Stanford, Hawaii Pursue Strickland

Like a high-priced free agent in the off-season, Chad Strickland is drawing oohs, aahs and offers from prospective investors.

Strickland, a two-time All-American for the Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball team, has received scholarship offers from defending national champion Stanford, Hawaii and UC Santa Barbara.

But Strickland, a 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter stranded when volleyball and three other men’s sports were eliminated by the university on June 11, isn’t quite sure if he is ready to be courted.

The offer from Stanford might be the hardest to refuse. Strickland said Cardinal Coach Ruben Nieves promised him a partial athletic scholarship and a solid financial aid package adding up to a near full-ride.

Strickland received a full-ride offer from Hawaii, which was ranked No. 9, and a partial scholarship from UC Santa Barbara, which finished No. 5.

Some say he’s crazy, but he may just pass.

Strickland, a graduate of Hart High, is eight to 10 units shy of graduation and realizes some Northridge credits might not transfer.

“People are saying, ‘You’ve got to be crazy. Why aren’t you taking these full rides?’ ” said Strickland, a Valencia resident.

“It would be different if I were a freshman or sophomore, but I’ve started to move on into a life past college. I kind of have to go with what my heart is saying and right now it’s saying to stay.”

Another factor in his decision, Strickland said, is the recent recent optimism that the program may be revived with help from $586,000 approved for Northridge by a state Senate budget committee.