Ooltewah High School all-state setter Gretchen Higdon, the Best of Preps city player of the year last fall, signed scholarship papers Monday morning to continue her volleyball career at NAIA power Lee University.

At 5-foot-6, Higdon said she knew an NCAA Division I career was unlikely, so she ultimately focused on Lee and Shorter College, another Southern States Athletic Conference team.

“I looked at Carson-Newman a little bit, but it came down to Lee and Shorter, and Lee’s the top (NAIA) team in this part of the country,” she said. “I’ve known the coaches quite a while and they’re great, and I liked the religious aspect.”

Lee coach Andrea Hudson said she and her husband and assistant coach, Kevin, “have been talking to Gretchen a long time. She’s an excellent setter and she could be a defensive player. I think Lee is the best fit for her academically, spiritually and athletically, and she’s a good fit for Lee.”

Higdon led Ooltewah to a 59-11 record and the Class AAA state final last season — she made all-state-tournament — and both Hudson and Lady Owls coach Elaine Peigen praised her poise in all situations.

“On and off the court, Gretchen is calm and confident and always in control,” Peigen said of the Ooltewah homecoming queen and “most popular” senior. “She’s a good citizen and outstanding leader.”

Higdon started some as a sophomore and full-time her last two years and totaled 1,503 assists in 166 games, plus 410 digs, 210 kills and 117 aces.