Eagle’s Volleyball playing well

Varsity Volleyball is enjoying a good season, currently holding a 7-2 district record and 23-9 overall. Head Coach Tanika Haggan is pleased with the performance of her team and believes that they have exceeded expectations.

“We’ve done fairly well this year considering we have a little bit less depth than in previous years,” she said, “but I think we’ve done better than expected.”

With only six returning seniors, the Lady Eagles are focused this year on building depth and team chemistry. 

“Rebuilding a squad is never easy, six seniors returned, and we have three juniors, two sophomores and three freshman, two of which start. They are really good kids,” Haggan said. “The seniors have been there for a while and have spent much time together. Like every team, some days are up some are down, but they are all gifted academically and athletically.”

The Lady Eagles defeated Lakeview 3-0 Oct. 7 and Naaman Forest 3-0 on Oct. 11. 

Having finished fifth in the Allen tournament, Coach Haggan sees a great post-season for her team.

“I think we’ll at least get to the third round, like previous years,” she said. “We just need to focus on what we need to do and that’s to stay strong in district and do the best we can.”

Lady Eagle volleyballer announces early commitment

Senior Lauren Hawkins announced early commitment to the University of Memphis volleyball program.  Hawkins received a full athletic scholarship. 

“It was a very easy decision,” Hawkins said.

However, the process involved in reaching the actual commitment statement wasn’t simple.

“The experience was very stressful and tedious,” she said. “I didn’t like it at all to be honest.”

Despite having the skills to receive a full ride to Memphis, Hawkins thinks there are still aspects of the game that intimidate her.

“I still have things to learn every day about my technique,” she said.

Ultimately,  Hawkins said she is beyond ecstatic about attending the University of Memphis. Eager to be on her own, she’s looking forward to all the perks of being a college athlete.

“We live in houses and our classes are picked for us,” she said. “We don’t have to really worry about anything. We get help with everything.” 

Hawkins visited several colleges, but insisted Memphis was the one that she enjoyed the most.

“Memphis was different though,” Hawkins said. “I got to meet the players and actually talk with them about how they liked Memphis. It really helped me make the right decision.”