Roswell Girls Volleyball Shines On and Off the Court

Despite being a very young team, the girls volleyball team has been on a tear this year - and they're poised to get even better with experience.

"We have an incredibly young team; [there are] only two upperclassmen," Coach Casey Carr told Roswell Patch.

Roswell is ranked No. 4 in Class AAAAA, and 14th in the state, according to Max Preps.

The team defeated West Forsyth High School in the final round at regionals during early October and headed to the state championships. Proving they were as good as everyone thought, the Hornets continued their streak and advanced into the Class AAAAA semifinals.

They play will play Walton at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26 in a semifinal match at Parkview High School.

"The girls have really impressed [assistant coach] Morgan Havig and me throughout the season with their resilience," said Carr. "When they lose, they leave the game on the court but keep their minds open to the lessons they might learn from the loss. It has made them all that much stronger. When they play with heart, no one can stop them."

The girls practice for two hours every day after school throughout the season.

But the team is just as motivated and determined off the court. Most carry a full load of demanding honors classes. Several are involved in local community volunteer and service projects. They balance hobbies and other talents, such as music and additional sports, with a busy practice and game schedule.

"These girls amaze me every day with their talents and dedication on and off the court," Carr said.

The team's only senior, Jennifer Shults has verbally committed to play volleyball at Harvard University next year. Shults, who has a passion for writing, plans to study English Literature.

"Her writing is just as poetic as her efforts on the volleyball court," said Carr. "We will miss her so much next season, but we are excited for her and this new journey upon which she is about to embark."

All accounted for, the team is made up of:

• Jennifer Shults – senior
• Claire Yakaitis – junior
• Carlyn Gilbert – sophomore
• Stephanie Martin – sophomore
• Emily Shults – sophomore
• Rachel Deese – sophomore
• Andreona Keys – sophomore
• Emma Clark – sophomore
• Morgan Jones – freshman
• Alex Mills - freshman

Whether or not the girls take first place in Division 5A, when the last match ends, they will close out this season with heads held high and bright futures ahead - both on and off the court.

Rankings taken from MaxPrep.com.