Courtesy Photo­Image Janessa States

Janessa States of North Platte has been named the outstanding female athlete of 2011-12 at McCook Community College.

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States started every volleyball game for McCook during the season. The 5-foot-9 freshman outside hitter led the Lady Indians with 215 kills and 291 serves in-play (93 percent average).

She was second in digs with 207 and third in ace serves with 15.

States was named to the Nebraska Community College All-Conference team, as well as the Region IX all-tournament team for her outstanding contributions.

States was chosen for the athlete of the year at the college from three women’s candidates representing volleyball, basketball and softball.

States was born without a left hand but it has never slowed her down. At North Platte High School, she was a three-sport athlete, playing volleyball, basketball and tennis.

“She’s amazing. Nothing ever stops her. I am so proud of her,” her mother Kayla said.

States carried a 4.0 grade point average during her freshman college year and was also a assistant supervisor in her dormitory and served on the Student Senate.

She is majoring in criminal justice and wants to pursue a law degree.

At NPHS, States was a three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball and tennis. She was the leading hitter on the volleyball team under Coach Laura Miller. She played basketball and was a member of the conference champion women’s B doubles tennis team with Rachel Southard that finished 20-4.

After graduating from NPHS a year ago, States was a late addition to McCook’s team, signing her letter of intent just days before the start of the season after previously planning to play for Nebraska Wesleyan University.

She decided to become a Lady Indian after meeting McCook coach Natalie Allred in the Sertoma All-Star Volleyball match in McCook during the summer.