Tampa Catholic Volleyball Star is Going to Navy

She's a standout player on her varsity volleyball team, has a 3.87 grade point average, just bagged a full scholarship to the United States Naval Academy ... and her name is Star Steele.

“I do get that a lot,” said the Tampa Catholic senior.

Steele signed a letter of intent to attend Annapolis on Thursday morning at TC's Crusader Hall, as family, Crusaders teammates, faculty and friends watched. “It meant a lot to me,” Steele said of their presence.

Steele said the Naval Academy was the first school to offer her a scholarship, during her sophomore year. She choose the Naval Academy after considering subsequent offers from Winthrop University, University of West Florida, and the University of South Carolina.

At Annapolis the 5-foot-10 setter will be coached by Larry Bock, who has more victories than any coach in collegiate volleyball history. “I”m honored to be recruited by him,” Steele said.

As for courses of study the academy, Steele is considering human intelligence, biometrics, political and computer science. Military intelligence beckons as a possible career choice, she said.

“I have a really strong work ethic,” said Steele. “I'm athletic, I'm really competitive. It sounds pretty cheesey, but I want to make a difference in the world. I've always really respected those that have served our country. Soldiers are doing that everyday, making a difference.”

Despite her steadfast habit of calling elders “sir” and “ma'am,” Steele doesn't come from a military background. ”My parents are from Louisiana,” said Steele. “Southern roots have always been a part of the way my parents raised me. It's just one of those habits that I have kept up.”

Steele offers the following advice to the junior varsity Crusaders: “Have a good relationship with God, and pursue your dreams.”