Fayette senior Sydney Spielbauer made her intentions to attend and play basketball at Hannibal-LaGrange known by signing a letter of intent last Wednesday.

“I looked at a lot of places,” said Spielbauer. “I really liked Hannibal when I looked at it. The coaches and everyone there were super nice. It kind of gives you a small-town feel like Fayette.”

“It’s a Christian college, as well, and I’m looking to expand my faith there.”

After having missed her entire junior year following back surgery, Spielbauer came back strong for the Lady Falcons during the 2021-22 season. Before this season, however, her determination during rehab paid off.

“I actually saw her play this summer in Columbia,” said Hannibal-LaGrange coach Kelly Quiggle. “She was playing in a tournament put on by the Missouri State High School Activities Association for kids that go to smaller schools. I saw her there after coming back from surgery. She caught my eye in her first games back.”

Quiggle said she looks forward to Spielbauer’s defense against the forwards on the inside. “She also has the ability to move outside to guard some of the guards we’ll face. Offensively, we’ll try to get her to face the basket and attack and score that way. She’s got a great shot.”

In three seasons at Fayette, Spielbauer netted 409 points. As a senior, while hitting 31 three-pointers, Spielbauer scored 182 points and pulled down 140 rebounds.

“I’m very happy for Sydney,” said her father and coach Brian Spielbauer. “She’s excited about it. It’s a good offer and all of our seniors are going to go on and do great things. Sydney gets to keep playing basketball which is what she wants to do. She’ll be one of several taller girls there and they’re excited to have a 6’1” guard that can shoot the three, but they’ve just moved the 3-point line back for college girls about a foot, so she’s going to have to hit the weights.”

“I really appreciate all the things my coaches, from my dad, to (AAU) coach Logan and coach ‘E’ (Earl Salmons), who was my other travel coach, who passed away last year. They all believed in me and put in a lot of work, especially after my surgery. They put a lot of faith in me and without them, I definitely would not be here.”