Cleveland Public School - Home of the Clippers

One fast paced with a team working in harmony, the other more deliberate and individual, volleyball and golf skew to opposite ends of the athletic spectrum.

But the two sports came together in the new gym on Wednesday, the fall National Signing Day, when seniors Savannah Meyer and Allison Cink signed “letters of intent” to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level.

Meyer will join the Minnesota State University, Mankato volleyball team as a “Maverick” while Cink will be a member of the Marian University (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin) “Sabre” golf team.  

“Both do well in the classroom too,” said athletic director Rich Kern, who presided over the signing ceremony. “We’re very proud they will represent Cleveland Public School in college.”

Cink first picked up a golf club five years ago. She likes the sport because each course makes for a different experience.

“All the different elevations, all the different greens and all the different breaks and hazards.”

After reaching out to some 200 schools, she chose Marian U, a private Roman Catholic university with about 2100 students. It was one of the first colleges she got a response from.

“I loved the small-school environment, which is so much fun. I loved all the different courses they go to.”

Meyer has been playing volleyball for about eight years. She was familiar with MSU,M and liked what she saw there.

“After going to a lot of their camps and seeing their culture and how they play and the coaches there, I chose it because it was the best fit for me. I sent them some films, and they recruited me.”  

For Meyer, the letter of intent—specifically a National Letter of Intent (NLI), which is used for Division I or, as is MSU,M, Division II academic institutions— is a binding agreement between her and MSU,M, which has offered student-athlete financial aid. This year, November 13 was the first day during the fall that an athlete could sign an NLI. As Division III institutions can’t use NLIs, for Cink, the signing was a celebratory commitment to participate.

Above: Savannah Meyer and Allison Cink

Allison Cink signs her letter of commitment with her parents Connie and Paul Cink watching.

Savannah Meyer signs her letter of commitment with her mom Bree, brother Jackson (CHS 2022) and sister Charlotte (grade eight) watching.

Allison Cink and her family. In back is her aunt Cheryl Bleess, grandparents Bob and Linda Winter and grandparents Sharon and Jim Cink.

Savannah Meyer with her family. To the left of her sister Charlotte is her cousin Logann Meyer (grade two). In back are grandparents Joe and Becky Meyer, brother Jackson Meyer and grandmother Cinda Weimert. Meyer’s dad, Bob Meyer, had a prior commitment.

Athletic director Rich Kern presided over the ceremony.