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DOWAGIAC — After a year away from Southwest Michigan and the game of volleyball, Cadence Knight, of Niles, has signed a National Junior College Athletic Association letter of intent to return to the Roadrunners for the 2024-2025 season.

I am thrilled to announce that former SMC all-conference libero Cadence Knight, after taking a year off from volleyball and attending school out of state, has decided to come back and play this fall,” said SMC Coach Jenny Nate. “Cadence is one of the top defensive players I have ever coached. I’ve had the privilege of coaching her for five years — four years in high school and club, then for one year here at Southwestern Michigan College her freshman season. Cadence was a huge part of our success at the high school level contributing to various conference championships as well as a district and regional title and trip to the state quarterfinals, and during her season here at SMC, she was our starting libero as we qualified for the post-season tournament with an all-freshman team returning to competition after a long hiatus.”

Knight brings experience and leadership to the Roadrunners.

“Cadence knows how to compete and win at the highest level,” Nate said. “We are looking forward to her having a major defensive impact and contributing to our upcoming 2024-25 team as we battle for another winning record and build a championship team and program.  We are beyond excited to have her back on the court for the Roadrunners.”

Knight holds the SMC record for digs in a game with 29, which she set on Aug. 27, 2022, in a win versus North Central Michigan during the celebratory opening day for the 1st Source Bank Fieldhouse. She also holds the season digs record with 548 set that year, and with her return, she has a chance to overtake 2023 MCCAA Western Conference Player of the Year and career digs leader Nikki Nate (808, 2022-23) this fall.

Knight joins newcomers Reese Maas, of Bridgman; Kallie Solloway, of Brandywine; Gia Jania, of Westville, Indiana; Talan Hiemstra, of Marcellus; and Zyon Brazo, of Niles, in the 2024 Roadrunner recruiting class, plus expected walk-ons Alizabeth Van de Putte and Kadence Bixby, both of Niles. The Roadrunners also return six players from last year’s roster.