By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist
“What’s the score? Who’s winning?”
Students unable to attend the state volleyball finals because of their commitment to the band for the last home football game of the season were in the building at Pelham High School. They quickly discovered that the game was playing in my classroom after school. Visitors were frequent. Score checks constant. Seats filled. Cheers—and groans followed.
Ultimately, the Pelham High School volleyball team emerged as the runner-up to the state championship title.
“Of course, you want to be number one. Ultimately, I am really proud of this team and their accomplishments. These girls show up to work—and they work hard,” Pelham High School varsity volleyball Coach Perry Robinson said. “We had a great year because this group has an exceptional work ethic.”
As state championship volleyball finalists, the PHS volleyball team was heartbroken not to grab the title, but they also know that they have a lot to celebrate. Making it to that championship game was an incredible journey.
“Most of us have been playing together for five years,” junior Jordan Allison said. “We know each other well and we know how to play well together.”
The coaches have come together in the past couple of years.  Lindsey Davis is the varsity assistant; Anna Laura Dyer is junior varsity head coach, with Brittany Pollard assisting. “We all get along,” Robinson said. “These coaches are serious, but they also make me laugh. We enjoy working together.”
Robinson’s scholar-athletes are a force both on and off the court. Academically, this group has the advantage. They take difficult courses. They challenge themselves—and the ability to live up to challenges propels them to success.
With six strong juniors on the team and more underclassmen playing well also, next year should be another great season.
“Our seniors had a great year. We’ll miss them and we’ll work to become the leaders they’ve been for us,” said Allison. “Next year, we plan to work harder than we’ve ever worked—and we plan to make it back to state.”