SPRINGFIELD – Missouri State added one of the top junior college players in the nation to its 2021 roster Thursday with the receipt of a National Letter of Intent from Manuela Ibarguen, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter at Polk State College in Winter Haven, Fla.
“We needed some depth at the outside hitter position and Manuela provides that for us,” said Missouri State head coach Steven McRoberts. “She is a powerful attacker that will immediately make us more competitive. I’m excited about adding her to the culture we are creating here.”
Originally from Carmen de Viboral, Antioquia, Colombia, Ibarguen was a first-team AVCA All-American for Polk State in 2019, averaging 3.76 kills, 2.65 digs and 0.39 blocks per set with a .261 attack efficiency.
Ibarguen helped the Eagles to a 20-0 start to the 2019 season and No. 1 national ranking for the first time in program history, ending the year with 19 matches with at least 10 kills and a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Division I Championship.
She also added Mid-Florida Conference Player of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year honors to her decorated resume. The Florida College System Activities Association All-Academic Team member is finishing her studies at Polk State in 2020-21 but did not play volleyball this season.
