By John Goolsby, Prep Sports Editor
IRONDALE- Shades Valley head volleyball coach Kimberly Cook is looking to build on last year’s Area runner-up finish despite losing eight seniors.
Cook has four returning players, two freshmen and two sophomores, that will be contributing to the 2023 team.
The core of this year’s team will be senior Simone McCray and juniors Ashley Peake, Kendle Wright, and Jasmine Terry.
McCray, a three-year captain, tore her Achilles in January and has worked to come back strong.
“She showed a lot of dedication to come back from the injury, and that tells you about what type of person she is,” Cook said. “She’s a gentle giant.”
Peake, Wright, and Terry are expected to contribute significantly this year. “They aren’t coming off that court,” Cook said.
The trio was named to the Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches Association pre-season 100-player watch list this week.
“Jasmine Terry has been playing varsity since her freshman year,” Cook said. “She is a dynamic player for us and is a big hitter who jumps 10 feet 2 inches.”
“Wright is a setter, but she is also a hitter for us, and Peake is an outside hitter,” Cook said. “Those three lead the junior class skill-wise.”
Cook’s message for this year’s team is Sisterhood.
“This is an excellent group of girls,” Cook said. “We have to understand that sports don’t define these young ladies.”
“I’m proud to say that those four young ladies were a part of last year’s team that received the prestigious USMC/AVCA team academic award with an honor roll distinction for having a team GPA in the top 20 percent of all teams nationally.”
“These young ladies have worked hard over the years in community service and volunteer hours,” Cook said. “It’s important to know they are not just volleyball players but distinguished young ladies who represent their community in the best light they can.”
“They are overall leaders, Cook said. “When I try to build my program, I try to build an overall child, not just a volleyball player.”
“Sports can only go so far, so teaching lessons through volleyball has been my primary goal,” she said. “Most of my players will tell you I always say it’s bigger than volleyball.”
“I’m proud of how the Irondale community showed tremendous support for the fundraising bike ride we had,” she said. “Despite many believing that Shades Valley is made up of different communities, most of the girls on the team are residents of Irondale and attended school in Irondale.”
“It was heartening for them to witness the city’s love and encouragement, and now it is their turn to represent their city.”
“If they can bring a competitive mindset, we will be able to do some great things this year,” Cook said.
The 2023 Lady Mountie volleyball team starts their season this Thursday against Gardendale and Hewitt in Trussville. The Lady Mounties will also compete all weekend long at the Juanita Boddie Tournament in Hoover.