LDVB celebrates their season

By PAMELA GRANT

Cove Leader-Press

Copperas Cove High School celebrated the Lady Dawg volleyball team with a banquet.

The Civic Center was packed as students, families, and staff celebrated the end of the volleyball season. The event started Monday night at 6:30. Everyone enjoyed the taco bar while watching a highlight reel of the girls’ volleyball season. After the meal and video, they presented awards.

The Lady Dawgs varsity volleyball team finished their season 27-16 placing 3rd in District 12 6A. 

This is the team’s 17th consecutive year making it to the state playoffs. The junior varsity team finished 26-8 and 2nd overall in district.

“It was an awesome first year,” said head coach Christy Thompson who took over after Cari Lowery was promoted to district athletic director.

Coach Thompson said that she knew she’d have big shoes to fill and that it would be a transition for both her and the students, but she added that it was a bit easier for her since she’d already been working with the students as a coach, so the transition to head coach was easier than it would have been for a new coach.

Coach Thompson said that she was really proud of all of her girls and is already working hard planning and preparing for the next season.

“There is no limit to what we can do,” said Coach Thompson.

Various awards and certificates were presented at the end of the banquet.

Medals were given to every member of the Freshman, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams. 

Special honors went to those who received Academic All State or Academic All District.

Olivia Martinez qualified for 2nd Team Academic All State with THSCA and also qualified for TGCA. Aaliyah Butler received Honorable mention for THSCA.

All District Awards went to (Honorable Mention) Audrey Martin and Olivia Martinez, (Second Team All District) Larisa Perez and Jakhi Smith, (First Team All District) Aaliyah Butler and Leila Cooks, and District 12 6A Outstanding Blocker went to Chloe Tuiasosopo.

The FCA Victory Bowl Athlete award went to Aaliyah Butler.

The Texas Sports Writers Association award went to Chloe Tuiasosopo.

The coaches also presented special awards for each Lady Dawg volleyball team.

For the freshmen team, Beanna Buckram and Courtney Addy received awards for Offensive Player. Danika Nelson received an award for Defensive Player. Avery Robinson received Teammate of the Year. Erinn Sewell received Player of the Year.

For the junior varsity team, Tarya Richmond received an award for Offensive Player. Bridgette Simpson received the award for Defensive Player. Sadie McKee and Taylor Steele received Teammate of the Year. Anna Rios received Player of the Year.

For the varsity team, Aaliyah Butler received Outstanding Hitter. Chloe Tuisosopo received Outstanding Blocker. Jakhi Smith received Outstanding Setter. Larisa Perez received Outstanding Defense. Taji Worlds received Teammate of the Year. Leila Cooks received Player of the Year.

They also introduced a new scholarship award to be presented at future events called the Lowery Legacy Scholarship.

“It felt good,” said Aaliyah Butler (17) about receiving several awards at the banquet. “I worked really hard to earn them.”

Butler said that she’s been playing volleyball since she was six years old. Butler said that her fellow players are the reason she keeps coming back to volleyball year after year.

“This season has helped me prepare mentally for college. I’ve learned more about the game,” said Butler. “Having a different coach than we did last year, I learned even more…I think she’s an outstanding coach.”

Butler said that switching coaches was an easy transition for her since Coach Thompson had already been the assistant coach. Thompson said that her teammates have helped keep her motivated and inspire her to be herself.

“Volleyball is where you meet your family,” said Butler. “I’m so grateful to them…They’re your family. They’re your sisters.”