Nashville Woman Named to Rockhurst Hall of Fame

By Travis Volz

Cassie (Hitpas) Varel and her family have already made a mark on Nashville’s athletic programs, and now she is being recognized by her alma mater.

Varel was among those selected for enshrinement in the Rockhurst University Athletics Hall of Fame Class for 2023 as a two-sport athlete during her college years.

“Basketball was my favorite sport growing up, but I really started liking volleyball more in high school,” Varel said.

The New Baden native played basketball and volleyball at Mater Dei, and she became a standout netter under legendary volleyball coach Fred Rakers. Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo. did not make her choose her favorite.

“One of the reasons I liked Rockhurst was that I could play both basketball and volleyball,” she said. “I went on to play three years of basketball and four years of volleyball.”

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