Highland’s Zoya Winkelfoos, a former MVN Athlete of the Week winner, has signed to play college volleyball at the University of Findlay.
A college signing was held Dec. 18 at the Highland High School Auditorium with more than 40 people in attendance for the ceremony, including former youth, middle school, high school, club coaches and teammates. Her entire family was there, as well as numerous staff and community members.
Winkelfoos said she chose Findlay from among other destinations for several reasons, including its safe, homey feel. "I chose the University of Findlay because it is an excellent school, the campus is very cute and it feels safe," Winkelfoos said. "The volleyball team is very competitive and the coaches and girls were so nice and welcoming. I wanted to go to a school that could offer me a scholarship for all the hard work I put into volleyball, and for all of my academic effort and commitment throughout high school. After many college visits, UF felt the most like home."
In her signing ceremony speech, Winkelfoos said she grew up going to her sister Macy’s games and tournaments. “I started playing volleyball when I was only 8 years old and it has become such a big part of my life.” Winkelfoos said. And she gave special credit for her career and her life to her parents, sister Macy, all of her other siblings, her coaches and her teammates.
Highland volleyball coach Rob Terrill said Winkelfoos had a fabulous career at Highland and that as team captain, she was a leader on and off the court. “Zoya was a three-year starter and to her credit, played several positions based on what the team needed,” Terrill said. “Her 71 aces her senior year led the team and her 196 kills was second, yet her ability to serve receive (more than 500 opportunities at 92%) solidified that aspect of her team and fueled them to the Regional Tournament for the second year in a row. In her three years on the varsity, the teams were 67-10 with three league championships. We thank her for her commitment to the Highland volleyball program and we are excited to follow her career as she continues playing at the University of Findlay.”
Winkelfoos has earned a courtload of honors at Highland, including being named 2022 team captain and being selected to the AVCA All-America Watchlist, AVCA Best & Brightest- First Team and AVCA Phenom Watchlist. While playing for the Lady Scots, Winkelfoos was a three-time all-conference selection and a two-time all-district selection, and led her team to four conference championships, three district championships, and in 2019 Highland was the state runner-up. Winkelfoos also led the conference in aces twice, and off the court she was elected co-president of the National Honor Society and was named to the Highland Fall Homecoming Court.
