The UNI volleyball team is the beneficiary of a Cedar Valley native who decided to move closer to home. Former Waverly-Shell Rock volleyball star Kinsey Caldwell spent last year playing for UNLV, but despite being named the Mountain West Conference’s Freshman of the Year, Caldwell decided she wanted to be closer to her family.

She chose to transfer to UNI, and coach Bobbi Peterson says the Panthers are happy to have her, especially with a young lineup set to take the court in Cedar Falls this fall. Peterson says the court time Caldwell has is important, although she will have to learn some new things.

Caldwell joined the Panthers last spring and according to Peterson, has only become more comfortable and confident with UNI’s system. Peterson says she is more comfortable now in the offense than she was last spring and she is developing.

Caldwell, whose brother is a member of the UNI wrestling team, says the prospect of being closer to her family played a big factor in her decision to transfer. “I had a great experience at UNLV, I learned a lot and made some great friends and stuff, but being closer to home and closer to my family is important. And just being able to be a part of this program is awesome, Caldwell says.

Caldwell says it’s important to be able to water her brother compete and for him to be able to see her play.

By Jesse Gavin KCNZ Cedar Falls