L’Anse Creuse North junior Emily Nieman will become a Cardinal in a couple of years, but she is not heading off to St. Louis with a bat and glove.

Instead, Nieman gave her verbal commitment to play volleyball as a libero/defensive specialist for Coach Will Stanton and the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals.

Saginaw Valley is an NCAA Division II school that competes in the GLIAC.

Nieman was voted All Region as both a sophomore and junior. She has been the libero for LCN coach Gary Malburg since her freshman year.

“Emily is the best defensive player I have ever coached,” said Malburg, who has been coaching high school volleyball for 15 years. She also has played outside hitter and setter for the Crusaders.

During the AAU season, she plays for the Dynasty volleyball club’s 18-1 National Team. She has competed in the AAU Orlando, Florida National championship tournament, and the Showcase Tournament in Chicago.

A member of the student council, Nieman carries a 3.67 grade point average.