Mount Pulaski volleyball standout Alexandra Beckers makes it official and signs with Lake Land

[January 25, 2017]  Mount Pulaski High School senior Alexandra Beckers, a member of the Lady Hilltoppers Volleyball Team for four years, has made her college choice and it fits her perfectly. The senior setter and sometimes right side hitter has chosen to continue her volleyball career at Lake Land in Mattoon, and as a bonus she will pursue Ag Education at a school with a rich history in agricultural excellence.

“I liked Lake Land even before I considered playing volleyball because they have a really good Ag program,” said Beckers. “So when they said they were interested for volleyball, I was like, “That’s the school I would want to go to,” she said, nodding her head with a smile. “Plus it’s super-close to my sister, too.” One of her older sisters, Kristen, lives nearby in Teutopolis with her family.

Speaking of family, anybody familiar with the Beckers family knows they are a large, close-knit group of people. At any given school event, church event or family function you will find the Beckers clan gathered, led by parents George and Anna, and surrounded by grandparents, siblings, and usually a niece or nephew (or two) hanging from someone’s arm.

Last Friday night at the Beckers’ home in Mount Pulaski was no exception when Alexandra signed her letter of intent in front of a house full of family, friends, coaches and teachers. With enough food to feed a small army, every one was all smiles as Alexandra became the first college athlete in the family.

Lake Land is lucky to be landing not just an outstanding volleyball player, but an even better person in Alexandra, who was just named the most recent Student of the Month at MPHS on the day she officially committed.

Coaches Donna Dulle, Ashli Robison and Bethany Dulle along with MPHS Ag Teacher Ralph Allen watch over Alexandra as she signs on to play volleyball for the Lakers.  

Lake Land Coach Ashli Robison is fully aware of what she’s getting and she is quite pleased. What attracted Robison to the talented and versatile 5’9 Beckers? “First and foremost, her setting,” said Robison. “That’s what she’s going to come in and probably make an immediate impact with the 6-2 with a sophomore setter.”

While Beckers has been setting for most of her career, she also got the opportunity to hit from the right side this season.

Robison is familiar with the left-handers hitting ability, too. “Actually the first time I saw her hit was at the All-Star game when I came to watch her play.” Of the wicked left-handed hitter she said, “So I was like, “Oh that’d be nice to throw that in every once in a while.” But definitely her hands attracted me first. I was a setter so that’s what I have an eye out for most definitely before anybody else.”

Thanks to a stellar Varsity career - Alexandra Beckers had 970 assists her junior year and compiled 478 assists, 201 digs and 194 kills her senior year - Beckers signs on the dotted line to play for Lake Land.

Beckers is a wicked left-handed hitter, has a pinpoint serve that is often nonreturnable and she can set with great accuracy. Beckers will fit in nicely with Robison’s plans. “She will actually be my second lefty that I have so that’s even better,” said the Lake Land coach. “I had a lefty that played right side as well last year so definitely between the two and then have her (Beckers) set some, will be a nice add. So it’s exciting.”

Alexandra Beckers is surrounded by her parents, Anna and George Beckers, as she signs her letter of intent to play volleyball at Lake Land.

Excitement was certainly evident all around the family Friday night, but particularly in the demeanor of dad George, who simply could not stop smiling all night long. “I am just so proud of Alexandra,” he said, beaming with that trademark smile of his. Then he added, “All that volleyball is finally paying off.”

His daughter has played the game pretty much since she was a toddler and the entire family has done their time on the bleachers watching her success. It’s no doubt that the family will follow her Lake Land schedule as much as possible because that’s just what this family does.

Alexandra feels the love and returns it. She said, “I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me and being there for every volleyball event I’ve been in. I’d also like to thank coaches Donna and Bethany Dulle for pushing me from the first day of practice to do my best. Without their help I would not have been in this situation. And lastly, thank you to everyone who influenced me to do my best and who helped me get to where I am today.”

Congratulations, Alexandra!

Alexandra with her proud parents and grandparents.

[Teena Lowery]