Montgomery Academy’s 5A State Championship volleyball team talks about their outstanding season
The Montgomery Academy Eagles recently brought home the 5A volleyball State Title, but the accolades don’t stop there as several members of the team have earned individual honors, including Head Coach Julie Gordon. Julie Gordon says, “The drive and determination of these girls was just really unique to any team I’ve ever coached.” Montgomery Academy Head Volleyball Coach Julie Gordon just finished up her 45th year of coaching and won her 8th state championship with the Eagles. Gordon says, “Going into the post season area champs, we were Regional Champs against a good Gulf Shores team. And then, that lead us into the State Championships against Arab, and we had beaten Arab twice during the season, so we knew you can’t take this team for granted because they have a good coach and they’re very talented, we went in with a mission and we won three sets to one, so it was a great accomplishment.”
Setter Addi Vinson, Libero Emmy Sorrell, and Outside Hitters Caroline McDaniel and Elle McBride all earned individual honors as well. Gordon says, “Three Juniors Addi Vinson, Elle McBride, and Caroline McDaniel. They’re hardworking girls, and they’ve been working together for many years now. I’ve coached them since 9th grade. They’ve been on Varsity and have gotten better and better every year. Also, Emmy Sorrell, she’s new to Varsity this year, she’s a sophomore as our Libero and she did a phenomenal job for us.” And Coach Gordon was named the 5A Coach of the Year by the Alabama High School Volleyball Coaches’ Association.
Junior Elle McBride says, “She’s just a great coach all around in every aspect, and I’m really happy to say that I’ve been able to play with her for the past three years and I have one more (year) coming up.” Senior Isabella Johnson says, “Just to play for such a successful coach is such an honor. And I really just wanted to win my last chance with her.” Junior Caroline McDaniel says, “I remember being in the middle school hearing all the great things about her and just being so excited to play for her one day and now that it’s here I mean there’s nothing like it.” Senior Addi Vinson says, “She makes it fun, we have energy everyday, she brings us snacks sometimes to practice, she’s just always been so nice.” Emmy Sorrell says, “No matter what, I think she’ll just love us and I think she’s one of our best friends even like after our season is over.”
The Eagles will only have one Senior graduate this year, and they are excited for what next season will bring and for the challenge of moving up to 6A. Elle McBride says, “Having eight juniors and two freshmen means that we do have the same talent that has been in that position coming back which I’m really happy for that. And then, I know at the JV level that we have a lot of girls that will be able to fill those shoes.” Addi Vinson says, “I’m really happy that we’re going to be in 6A, there are some good teams there and there’s going to be a lot of competition and it’s always fun to play competition.” The team has decided their championship rings will be pink; it’s a unique choice that stands out, just like their accomplishments this year.
