Mary Test has wanted to go to William Woods University in Fulton for years.

The Mexico senior discovered a month ago that her ticket into her dream school was volleyball as he made clear on Wednesday at the Mexico Sports Complex during her signing ceremony. Test is the first player to sign for college in RaShonda Willis’ young tenure — of less than a year — as the Lady Bulldogs’ head coach.

Weirdly enough, Test said volleyball wasn’t a clear path forward for her until she became in contact with coaches about a month ago. She said it has been a consideration for a while, since she has played since she was in fourth grade, but initially thought another sport was more of a possibility.

“I’ve been wanting to go to William Woods since I was younger,” Test said. “Originally, I wanted to go for equestrian. I wasn’t really expecting to play volleyball, but it was always an option.”

William Woods head coach Kandace Cook and her staff showed interest in Test recently, and Willis has an idea why Test will have the chance to play on.

“She’s very coachable, and she deserves the opportunity more than anybody,” Willis said. “She’s able to listen and also talk to the younger girls — so be a leader. She’s one of three of our best hitters as our middle hitter. We have a strong left side and a strong right side but also a middle, which is Mary.”

Willis said Test has started both years that Willis has been a part of the Mexico coaching staff, as an assistant a year ago and as head coach this season. Test is able to hit spots on the court and can move around well in different offensive schemes, Willis said.

Test said she has come a long way since she was inspired to play volleyball by her older cousin, former Lady Bulldog Ally Wilson, who was also Test’s teammate until she graduated a year ago. To become a better player, Test said she had to divert a little from her personality and how she would treat family.

“I used to be a very considerate player,” Test said. “As I’ve grown, I’ve learned to communicate louder and use my voice more and be out there with my decisions.”

To grow even more as an Owl, Test said she wants to make volleyball “a game true to herself,” meaning that team goals will still be important, but she doesn’t want to neglect her personal goals and needs as a player.

“I just want to say thank you to my coaches,” Test said. “They were probably one of the biggest inspirations to me. And I want to thank my family because they were the ones that supported me through all of this.”