Oct 22

Oct 22 LSHS volleyball team makes history

{Contributed photo/LSHS Volleyball Instagram}

For the first time in school history, the Lexington Senior High School (LSHS) volleyball team is headed to the playoffs. Coming off a third place finish in the Central Carolina Conference, the Yellow Jackets will travel to Lincoln Charter on Saturday, October 23 for a 1p.m. contest. The address for the school is 7834 Galway Ln., Denver, NC 28037. Admission is $7 and cash isn’t accepted at the gate. Ticket can be purchased here.

Larry Michael, who has been active presence in girls volleyball for 46 years, is in his first season as head coach. After serving as an assistant coach at LSHS for a few years, Michael took over the reigns of the program this past summer. According to LSHS Athletic Director, Ronnie Beverly, that was when the road to history began.

“We’re extremely excited about the progress of our volleyball program - from summer workouts, lifting weights to skill development, he really knew how to turn things around. They implemented weights. A lot of running and conditioning which a lot of volleyball teams don’t do.”

*{Contributed photo/LSHS Volleyball Instagram}*

Commitment to the program and hard work paid off in the form of an overall record of 15-5 and conference record of 8-4. Michael, who is also the head volleyball coach at Lexington Middle School, has been a consistent witness to the progression of many of his players.

“I’ve been with these girls since middle school,” Michael noted. “I’ve trained them all the way through. It means everything to me to see these young ladies develop. Not only in their volleyball skills but it gives them confidence for life. They’re developing a sense of who they are. It has very much helped their self esteem. I’m excited about it for them.”

With Michael already having built a rapport with many of the players, Beverly sensed this was an optimal time for coach to lead the varsity program. Plus he saw characteristics in Michael that he knew would be embraced by the team.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the retired pastor. He’s calm, doesn’t get frustrated or use foul language or do anything that can be thought of as degrading or demeaning. He always has a cool presence and has done an excellent job.”

Assisting Michael on the bench this season has been Kristi Thornhill, a veteran teacher and head swimming coach at LSHS. Michael quickly expressed his gratitude for what Thornhill brings to the team.

“She’s very good at the things I don’t like to do,” said Michael, laughing. “She really takes care of details and does a lot of our paperwork. I’ve been very pleased with working with her this year. She’s excellent.”

Both Beverly and Michael expressed pride regarding the seniors on the team - Beverly highlighted their leadership and their willingness to mentor their younger teammates. Michael focused on what their devotion to the program means for the future.

“They’ve been very instrumental. They’ve been with me through their middle and high school years. They’re the ones who are encouraging the others and really want this. They’ve set a standard for the underclassmen to follow. I think it spells good things for the future at Lexington High for the volleyball team.”

Beverly agrees.

“These ladies have made history. We now take the show on the road. We’re going to play the best that we can and let the chips fall where they fall. They’ve learned to handle adversity. They’ve got an excellent coaching staff in Coach Michael and Coach Thornhill. The future looks great. They’ve set a standard here for volleyball. I’m very very proud of them. We shouldn’t go backwards.”

Before heading to practice, Michael had one more tidbit to add, “Wish us well as we go to the playoffs.”

LSHS volleyball team players include: Bopha Theang • Jr. • Victoria Flores • So. • Mary Thornhill• So. • Eret Blackwell • Sr. • Amari Van Martin • Sr. • Aquariah McIntosh • Sr. • Rachelle Perea • Jr. • Sarah Thornhill • So. • Alisson Zavala • Sr. • Kenley Lowery• Sr. • Kennedy Crockett • So.