Abbie Knepper, a 2021 senior at Liberty High School, has signed a volleyball scholarship with Howard Payne University in New Braunfels, Texas. The Knepper family and Liberty ISD held a signing day on Monday, May 3, to celebrate her achievement.
In addition to playing college-level volleyball, Abbie plans to pursue a pre-med education. She hasn’t narrowed down her career options yet but she knows she wants to work in a medical field.
In her senior year at LHS, Abbie was the co-captain and middle blocker for the Liberty Lady Panthers volleyball team, helping to lead the team to the quarterfinals round in the playoffs.
Off the court, she excels academically and is a member of the National Honor Society. She is the daughter of Joanne Knepper and Bruce George of Liberty. Joanne is a Liberty ISD teacher and Bruce is involved with the athletic booster club. Abbie’s uncle, Malcom Goudeau, is a member of the Liberty ISD Board of Trustees.
Her family support was mentioned by Coach Karen Slack when discussing Abbie’s successes both on and off the court.
“Abbie is a smart kid so I know her grades at college will be good, too. She has tremendous support from her family. They push her and give her all the things she needs to succeed,” Slack said.
Slack, the girls athletic coordinator and head volleyball coach, has coached Abbie since seventh grade and calls her one of the most competitive student-athletes she has seen in the last 20 years.
“If I had to choose one of the top 10 females who works the hardest, I would pick Abbie Knepper. She is always working hard, always doing extra, always leading by example. She’s very athletic and can jump 26 inches off the floor. She is quick, very strong and does what she needs to do for the team,” Slack said.
Abbie is the oldest of two sisters in the Knepper-George home. Her little sister, Lillie, plays girls basketball at Liberty High School.
Abbie Knepper is joined by her parents, Joann Knepper and Bruce George, at her signing day on Monday, May 3. Abbie, a senior at Liberty High School, will play volleyball on a scholarship to Howard Payne University this fall. 
Abbie Knepper (center) was joined by members of the Liberty Lady Panthers volleyball team at her signing on Monday. She will play volleyball this fall for Howard Payne University. Pictured left to right are Morgan Vaughn, Katrina Tran, Knepper, Madyson Goudeau and Amanda Dossey.