Happy Valley MS Volleyball picks up first win in inaugural season

Published 12:35 pm Friday, September 29, 2023

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Ron Marvel

Star Correspondent

The Happy Valley Middle School Lady Warrior Volleyball picked up its first win and for a team that kicked off its season not even sure if it had equipment, that’s a fair accomplishment. Traveling to take on the KACHEA Wildcats, the Jr. Lady Warriors rallied after losing the second set 18-25; taking the final set 16-14 and giving the Warriors the first ever win. The Jr. Lady Warriors were able to take the first set of the match 25-20.

Subscribe to our free email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Down 14-11 in the final set, 6th grader Mia Kendall would string together five service points to push her team to victory. Head Coach Tyra Kendall, who received a scholarship offer from Coastal Carolina, jump started this first season on August 1st with enough girls to play both JV and Varsity. The Happy Valley Middle School was able to partner with Milligan University this season, receiving both guidance and expertise. The team was led this year by 8th graders Graye Jones, Mattie Campbell, Adrienne Lopez, Cady Taylor, 7th graders Macy Kendall, Amila Riddick and 6th grader Mia Kendall.

Coach Kendall shared her experiences starting a new program.” I’m so very proud of the progress and determination that these girls have displayed over and over. They stayed positive and have had a strong work ethic. They steadily improved and never quit. Their first win was so satisfying for me, as their coach, because I wanted it so badly for them. They finally tasted victory and are ready for more. We hope we can be examples for other Carter County schools that may want to join us next year.”

Happy Valley Middle School Volleyball Team is still in need of equipment and help with costs that come along with a new program. If you would like to help, you can send your donation to Happy Valley Middle School at 163 Warpath Lane Elizabethton; in the memo line, please indicate HVMS Volleyball. The Junior Lady Warriors will host KACHEA on Monday before finishing off their regular season with a home game against Cedar View Christian Academy.