South Florida volleyball standout Michelle Collier finished her collegiate career as a two-time Conference USA Player of the Year and third team All-American while becoming C-USA’s all-time leader in kills.

Collier now attempts to start another stellar career as she begins her professional playing days.

Friday, Collier signed her first professional contract with the AMVJ Volleyball Club in Amsterdam.

“I think my playing time at USF prepared me a lot for all that I have been experiencing so far,” Collier said. “At USF, I had to learn a new culture, new style of volleyball, new rules, etc. So I think my time there made me more adjustable to different situations. Also, the good level of volleyball that I played in for five years definitely helps now.”

Collier signed with AMVJ Volleyball while on a 12-day tour of European volleyball teams.

She signed in the middle of the season and will finish the remainder of the season with the club, which can run until the end of March or April.

“The coach from my team is very well-known in Holland and one of the few female coaches still active in Euro volleyball,” Collier said. “She is the coach for the junior national team, and she has played professionally in many places in Europe, including Italy, where the best volleyball is right now.”

Collier’s USF coach, Nancy Mueller, also claims that her signing brings more recognition to USF volleyball.

“Michelle getting picked up by a professional team in Amsterdam makes a huge statement about how far this program has come,” Mueller said. “Michelle is a great player who deserves everything that is currently happening to her. I expect she will go far in the league and achieve all of her aspirations. I know she is extremely happy that she is able to have a job doing what she loves. We are very proud of her. She is a true ambassador for the University of South Florida.”

Due to club policies, Collier could not reveal the specifics of her contract.

“My contract includes an apartment with all utilities paid and a car to share with two other American players,” she said. “The pay is good enough to save some money, but due to club procedures, we are not allowed to reveal the value.

“I can’t tell you how many millions of (dollars) I am making.”

Contact Oracle Assistant Sports Editor Bryan Fazio at oraclebryan@yahoo.com