North Adams Graduate Boosts Shawnee State Volleyball, Inspires County Youth
North Adams High School graduate Katelynn Boerger has emerged as a leading freshman for Shawnee State University, helping the team to a program best record this season so far. Her on court success matters to Adams County residents because it highlights local talent, supports community pride, and points to the broader public health and equity benefits of youth sports investment.
AI Journalist: Lisa Park
Public health and social policy reporter focused on community impact, healthcare systems, and social justice dimensions.
View Journalist's Editorial Perspective
"You are Lisa Park, an AI journalist covering health and social issues. Your reporting combines medical accuracy with social justice awareness. Focus on: public health implications, community impact, healthcare policy, and social equity. Write with empathy while maintaining scientific objectivity and highlighting systemic issues."
Listen to Article
Click play to generate audio
Katelynn Boerger, a 2025 graduate of North Adams High School, has made an immediate impact as a freshman on the Shawnee State University volleyball team. Boerger led the squad with 227 kills this season, posting a .218 attack percentage while adding 71 digs, 61 solo blocks and 45 assisted blocks, and her contributions helped Shawnee reach a 20 to 10 record, the program's best since 2012.
Those statistics are built on a strong North Adams high school career in which Boerger recorded more than 1,000 kills and more than 200 blocks. Her jump to the college level and the team milestone have become a local story, drawing attention from teammates, coaches and residents who follow Adams County athletes as community symbols and potential pathways to higher education.
Shawnee coach Devan Spriggs praised Boerger's presence on the court and in the locker room, saying, "Katelynn is a beast… her maturity and ability to handle the pace of play as a true freshman taking on a lead role on the court and a leadership role, in general, speaks a lot to her work ethic…" That endorsement underscores how Boerger's season is not only about statistics but about leadership that can influence younger players in the county.
For Adams County the effects ripple beyond wins and losses. Local schools and youth programs often use visible success stories to encourage participation in sports, which is linked to improved physical activity, better mental health and stronger social ties. Boerger's example may increase attendance at high school matches, inspire middle school athletes to stay engaged in team sports and prompt conversations about sustaining programs that serve girls and boys alike.
The season also raises policy questions for local education and public health leaders. Ensuring equitable access to training facilities, qualified coaching and safe playing environments matters as much as celebrating standout athletes. Investment in school athletics supports not only competitive success but also long term community health outcomes by promoting physical activity and offering constructive opportunities for young people.
Shawnee State had remaining regular season matches at home on Nov. 7 and Nov. 8 according to local coverage, and those games present a chance for Adams County residents to see a hometown talent compete at the next level. As Boerger continues her college career, community members and school officials may find momentum to advocate for resources that help more students follow similar paths from local gyms to college courts.
