Hannah Manemann Signs her Letter of Intent with the Lady Colts

Hannah Manemann signed her letter of intent to play college volleyball for the NMMI Lady Colts Wednesday morning in the Dexter High School library surrounded by family and friends.

“I think it is awesome sharing this with family and friends,” Manemann said. “Everyone who has supported me from the beginning is here, and I think that is pretty cool. It’s a moment I will never forget.”

Manemann’s former coach Andy Luikens was standing right behind her congratulating his former lead hitter for all her success and leadership she has developed for his program. Luikens said he looks forward to Manemann playing close to Dexter, so he can continue to watch her play.

Shelby Forchtner will be Manemann’s coach for the Lady Colts at NMMI. Forchtner stressed how impressed she was with Manemann being an all around great recruit for NMMI. She said she and her recruiting staff look for athletes who are leaders, smart in the classroom, and are winners. Forchtner said Manemann holds all qualities and will be an asset to the Lady Colt’s team in 2013.

“First seeing Hannah play, I sent my assistant and she gave me a lot of positive feedback,” Forchtner said. “I watched her play at state and she just stood out in the whole class of athletes competing at state.”

She said Hannah was focused on playing at a four-year school, and she and her recruiting staff had begun contacting Manemann immediately.

“She came to us after knowing we could be a good stepping stool for her,” Forchtner said. “We have been successful for the last nine years, and even though we are military based, we have started a competitive volleyball reputation.”

She said NMMI has been successful with New Mexico athletes and she wants to continue that streak and reputation with Manemann. Forchtner was part of the coaching staff that led NMMI to regional tournament four times in the programs 6-year history.

“This offer landed in my lap. I went to other schools, but when I went to NMMI it felt right,” Manemann said. “You know when you go to a school and it just feels right, that is where you belong. Military is kind of scary, but I know I can take it. I just have to believe in myself.”

Manemann said even though this is her senior year, she is staying focused on preparing for a high level of play next year. She is currently the manager for Lady Demon Softball, after knowing she did not want to go out for a spring sport and risk getting injured.

“I have to do summer workouts, and I have to get my head in the game,” Manemann said. “I have to stay focused.”

Manemann has huge expectations and goals for her contributing to NMMI’s success next year. After NMMI, she hopes to move to a four-year school and continue to play volleyball.

“After NMMI I want to play for a D-1 school. I just need that start and push to work towards moving up,” Manemann said.

Refusing to be the Victim

"Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life; define yourself." -  Harvey Fierstein 

I came across this quote the other day at the most opportune time. Before I graduated, I played the "feeling sorry for yourself" card constantly. My mother and I had not had a relationship for years, my faith in God was weak, I was unhappy at work and I was disappointed with my current physicality. Unfortunately, I was so selfish with all this self pity, I could not focus on the positives like GRADUATING early, getting the opportunity to do what I love, being surrounded by great friends and family, owning a house, and getting the chance to make a name for myself in the real world.

I played the victim over and over again, so much so at the end of the day I was not happy with myself. Sometimes you have to look in the mirror and hold yourself accountable and bring back your higher standard. So, I came home to be around my family, to watch my 13 year old little sister grow up and compete in sports. Being in college and broadcast for three years, I missed a lot of her growing up and being there for her and being there for my family.

I use to get sick of the questions people in this small town would ask, like "what are planning on doing, and what happened to your awesome job." I would explain, "I am not sure, and I just left my job and wanted to start somewhere new." I was most definitely lost. I kept explaining, and kept getting frustrated, instead of owning it and believing in God's plan. He told me to go home. He told me to revamp myself. I have done this before in my life during my parents hellacious divorce, one of the most difficult things I have ever had to go through. On top of that, I couldn't go play college volleyball, because I had pushed myself while having plantar fascittis in my right foot. Playing college sports was my lifelong plan, and without that, I was lost. God really tested my faith during the divorce and my future athletic career being shut down abruptly.

In the process of all of this, I have lost friends that I thought were friends, and probably a blooming relationship. I have made mistakes and could have handled adversity better, and am working on improving. However, it's all a part of this process. I absolutely love where I am at. I get to coach young adults and be a positive influence, especially for my younger sister who runs track. All the while, working out with them preparing for my next chapter. My mother and I have a relationship for the first time in a long time, and I am so blessed and thankful for that.

I know I will be in broadcast again. It is what I love, and I am most definitely not giving up. 300 applications is quite the process, and making it to the finals and not getting the offer is a reality check. You've got to keep trying until the place where God knows you should be lands in your hands or in your email inbox.

If you are reading this, you are probably a friend or just nosy haha either is cool. You already know I have an obsession and it's sports, and an opinion about everything related to sports - whether you think it's annoying or impressive. I hope someday I will be back on a field or court doing what I know I am meant to be doing. For now, I get to coach and be a sports writer while being a part of my family business surrounded by loved ones.

In due time, God will place me where I need to be. As for now, I am finally happy. I know it is corny, but this next chapter of my life will be handled differently with more strength, respect, confidence, and trust in God. I will not be the victim, instead I will take responsibility.