Pleasant Grove Lady Hawks Volleyball Team Flying High

The Pleasant Grove Lady Hawks volleyball team is flying high after winning Tuesday night and extending its season record so far to 21-5.

The volleyball season begins earlier than any of the high school sports. PG Coach Amy Collvins says they began practice on August 1 and played their first game just eight days later on August 9.

Coach Collvins says the team is progressing well.

"The girls have overcome some hard-fought matches to come out with wins. We have been in three of the toughest tournaments in Northeast Texas, which had state-ranked teams from Class 3A to 5A. I have been pleasantly surprised at the level of play we have had."

This year's team includes six seniors, three juniors, and four sophomores. Collvins says there are plenty of leaders on this team. Co-Captains are Anna Grace Miller and Blair Smith.

On defense, Smith has been the libero, or defensive specialist, for three years now, having been selected District MVP Libero last year. Smith has been on varsity all four years of her high school career, and Collvins adds she is as solid a leader any coach could ask for.

Anna Miller has been on varsity for three years and is the returning MVP Setter of the district. Collvins describes her as the quarterback of the team on offense, balancing her ability to push the team and keep her cool under pressure.

Britton Anderson is a three-year varsity player who leads the team in kills -- attack shots unreturnable by the receiving player on the opposing team that lead directly to a point.

Nakina Levingston is also a three-year varsity player, who plays middle blocker for the Lady Hawks. Collvins says she controls the team's emotional game with her voice and the excitement she brings.

Lady Hawks Roster:

#1   Jasmine Bruce-Senior

#3   Skylar Huddleson-Senior

#4   Macey Adams-Sophomore

#5   Kaylee Kelley-Sophomore

#6   Abbey Harjo-Senior

#7   Nakina Levingston-Senior

#8   Allison Michaelis-Junior

#9   Natalie Hale-Sophomore

#10 Blair Smith-Senior

#11 Madi Morris-Sophomore

#12 Britton Anderson-Junior

#15 Anna Grace Miller-Senior

#24 Madeline Haak-Junior

Managers:

Gracie McDougal, Lyrique Redeau, Olivia Rochelle, and Gracie Williams.

Collvins says they are a balanced team on both offense and defense.

"When you watch a game, we can get just as much excitement from a great dig as compared to a strong hit."

She said she feels they have all the puzzle pieces of a well-rounded team. The Lady Hawks are ranked in the top 15 of the Texas Girls Coaches Association poll with big wins already this year over Hallsville and North Lamar.

"There is no way she and the team would be successful without a strong assistant coach, and she says that is what she has in Becca Collom. "I am blessed to have Becca with me everyday."

Even though it has been a terrific start to the season Coach Collvins says as a team they never discuss anything besides the next game they have to play. They want to beat every opponent that stands in their way. Collvins believes you can't take any team for granted and that it is important to prepare for each team and game like the Hawks are fighting for a playoff spot. Last year, her team made it to the Regional Quarterfinals and she would love to see their team get to experience the Regional Tournament.

"I believe in this group of ladies and have a huge amount of respect for the hard work they put in. Off-season and during the season they have shown leadership from freshman through seniors. They have set a high standard for themselves and their teammates," Collvins says.

Collvins believes they are a smart volleyball-minded team and that they can have collaborative input from the team on many or their decisions, which makes the coaching process easier for Collom and her.

While it's been a successful season so far, the real test begins Friday with district play at home against Liberty-Eylau. The regular season wraps up October 25 on the road at North Lamar.

After that comes the playoffs. Just know that Coach Collvins, Coach Collom, and the entire team will always be striving to be the very best that they can be -- representing their school with pride.

Townsquare Media has no doubt that the Pleasant Grove Lady Hawks will achieve their goals and we wish them the best of luck. Be sure and get to the gym and support your Lady Hawks.