The Lady Raiders Volleyball team has a storied history, playing at the top of their sport since the school started the program in the 2011-12 school year. Now the six-time state champion Lady Raiders have been invited to Orlando to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions.
Eighty teams will gather at the Game Point Event Center in Orlando Thursday, September 2. Each is guaranteed at least seven matches, all best of three. Teams will compete for first, second, and third place divisional awards.
Head Volleyball Coach Melissa Denson said the experience competing in the Nike Tournament of Champions benefits the Lady Raiders in several ways. “This is a high-level competition that is invite only and will allow our girls exposure to college coaches,” she said. “It’s also a great tournament for us to be challenged.”
The Nike Tournament of Champions website indicates that it seeks to bring together the best teams from across the country. In its events over the last 20 years, the organization has hosted more than 40,000 athletes from all 50 states, Canada, and Australia.
The team will wrap up its Orlando trip with a side trip to Universal Studios on Sunday.
Several additional organizations have JA’s volleyball team on their radar. Recent honors and awards for the Lady Raiders:
The Midsouth Association of Independent Schools has unveiled the first Preseason All-MAIS Volleyball Team. The Lady Raiders dominated the list by having six members selected of the 20 who were honored statewide. Congrats to Sarah Carnathan, Mary Grace Foster, Remy Jones, Ava Ladner, Lakin Laurendine, and Anna Claire Sheffield for being recognized on this amazing list.
2021 AVCA Phenom Watch List
This list recognizes the top underclassmen who’ve earned some recognition for their outstanding volleyball play. They are among 2,065 names throughout the United States.
- Sophie Sosa-Freshmen
- Harper Griffin-Sophomore
- Ava Antonaros-Sophomore
- Lakin Laurendine-Junior
- Ava Ladner-Junior
- Mary Grace Foster-Junior
- Madison Fairley-Junior
2021 AVCA Under Armour All-America Watch List
This list honors top seniors who have received some recognition for their volleyball play. JA’s players are among 1,167 named throughout the country.
- Sarah Carnathan-Senior
- Remy Jones-Senior
- Anna Claire Sheffield-Senior
JA’s team was also selected to the Region 4 AVCA/USA Today preseason regional high school volleyball rankings. The Lady Raiders came in at No. 9 in the region out of teams from Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
