South Dakota Mines

Banks was selected to the Hardrocker Hall of Fame as an all-around athlete. From either the middle or outside position on the volleyball court, she hit with tremendous power. She was selected as an All-Conference player in 1984 as a freshman and repeated her selection in 1985 as a sophomore – adding NAIA All-District 12 honors that same year.

Despite her personal achievements, Banks maintained that her coaching, both in high school at Sidney, Neb., and at Tech, taught her that team sports were about the “team,” and she always tried to play with that in mind. Following her second year, Banks transferred to the National College of Business in Rapid City and graduated following a very successful volleyball career. She credits Coach Felderman and Coach Coble with putting her on a successful career path as an air traffic controller — a job she has enjoyed for more than 23 years.