UCA readies for another run at a state title in volleyball

ASHEBORO — The Uwharrie Charter Academy volleyball program has been one 

of the most successful in the region in recent years, including a state championship appearance last season.

Like any program, the team lost some players from a team that had a second straight 28-4 campaign, but with so many experienced players returning, albeit in different roles, it’s really not a surprise the Eagles carried an 8-2 record into action this week.

“I wouldn’t say a different feeling,” veteran head coach 

Lee Kennell said about this season, which has seen players adapting very quickly to new roles. “Every year we go in with the same goals and standards. Maybe more so this year, we’re finding out who we are and what identity we will have. We do have a lot of the same faces, but in different roles.”

One of the biggest changes was moving outside hitter Alyvia Spinks to the setter position. 

“It’s really nothing new to her, she set for us some last year,” Kennell said. “This year, she’s starting. She played for a good club team and set against some of the best clubs in the nation.”

Makenzie Cain is the team’s new Libero. “She locked in this summer and wanted to take that role and did everything to take that role,” Kennell said. “She played Libero for her club team in some high-level tournaments. Both Kinzie and Alyvia are doing very well.”

Playing club ball is vital for growth, Kennell said. Since there are so many different clubs available, players shouldn’t have trouble finding the one that fits them best.

“To me, that’s the biggest thing,” Kennell. “I tell our girls there is a club for whatever you are looking for. If you want to go to the biggest tournaments and play the best teams, there’s a club. If you want to play local, go play with that club. If you want to play with your friends, go play with that club. Most of our girls like to see what volleyball is like on the bigger stage.”

That includes senior Caroline Way, who shared the Randolph Hub’s Player of the Year Award last year with teammate Emory Johnson. Way finished her junior year with 372 kills, 224 digs and 58 aces, numbers that should increase her final campaign.

“Baseball people always say the ball sounds different coming off the bat of some players and they say that about her when it’s coming off her hand and when it hits the floor,” Kennell said. “There is another level of competition and she brings that. She competes her tail off and she’s such a physical player.”

Way said there’s a different feeling as she enters her final prep season.

“I personally think so,” she said. “Last year we made it as far as you can and that was to get to the state championship. We take pride in that and know we are a good team. We have some new people in new places and it’s different from last year. But I think everyone has done a really good job in adjusting.”

Carly Rush, who finished with 294 kills, 210 digs and 61 aces last season, returns as an outside hitter. She and Way may be the toughest one-two punch in the area.

“They are definitely the calming factor at times,” Kennell said. “It’s nice to know you always have that luxury. Not just for the volleyball on the court, but for the leadership they bring. Caroline is a very vocal leader and Carly has taken that to heart. Both have played in a lot of big tournaments over the summer.”

There was a scary time over the summer when Way had to be shut down because of a shoulder injury. For three weeks she was unable to play and that had her worried.

“I didn’t play in any of the scrimmages and there was an uncertainty knowing if I could play,” Way said. “I was finding ways I could contribute. We were very cautious with it. That was definitely a hard thing for me.”

With physical therapy and weight training, Way has worked herself back to 100 percent and has no issues as the Eagles continue the season.

As usual, the Eagles headed to Rock Hill for a very busy tournament after opening the season with a win over Richmond County on Aug. 13. While in Rock Hill, UCA played five three-set matches in two days, defeating Upstate, East Rowan and East Chapel Hill before falling to Reagan, which is 11-1 this season, and North Stanly.

The overnight trip gives the girls a chance to not only play top-notch competition, but to form a bond off the court as well.

“It’s invaluable,” Kennell said. “It’s not just about the wins and losses, it’s about how it gets you ready for the postseason. You play a lot of games in a short amount of time, and you don’t play any bad teams. You see bigger schools, different styles, bigger teams, faster teams. That’s what prepares you for the postseason and our conference.”

A number of players continued to get valuable experience, including inside powers Kamren Leach and Amya Brewer, both of whom are playing major roles once again this season.

“From one to 16, I have been very pleased with what I have seen so far,” Kennell said. “We have the experience but in new roles.”

Sophomore Aly Hussey has been impressive early on as has a number of other players.

“I think we do know we have a target on our back this year and everyone wants to beat us,” Way said. “We do have new girls in new roles, but everyone is just as competitive and just as good. We all have the same goal in mind and that’s to make it to the state championship and win it.”