Palm Springs High School graduate Ciara Richards is embarking on her next volleyball adventure.

The 2012 Palm Springs High School grad heads to Auburn University this week where she will play for the Tigers’ volleyball team. The all-Desert Valley League player, who helped lead the Indians to three consecutive Final Four appearances in CIF, received a full scholarship to play for the Alabama school.

On Tuesday night, a gathering at Big Mama’s Soul Food — with all the southern-style fixins’ — was enjoyed by her family, friends and teammates. She is seen here with her parents, Ted and Diana. 

At the event, Ciara was also presented the National Scouting Report’s SoCal Athlete of the Year award by NSR rep Cliff Weeks for her outstanding academic and athletic achievements.

Auburn’s first game is Aug. 24 vs. the defending Mid-American Conference champs from Central Michigan. The event is a tournament weekend in Green Bay.

Richards doesn’t know what her role will be with the team yet, but is certain to be an integral part with her balanced skills. She says she is scheduled to travel with the team to the first event.

Richards also played club volleyball for the Desert Sports Center Volleyball Club and the nationally-ranked Rancho Valley 18 Premier team. At Palm Springs, she was involved in ASB and also performed community service as a member of the National Charity League.