Forman chooses Geoducks
Thursday, March 9, 2006 7:25 AM PST
By Ben Zimmerman
Printable version
E-mail this articleThe Evergreen State College volleyball program was looking for a "sparkplug," head coach Bill Lash said.
Listening to teammates, friends, teachers and coaches testify about how Annie Forman has brightened their lives, it was no mystery why Lash signed the R.A. Long senior to play for his Geoducks next fall.
At a standing-room-only gathering in the RAL faculty room Wednesday, Forman signed a letter of intent to play for Evergreen. The three-sport standout and student-body president at R.A. Long will be a defensive specialist for the Geoducks, and focus on environmental science academically.
Forman was accepted at Evergreen, Humboldt State and Whitworth. She chose the Olympia four-year school for the volleyball opportunities it could offer, and because her visits there and interactions with students and staff felt right.
"I loved everything about it," Forman said.
RAL athletic director Ty Morris, Lumberjills volleyball and basketball coach Jennifer Godinho, Cowlitz Volleyball Club director Bill Marshall, and Forman's parents, Jeanette and Matthew Forman, were among the adults who spoke at the signing party.
Several of Forman's friends tearfully expressed how proud they were to know her.
"All my friends were here," said Forman. "We're a family. I think we're just realizing that we're graduating very soon."
Lash, who attended the ceremony, is excited about his RAL signee.
"We have a great need for a defensive specialist," he said. "Annie more than exceeds our need. Every team needs a sparkplug, someone who ignites the team. Annie fits that role."
Lash heard about Forman a year ago and saw her play soon after. She visited an open gym at Evergreen and Lash's assistant, Stephanie Short-Gleason, approached him after watching Forman work out with the team.
"She told me that if I didn't sign her, I'm crazy," Lash said.
Forman has a 3.60 grade point average and is heavily involved in extracurricular activities at R.A. Long. She was named to the Greater St. Helens 3A League second team for the league- and district-champion Jills in volleyball, and competes in basketball and golf. Forman was also junior class president before being elected student-body president.
She also participates in theatre, honor society, natural helpers and the school newspaper.
"She's a leader in all of her activities," noted Godinho. "Not just a member."
"I like the idea that she is into other things besides volleyball," said Lash. "It is nice to sign a player who is coming to school for school, not just volleyball."
Several of Forman's teachers praised her passion for social justice, intellectual honesty, curiosity and zest for learning. Godinho mentioned that Forman organized a fund-raiser for victims of Hurricane Katrina and a "bike to school day" to bring attention to the United States' dependency on foreign oil.
"Annie is a real person," said Marshall. "Whatever a geoduck is, she's going to be a good one."
"The most important thing about Annie is that she has heart," RAL drama teacher Dana Brown added. "She has a genuine affection for whatever she does."
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