By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – Thompson High School volleyball player Milea Ray will continue her academic and playing career on the Gulf Coast after high school after she inked a scholarship offer during a March 23 ceremony.

Surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates, Ray signed to play volleyball at Pensacola State University during the signing ceremony in the THS library.

“Thank you all for coming. I’m so excited,” Ray told the dozens gathered for the event.

During her senior season with the Warriors’ volleyball team, Ray recorded 302 kills, 352 digs, 31 service aces and 20 blocks, cementing her status as one of the team’s top players.

THS volleyball coach Judy Green said Ray excels on the court and in the classroom.

“It’s a very special day for our volleyball program here at Thompson. We’re excited that she gets the opportunity to continue to play the sport that she loves so much,” Gren said. “I only had the opportunity to coach Milea one year, but she is a very talented and gifted natural volleyball player.

“The other side of that is that she is a very talented and gifted student, and Pensacola State is extraordinarily lucky to get someone of her caliber who knows how to balance both athletics and academics and be able to excel at a high level at both,” Green said. “We’re very proud of Milea. She’s done a lot for Thompson volleyball. We’re very proud of you. Today is your day to shine and all these people here today came because they care about you.”