Ridgewood's Sidney Hains signs with Capital

Ridgewood High School senior Sidney Hains signed a college letter of intent to play volleyball for Capital University.

"I've been around volleyball since I was 11 years old,” she said. “Growing up in the gym, I'm not seeing myself doing anything else besides this. I couldn't imagine myself not loving it. It's been a part of me for so long. I fell in love with it immediately. I have two older brothers that both play football. One is at Capital right now, so I'll get a year with him at Capital.

"I am really excited to be going into college. Everyone says don't let high school go by, but I'm ready. I am grateful for my family and all my friends supporting me through all of this and coach Maddie Wentz at Capital for giving me a chance. "

“I think in the fourth grade she started as a manager for the high school team in the gym," her mom Amanda Hains said. "She has been very fortunate with previous coaches getting her around the program. She played Junior Olympic Volleyball at Kids America from seventh grade on up. She has always wanted to do this. This has always been her true love. She has played other sports, but nothing has come close.

"She is excited to move up to the next level. She is going to Capital for volleyball, and her brother is a senior there playing football. So it already feels like home to her, and having big brother at the campus makes Mom feel a little more comfortable too. She is a very strong, independent young lady, so I have no worries that she will be able to take care of herself.”

Sidney's dad Tyler Hains said, “I am extremely proud of her. She has overcome a lot of adversity her senior year. She has pushed through things and accomplished a lot of good things. We have been a sports-oriented family. Both of her brothers went to college and played football, and now she is going to play volleyball. I'm very proud."