Moving forward
The high school volleyball season comes down to the month of October. Results attained in August and September can provide a team confidence and perhaps a few area wins, but champions are determined in the final month.
Last fall, the Vestavia Hills High School volleyball team played some of its best matches in the final month of the season, as the Rebels qualified for the super regional tournament for the second straight year under head coach Mandy Burgess. They defeated Thompson and took two sets from Hoover in the area tournament before facing a tough Bob Jones team at super regionals.
“Something that’s always made me super proud is our heart and our ability to play through circumstances that a lot of people already count us out for,” said Burgess, who enters her third year back as coach of the volleyball program. She was also the head coach from 2000-12.
The last two seasons have represented progress for the Rebels, and they are hopeful for even more this season. Burgess feels a desire within the 2018 team to return to the state tournament for the first time since 2012, when the program finished as the Class 6A runner-up.
“Coming in, this group is super hungry to move forward,” Burgess said.
In the latest cycle of realignment, Vestavia Hills moves back to Class 7A, Area 6 and will be part of a five-team area. The Rebels will be with Mountain Brook, Spain Park, John Carroll and Hewitt-Trussville.
“We have teams we have to beat, let’s prepare to beat those teams and be the best team we can be. That’s all we can do,” Burgess said.
Vestavia Hills graduated three seniors last fall in Olivia Starnes, Holly McDaniel and Anna Langley, who is now playing at Coastal Georgia. The dynamic will shift slightly this season, with the Rebels roster boasting six seniors.
Hannah Vines returns as one of the top outside hitters in the area and is a Samford commit. Mary Quinn Carter was the Rebels’ libero last fall and has great hands, according to Burgess.
Grace Belcher contributed as an outside hitter last fall and Elise Hoppenjans made her presence felt serving and as a defensive specialist. Burgess called Annabelle Bridges a “rock” for the team, and Jackie Venable plays in the middle. There would be seven seniors, but Libby Jackson suffered an injury that will sideline her. Burgess said she will remain with the team and contribute in any capacity possible.
Much of current crop of seniors won the Metro championship as freshmen, under varsity assistant coach Madison Thompson.
“It’s just fun to see that development and that growth through that and the relationships that are built,” Burgess said.
Ainsley Schultz and Maggie Gann are two juniors that were big parts of the team last fall and will be again. Schultz will serve primarily as a setter and is also a strong hitter. Gann has a chance to play all six rotations.
Burgess is excited about the possibilities since there are several players with the versatility to play multiple spots on the court, with a few playing all the way around.
“They’re going to be fun to watch,” Burgess said. “They’re going to be exciting. I’m hoping we’ll be a great example, for anyone who does come and watch us, of what the ultimate team should look like as far as teamwork and being cohesive.”
The Rebels began their season on Aug. 23 against Hoover. In the month of September, Vestavia Hills will compete in three tournaments and play area contests against Mountain Brook, Spain Park and John Carroll.