Becoming a Cougar opened up a host of options for Michelle Hammond. Hammond played as a non-scholarship athlete on Ohio State University’s volleyball team last year, but transferred to Columbus State this year. After playing in three games last year, Hammond has become a star setter on the Columbus State team. Hammond recently was named National Setter of the Week by the NJCAA Div. II, as well as Conference Player of the Week in OCCAA Div. II. Several four-year schools have scouted her to come play for them next year. She was happy about the award, but low-key about her success. “That was nice, to have people recruiting me,” said the Worthington Kilbourne High School grad. “Since I got named player of the week, that could have helped, too.” Although she’s playing at a two-year college, the competition is a lot faster than in high school. She’s bringing all the skills and discipline she learned at Ohio State to the Cougar court. Hammond was recruited to Columbus State by scholarships. This is the first year Columbus State could offer scholarships in volleyball, after joining NJCAA Div. II this year. Coach Scott Nichols has used the scholarships to recruit new talent. The Lady Cougars went 27-10 in the regular season, good enough to be seeded No. 4 in the NJCAA District E Championships. They left for the tournament on Nov. 1 In addition to scholarships, Hammond said she’s enjoyed Columbus State’s smaller class sizes and individualized instruction. “It’s a serious college, but it’s also more fun and more laid back,” Hammond said. While at Columbus State, she’s been focusing on her general education requirements such as biology and English. She’s still taking one class at Ohio State, an art class. Hammond plans to study art when she leaves Columbus State. Her artistic interests include glass-blowing and photography.   Michelle Hammond