Three Senior leaders who have been there since the beginning, seasoned Juniors who are the backbone, with the addition of younger and newcomer additions create the makeup that is the Clayton-Bradley Academy High School Volleyball team this season. These hardworking ladies are looking to have the best season in program history. The results they are hoping for will show up from work that has been put in over years of being together, early 6am practices and playing against some of the best this area has to offer.
Athletic Director Grant Redmond shared what he believes about this team, "Coach Whitecotton cares so much for these young women and they care so much for each other as well. They work hard and communicate well. Being independent this year gave them the flexibility to create a schedule that was both challenging and gave them opportunities to show how good they have become. People around this area have changed their tune from, 'They're just young and inexperienced,' to, 'They are challenging us now.' Their leadership is the best we have of any high school team on campus right now. I cannot wait to see them on the court."
We asked Head Coach Nicole Whitecotton and Assistant Coach Hannah Hagler what they thought about the season:
Coach Whitecotton:
What are you looking forward to this year?
I think the team is stronger than ever. Our setting has improved drastically, so I think we will be able to showcase our hitting skills more often in games. It is sure to be exciting!
What are the goals that you have for your team?
Communication! Honestly, as a team we tend to internalize every mistake then we become introspective. We need to leave each play in the past, continue strong communication on the court, and fight for each point while playing as a team.
What is a challenge that you believe that your team will have to step up to complete?
Stamina. We need to play just as hard for our last point as our first point. I want them to work hard to find that within themselves and help their teammates reach that point.
Are there some things in particular that you are focusing on for yourself and your teams this year?
We're just keeping our chins up during this hard time. My favorite thing about volleyball season is just spending time with my amazing team. I love being on the court with them- practice, games, scrimmage...whatever we're doing it is my favorite time of day! Since we're dealing with things outside our control this year, we have to focus on the GOOD and remind ourselves that we are still, indeed, blessed to be Blazers.
Are there any particular student athletes that you believe are poised for breakout years that you would like to mention?
Goodness...definitely Shelby McNeal. I can't wait for you to see her play her outside hits this year. Shew... Izzy Miya has been ROCKING her sets so we're able to focus on hitting skills. Also, shout out to Hannah Robbins and Riley Whitecotton in middle. They're owning that short set/snap in a way that I've never seen. Samantha Cheek is going after and receiving the ball in her position at a new level. Such an exciting year! I could literally go on about how half the team has been nailing jump serves, our defensive specialist line-up is stronger than it has ever been...I. Am. Stoked.
What are your thoughts on competing during this time and what are you doing to make it as fun and safe as possible with these guidelines? I think it is to make the safety stuff about the procedure and not fear. The team has owned the changes. We have always worked together in everything we do- since day one, no one leaves until everything is done, no one gets a drink until the whole team is done with the drill, and everyone cheers when someone does something spectacular. We're all in this together, and at a time when many feel alone, it has been wonderful to have my Blazers together.
Why should people watch your team play? They'll want to see the magic! We really are putting all the pieces together this year. This is what our fans have been waiting for.
Any general thoughts or general statements that you would like to share with people? Stay strong! Pray for our community that we'll see changes that can get us all together in the gym before the end of the season. Pray that our seniors feel loved and appreciated in this unprecedented time as they finish 5 years of playing for me strong, happy, and satisfied.
Coach Hagler:
What are you looking forward to this year?
Seeing the tremendous growth our girls made last year, I am so excited to see just how much they grow this year.
Are there some things in particular that you are focusing on for yourself and your teams this year?
Growth mindset. Having a healthy headspace is so important for anyone, but especially for a team. When our girls set their minds to something, they blow us away with incredible hits, passes, communication and overall teamwork. Working on having a healthy headspace/mindset in and off the court is my focus this season.
Why should people come watch your team play? / Any general thoughts or general statements that you would like to share with people?
Our girls are more than just a volleyball team. The beautiful thing about them is they are truly a family, and it shows during games. They are consistently giving each other encouragement and motivation during games, which is powerful to watch. They have each others' backs. They also know for to have fun and enjoy the game. Last season it was an absolute privilege to work with these girls and build deeper relationships with them - I cannot wait to see how they grow this year.
Make sure to support these ladies, during their 14 match season, by watching them live online, encouraging them about their work and play when you see them and come cheer them on in person when that opportunity comes.
Go Blazers!