An undefeated season is an incredible accomplishment, but back to back undefeated seasons is something really special. The Waverly Junior High volleyball just wrapped up probably the greatest run in junior high volleyball in this region, and the girls, all eight of them, are ready for the next level.
The Tigers were 34-0 over two years, and even more impressive, in those 34 games the Tigers were only forced to a third set three times. Only one of those games was this year, and it was a true test of what’s to come.
“I saw our girls fight through adversity at Wheelersburg,” said Assistant Coach Courtney Gillott.” We played in the loudest environment that I have ever seen as a coach, the stands and pep section were packed. They gave us a great game, but winning in that environment showed the true determination and grit from our girls.”
But, digging deep and working together is not something new to this group. The majority of the team has been playing together since third grade. There is no real off season for this dedicated crew, even though most of them are multiple sport athletes, five of the eight also play club volleyball at a high level in the spring. There is no doubt they are extremely talented, but they know it will take more than talent to reach their goals.
“This team’s dedication and work ethic is incredible at this age. They don’t miss an open gym, practice or opportunity to get in the gym. They have always been dedicated not only during the season, but in the off season as well,” said Gillott.
Head coach Andrea Moore says the bond these girls share on and off the court help create the success come game time, “They communicate and play together as a team so well. I feel like their friendships off the court have built such a strong foundation for them as a team.”
Teammates Cami Carroll and Taryn Gillott agree, the team chemistry is one of the keys to their success.
“We’ve played together our entire lives it seems as we are all friends and have the sale goals and we want to reach them together,” said Carroll.
Taryn Gillott added, “It is great to see that we have put in all this work together and our work is paying off.”
Being the team to beat in the area comes with pressure, but it’s an experience teammate Hadley Ramsey is looking to build on at the next level.
“I am excited to play in high school especially for the opportunity to play against more competition, the SOC is a tough league and it will push us all to be better,” said Ramsey.
All of the girls agree they are looking forward to joining their older friends and learning from their experiences and working together in high school.
“These girls will keep up the hard work and dedication they have always put in, “said Moore. “I know they will do big things in high school and I am excited to watch them in the years to come.”