Central Oregonian

Lindburg signs to play at University of Portland

Senior is the first CCHS player to sign, earn full ride to Division I school

Lon Austin

November 19, 2012

Makayla Lindburg is used to being on the big stage.

However, Saturday she was clearly nervous while waiting to enter the Crook County High School gymnasium.

The 6-0 senior, who has been a starter on each of the last four CCHS state championship volleyball teams, waited in the wings as the Crook County High School wrestling squad began their annual Blue and Gold event.

Then, midway through the wrestling, Lindburg's name was announced and once again she was in the spotlight. Accompanied by a sign, a group of Crook County volleyball players, a pair of coaches, and scores of purple and white balloons, Lindburg walked to center court.

However, this time Lindburg wasn't playing volleyball, she was signing a letter of intent to play volleyball at the University of Portland.

"I talked her into signing in front of the crowd for all the other volleyball players in Crook County," head coach Rosie Honl said. "It's a big deal and they deserved to be a part of it."

Lindburg is the first Crook County volleyball player to earn a full scholarship to a Division I university.

"It's a D-One?school, which was important to me," Lindburg said. "They were the only D-One school who offered me this kind of deal. I've been talking to the coach since I was a freshman. I like him, and it's exciting for him to recruit me."

Lindburg added that she loves the campus and likes the school's location.

"The location was important, because I'm a mama's girl," she said.

Lindburg's accomplishments on the volleyball court are spectacular. In addition to winning four consecutive state titles, she has been named to the all-tournament team each of her four seasons. She has been named Class 4A player of the year twice, and it wouldn't be surprising if she were given the same recognition again this year.

Lindburg finished the season with 477 kills in 894 attempts with just 80 errors for a .444 hitting percentage. She was also second on the CCHS squad with 276 digs.

A middle blocker, Lindburg was also one of the team's primary passers this year as well as being team captain.

"Hopefully, I will start right away," Lindburg said. "I'm excited about the opportunity. Now I need to figure out what my major is going to be so that I can be successful at other things."