Pictured above are members of the Alabama Parks and Recreation Association’s All-Star state champion volleyball team, from the Haleyville Parks and Recreation program. Shown on the bottom row, from left: Brooklyn Walton, Hope Swims, Gracie Hall and Brylee Henderson. Standing: Coach Ashley Vandiver, Rylee Edwards, Adyson Fralix, Kaileigh Harrison, Ella Vandiver, Elis Godsey, Posey Whiteside and Coach Jayme Hall.
HAMILTON - We are the champions! A champion is not a word that would have come to mind when practice started for the Haleyville Parks and Recreation volleyball program in August of this year. However, the Haleyville P&R All-Star team captured the state title on Nov. 10, in Hamilton. Last year’s team finished as state runner-up in Tuskegee, beaten by Arab. The All-Star team included girls in the fifth and sixth grades. Team members included: Rylee Edwards, Adyson Fralix, Elis Godsey, Gracie Hall, Kaileigh Harrison, Brylee Henderson, Hope Swims, Ella Vandiver, Brooklyn Walton and Posey whiteside. Coaches are Jayme Hall and Ashley Vandiver.
“The road to the state championship was certainly an interesting one. “These girls have learned one of the most important roles as an athlete,” said Coach Hall. “That is the role of importance of working together as a team. We have shared laughter and tears on the road to functioning as a cohesive unit; trusting and loving our new “family” on and off the court.
“Ashley and I are extremely proud of the hard work and hart that each girl has displayed this season. We kicked off the all-star season by winning the Battle of Bear Creek, in Hackleburg on Oct. 20. We finished the season undefeated as ARPA state champions on Nov. 10, in Hamilton.”
The state championship was hosted by th city of Hamilton, with the Haleyville All-Star team facing Jasper City-Black in the first match. Haleyville won in three sets. The second match saw Haleyville defeating Alexander City in two sets. The Haleyville All-Stars beat Jasper City-Gray for the third match and won in three sets against Arab for the championship.
“It was extra special this time,” said Hall. “Last year Arab beat us for the title and we got to return the favor this year.”
See complete story in the Northwest Alabamian.
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