(This article originally appeared in the Dec. 18, 2013 edition of the Shelby County Reporter.)

By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

ALABASTER — In the sport of volleyball, sometimes a great player establishes their presence by posting great numbers statistically. Other times, by showing a leadership shown on the court. Thompson’s Kelsea Bivins, the 2013 Shelby County Reporter Volleyball Player of the Year, is able to do both.

It is that combination of being able to take over a game physically while maintaining calmness on the court that led to her selection.

THS head coach Kellyanne Gandy said Bivins’ work ethic in the offseason helped her improve, and by default, helped the team improve.

“Kelsea is blessed by God athletically,” she said. “She uses that talent, and works hard year-round.”

Gandy went on to say that Bivins’ displayed a quiet confidence on the court that her teammates fed off of.

“She always wants the ball,” she said. “It doesn’t matter how light or intense the situation may be. Emotionally, she’s very even-keeled, (and) a great on-the-court leader.”

Her leadership and offseason work helped give the young Thompson squad the boost it needed to reach the AHSAA Class 6A state championships.

“(She) takes pressure off the team,” Gandy said. “It gives them confidence (to know) she will support them. The main thing is Kelsea doubled her production. She stepped her game defensively. It strengthened our team.”

During the course of the season, Bivins posted 606 kills, 145 blocks and 123 digs. While Bivins has not decided where she will continue her career, Gandy said she has no doubts that wherever Bivins goes, she will succeed.

“She has confidence in herself,” Gandy said. “I’ve never seen her back down from anyone.”

 

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2013 ALL-COUNTY TEAM

OH – Autumn Hiett, Jr., Pelham

OH – A’kia Harris, Sr., Calera

OH/MB – Kelsey Bivins, Sr., Thompson

OH/MB – McKenna Anderson, Sr., Montevallo

Libero – August Newberry, Jr., Thompson

DS – Hannah Beach, Sr., Oak Mountain

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

BRIARWOOD: Rachel Nix, Hope Donohue

CALERA: Keyanna Gayden, Faith Graham

CHELSEA: Madison Turner, Courtney Campbell, Emma Cotney

COOSA VALLEY: Allison Craft, Sarah Warren

CORNERSTONE: Lindsey Sims, Tamera Kirksey, Alyssa Schriveer

HOPE: Lindy Walker, Myrissa Webb

KINGWOOD: Madeline Pearce, Hannah Spinks

INDIAN SPRINGS: Margot Balliet, Stella Davis, Alex Smith, Jasmine Berry

PELHAM: Caitland Smith, Hayley Brisendine, Emily Jackson

SPAIN PARK: Morgan Scott, Jordan Nakayama

THOMPSON: Tara Miller