“Their cheering, their chants, their being there for us when we're down, I think that really, really helped us to get in our groove and play.”
     Conley senior standout, Britni Silver, also cherishes an abundance of memories made this past season. To prepare for each game, the girls gather together for a pregame ritual.
     “We always do the Cotton Eye Joe before a game, and we sing the cup song, and we always pray before every single game,” Silver said.
     Both seniors feel as if this was a year to remember. Rose was two sets down, but ended up coming back to reverse sweep Watauga High School. Not only did Rose win, but Joyner served the game-winning ace to claim the state champion title. For her, this made the victory even sweeter.
     “I got an ace and then we all won, I think that was probably the most memorable experience,” Joyner said. “I was just so grateful, running and we'll all come on the court and just crying and… it's just so unimaginable.”
     All three teams were cheering on each other. Each girl knows the grit and determination put in and recognizes the other girls for their commitment to the sport.
     “I feel like it was a very big thing to everyone because all of us from each school know each other,” Silver said.       “I'm happy for everyone in Pitt County that made it to states… and congratulations to the one[s] that won.”
     Pitt County is home to East Carolina Junior Volleyball Club, where many top athletes grew up playing. Some notable talents include Conley’s Silver, a Division I commit to North Carolina State University; Rose beach volleyball commits Clara Evans (Texas Christian University) and Mia Kendrick (University of South Carolina); and Ayden Grifton’s Grambling State University commit, Lainey Evans. These ladies strive for big goals, greatness even. They did not shy away from this challenge.
     “We really came together as a team; we set goals at the beginning of the year [about] what we wanted to do and how we wanted to finish the year,” Joyner said. “I think we were all there for each other during games, during practices, just team bonding…it was just more of the teamwork, and that's what helped us get to where we were.”
     Conley has a motto that reminds them of who they are and what they came to do.
     “We always tell ourselves that ‘A team is not going to beat us three times…we're not losing this game,” Silver said.
     Rose ended the season with a 24-5 record, Conley with a 26-3 record, and Ayden with a 27-7 record. While Ayden also claimed a ring this season, they were unable to be reached for comment. These records show the teams’ grit is unmatched, and they believe their work and supporters pushed them to this achievement. For most, it was a bittersweet couple of games and left a lifelong impression.
     “It was a point where all of the practices, all of the tears, blood, sweat, and all of it paid off in that final point,” Joyner said.