't give her enough credit. And my parents for all they have done getting me to all the club tournaments through the years. My mom is also a volleyball coach, so I’ve learned a lot from her. And my teammates, too."

She is the daughter of Glenn and Sharon Reibe of Daphne, plans to major in mathematics and go into education. “I want to be a teacher like my mom,” she said. “And I’ve also had a wonderful math teacher, Mrs. (Sally) Ansel and she makes me want to learn more.”

As a junior Reibe was named to the South squad for the North-South All-Star games. She is a National Honor Society and Highest Honors member. As a senior she posted 1275 Assists, 125 kills, 105 Aces, 33 digs and 88 blocks.