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Happy Valley Middle School is the first Carter County middle school to establish a girls’ volleyball team, but the school needs the community’s help if the team is to have a go.
Historically, in Elizabethton options for fall girls’ team sports have been limited; if a middle-school-aged Carter County girl wanted to play volleyball, she would have to travel to Sullivan, Johnson or Washington counties, regardless of whether she attended public or private school. Noting the lack of girls’ fall sports, Happy Valley Principal Keith Parker had an idea. He reached out to the middle school’s head coach, Kevin Kendall, whose wife, Tyra, had attended Coastal Carolina University on a volleyball scholarship. Tyra agreed to accept the coaching position.
The school held interest meetings, attracting 75 girls who will compete for 24 open spots on the varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams. Camps start Aug. 1 with Milligan University’s Volleyball Team.
“Although starting anew is exhilarating, it also comes with its challenges,” said Coach Kendall, who’s donating her time and talent to the cause. “We are beginning with nothing – no uniforms, no balls, no nets, absolutely nothing. We don’t even have used equipment.”
The team needs funds for equipment and various expenses such as shoes, uniforms, transportation fees, referees, and more. Sports have the remarkable ability to bring communities together, foster teamwork and instill valuable life skills in young athletes and that is where communities can make a difference.
To help support the new volleyball team, persons can donate by check to Happy Valley Middle School. In the memo line add “volleyball program.” Contributions can be mailed to Happy Valley Middle School,163 Warpath Lane, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Attn: Bookkeeping.