Grace Spellings(seated 3rd from left) signs her college volleyball scholarship with Hiwassee as family and coaches look on. Front Row(left to right) Vicky Spellings, George Spellings, Grace Spellings, Dawn Spellings, Ed Birthright, Clare Spellings. Back Row(left to right) Coach Andrew Taylor-Coffee County head coach, Coach Bryan Woodlief – Hiwassee, Coach Stan Jarrell – Coffee County assistant coach and Cursten Vaughn – Coffee County assistant coach
Coffee County senior volleyball player Grace Spellings signed a college scholarship with Hiwassee College on Tuesday in a ceremony at CHS. Spellings became the first Lady Raider to sign a college scholarship since Jessica White in 2007 and only the second Lady Raider in the 10 year history of the program.
Hiwassee College is a private, four-year, liberal arts college located in Madisonville, Tennessee and competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), playing in the Mid-East Region.
The Tigers are coached by Bryan Woodlief who begins his first year as the head coach of the volleyball program. Coach Woodlief was impressed with Grace’s height in a recent tryout on campus in when Grace was invited to the campus. “She is tall and a left-handed hitter which we are in need of.” Coach Woodlief went on to say that with only 4 returning players, Spellings would have opportunities to win a starting job this fall. “We expect to use Grace as both a middle and outside hitter” added Woodlief.
Grace said that she liked the campus and the community feeling of Hiwassee. “The campus is pretty and had a small town feel” said Spellings when asked what she liked about the college. “They(Hiwassee) found me and sought me out for a tryout and that was a special feeling” added Spellings. Spellings was also excited about rooming with fellow freshman Trystan Lynn from Shelbyville who is also a part of the Tigers’ recruiting class.
Coffee County head coach Andrew Taylor praised Spellings for her work ethic and athleticism. “Grace is a hard worker and an excellent jumper” said Taylor when asked what would make her a success at the college level. “Grace is also very versatile and can be used in the middle or on the outside” added Taylor.
