Photo: Lewisburg volleyball seniors sign their letters of intent to play in college next season. (Bob Bakken/desotocountynews.com)
Seniors who contributed to state championship volleyball teams this fall Friday made official their plans to continue playing next year in college.
At Lake Cormorant High School, where the Lady Gators won their third straight state title and second straight in 6A, three seniors from the team decided they liked playing together. Dallas White, Jania Rose, and Ariana Woods are all continuing their volleyball careers at Northwest Mississippi Community College.
Coaches and teammates surround Lake Cormorant seniors Dallas White, Jania Rose, and Ariana Woods as they signed to play at Northwest Mississippi Community College. (Courtesy photo)
Meanwhile at Lewisburg, which won its second straight 7A state title this fall, four players officially signed to play college volleyball next year. However, contrary to the Lady Gators staying together, the Lewisburg quartet of Bailee Burchyett, Jordis Newson, Kelis Parker, and Claire Smith, all found different locations as their college volleyball destination.
“All four have different journeys and I’m glad they’ve each found another place to continue their career,” said Lewisburg coach Amy Hendrichovsky. “All four are going to compete against each other and they’re going to represent Lewisburg, so I’m excited to see them in the next couple of years.”
From left, Bailee Burchyett (Mississippi Gulf Coast), Jordis Newson (Northwest Mississippi), Kelis Parker (Southwest Mississippi), and Claire Smith (Pearl River).
In the case of Burchyett, mother Allison Burchyett viewed the signing in a dual capacity, that of being Bailee’s mother, but also as future coach of Jordis Newson, who signed to play for Burchyett’s Northwest Mississippi Community College squad. Bailee is not following, however, signing instead with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Teammates Parker and Smith also have different destinations, as Parker will play at Southwest Mississippi and Smith heads to Pearl River Community College.
