Special to the Reporter

They’ve been teammates since they played volleyball for Riverchase Middle School.

Now they will be teammates in college.

Chandesha Billings and Jenny Fennell signed athletic grants in aid with the University of Arkansas Fort Smith in a ceremony at Pelham High School last week.

&uot;We lost our top outside hitter and our setter to graduation this year,&uot; said University of

Arkansas Fort Smith head volleyball coach Jane Sargent.

&uot;I think Chandesha and Jenny can both make an impact this fall.&uot;

Billings chose Arkansas Fort Smith over Fort Valley State University, and Fennell chose Arkansas Fort Smith over Francis Marion University.

&uot;I will say to both of you that it has been my privilege to be your coach,&uot; Pelham High School Head Volleyball Coach Tammy Richardson said.

&uot;I am overjoyed to have such fine players that I will remember for years with fondness and affection. Congratulations on the athletic scholarships you have received and so well deserved.

Jenny, Chan, your future is in your hands, and knowing both of you, it can be nothing but bright.&uot;

Billings was selected to the 2001 and 2002 All Shelby County Volleyball Team.

In 2001 she was selected as an alternate to the Alabama High School and Athletic Directors and Coaches Association All Star Team.

In 2002, she was selected to the Shelby County Reporter All Elite Eight Team, the Birmingham News All Metro and All State Teams, as well as the Alabama Coaches Association All State Team. During her career with the Panthers she excelled as she is on the PHS and AHSAA record list for kills in a match, season and career.

Fennell was selected to the 2001 and 2002 All Shelby County Volleyball Team. In 2001 she was selected to the Alabama High School and Athletic Directors and Coaches Association All Star Team, and to the Birmingham News All Metro Team.

In 2002, she was selected to the Shelby County Reporter All Elite Eight Team, the Birmingham News All Metro and All State Teams, as well as the Alabama Coaches Association All State Team.

The Shelby County Reporter selected her as Shelby County’s 2002 Volleyball Player of the Year last December.

During her career with the Panthers she broke the PHS and AHSAA records for assists in a match, season and career.

&uot;Pelham High School has had a great tradition in volleyball for the past 22 years,&uot; Richardson said.

&uot;In that time a few players have distinguished themselves in the history of our program. Fourteen of those players have been selected to be honored as members of Pelham High School Volleyball’s Hall of Fame.

&uot;The list has now grown to 16 as Chandesha and Jenny are the newest honorees. They both deserve to be included for the legacy they have left for the players of future PHS teams.&uot;