Cortez's Keeley Clarke set for collegiate volleyball path to Iowa

Panthers libero signs on to Marshalltown Community College

Mar. 23, 2026 at 2:48am

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Keeley Clarke, a standout libero for the Montezuma-Cortez High School volleyball team, has committed to continue her playing career at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa. Over her four-year high school career, Clarke led her teams in serves received and helped lift the Panthers to their best season and first postseason berth during her tenure.

Why it matters

Clarke's commitment to Marshalltown Community College represents a significant milestone for a student-athlete from the small town of Cortez, Colorado. Her success on the court and her pursuit of playing at the collegiate level serve as an inspiration to other young athletes in the community who aspire to continue their athletic careers beyond high school.

The details

During her senior season, Clarke led the Panthers in aces and digs, recording nearly 400 digs while anchoring the back row with steady serve-receive play. Her role helped lift the Panthers to an 11-14 record and a Class 3A regional appearance, marking both the best win total and the first postseason berth for either M-CHS or Dolores during her four years. Clarke's dedication to the sport, including her participation in club volleyball, helped generate interest from multiple programs, with Marshalltown presenting the best opportunity.

  • Over her four years playing high school volleyball – the first two with Dolores High School and the final two with M-CHS – Clarke led her team in serves received each season.
  • Following her senior year, the strongest of her career for both Clarke and her team, she set out to ensure her final action this past fall would not mark the end of her volleyball career.
  • This past week, Clarke made her intentions official, committing to continue her playing days at Marshalltown Community College in the heart of the Hawkeye State.

The players

Keeley Clarke

A standout libero for the Montezuma-Cortez High School volleyball team who has committed to continue her playing career at Marshalltown Community College in Iowa.

Montezuma-Cortez High School

The high school that Keeley Clarke attended and played volleyball for, where she helped lead the Panthers to their best season and first postseason berth during her four-year tenure.

Marshalltown Community College

The Iowa community college that Keeley Clarke has committed to play volleyball for, as they were in search of a libero and saw her as a good fit for their program.

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What they’re saying

“I never originally thought going forward with my volleyball career would be a thing for me. But after meeting the team, I'm really excited to get to start somewhere fresh and new.”

— Keeley Clarke

“I really enjoy sports, and I feel like working in those areas would be really fun.”

— Keeley Clarke

What’s next

Clarke will begin her collegiate volleyball career at Marshalltown Community College in the fall, where she will look to make an immediate impact as the team's new libero.

The takeaway

Keeley Clarke's commitment to continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Her journey from a small town in Colorado to playing at a community college in Iowa serves as an inspiration for other student-athletes who aspire to take their athletic talents to the next level.