AJae McKimmey set to attend Central Comm. College next fall

By Scott Bidroski

Another outstanding athlete from the Gordon-Rushville Class of 2023 has made her plans official at the next level.

Mustang AJae McKimmey signed her letter of intent to play both volleyball and basketball at Central Community College (CCC) in Columbus, Neb.

McKimmey starred in both sports for the Mustangs, compiling some outstanding career statistics in her time in the blue and orange.

On the hardwood, McKimmey scored 607 points, grabbed 561 rebounds, and had 167 steals.

McKimmey’s name is littered all over the top ten lists in GRHS history. She ranks eighth in points, fifth in rebounds, and tenth in steals.

“AJae worked hard on her post moves, free throws, and defense in the post. We are very proud of her signing and wish her the best but she will be missed next year,” said Mustang Basketball Head Coach Randy Hurlburt.

In volleyball, McKimmey amassed 178 kills and 53 blocks in her career. Due to two lower leg injuries in her career, she missed her entire senior season and half of her junior season. This, no doubt, abbreviated her career numbers in the sport.

“I am super excited for AJae and her plans to play college volleyball. I am so happy she is going to get the opportunity to hit the volleyball court again after being sidelined her senior year,” said Mustang Volleyball Coach Kim Campbell.

“I believe she will be very successful because she is driven, competitive, responsible, and resilient to bumps in the road,” added Campbell.

She will now turn her attention to becoming a CCC Raider and playing for the program for the next two years.

McKimmey will now be under the direction of CCC Women’s Basketball Coach Kasandra Stoltz.

Stoltz is excited for McKimmey to become a Raider.

“I look for players who play hard, have energy, and a good attitude. They also need to be able to perform in the classroom and have high character off the floor as well,” said Stoltz.

“AJae is a good fit for us. She is a great rebounder and finisher around the rim. She has good size and athletic ability and can shoot outside as well,” added Stoltz.

CCC is a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and is part the five team Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference that also includes Western Nebraska Community College.

They finished the 2022 season with a 14-15 record.