An ‘emotional’ senior night leads up to quest for a trip to state for ACHS
The ACHS volleyball program honored six seniors this year: Jaylynn Bullock (setter); Kyra Damewood (right side player); Faith Graham (middle blocker); Emily Mustard (middle blocker); Gracie Hayes (libero/defensive specialist); and Eberlee Mayes (libero/ defensive specialist). (photo:Tony Cox )
Before Anderson County’s win over Loudon in a District 4-AA match on Tuesday, Sept. 26, the program honored six seniors, including: Jaylynn Bullock (setter); Kyra Damewood (right side player); Faith Graham (middle blocker); Emily Mustard (middle blocker); Gracie Hayes (libero/defensive specialist); and Eberlee Mayes (libero/defensive specialist).
It was an emotional night for Lady Mavs Coach Jayme Smith, who has known most of these players since elementary school. They all grew up with Smith’s daughter, Anna Kay, who graduated after last season. One player, Mayes, is a family member.
“These girls aren’t just my players, they’re like my family,” Smith said. “Eberlee is my blood. She’s my cousin, but because of her age, I consider her my niece.
“These girls all played sports, whether it be volleyball or basketball, with my daughter. I’ve known them since they were in the fourth or fifth grade. They’re my family and they’re a really special group of girls. They played travel ball and they had a good four years.”
The 2023 senior class has had its share of success, making the Class AA State Tournament in Murfreesboro in 2021. They won both the district and region tournament championships last season before falling to Greeneville at home in the state sectionals.
This season, the Lady Mavericks are 25-11 and with their 25-14, 25-5, 25-11 win over the Lady Redskins, they completed a perfect 10-0 run through the regular-season district schedule.
And while senior night was a night to look back at career accomplishments, Smith made it perfectly clear — the Lady Mavericks aren’t done yet.
The Lady Mavs came into the season with a chip on their collective shoulders after being upset by Greeneville and eliminated in the sectionals.
“They came in hungry after what happened against Greeneville in the sectionals,” Smith said. “They had a great year and they get along on and off the court.
“I think they’re looking forward to the postseason, but they’re a little nervous and they should be, because if you have one bad game, it’s all over.”