Outside hitter, Andie Alford,10, concentrates on the play as the ball moves around the court. Setter, Marissa Badolato sets Alford up for the hit. Slamming it over the net, Alford wins the point for the team. She smiles, looking up towards the bleachers where her parents enthusiastically cheer her on.

Family
“My family is important because they’re encouraging, help me with sports and school and are there to talk to if I need help. My mom is there if I need someone to encourage me so I don’t keep everything bottled up.”

Volleyball
“Volleyball keeps me disciplined. It makes me work hard, set goals and keep my grades up. Its exciting because I am the only sophomore. I’m comfortable with them and know all of them. I fit in.”

Friends
“My friends are people I can talk to when I don’t feel comfortable talking to my mom about. Marissa Badolato is someone I can always talk to. She’s always there anytime I need something. She drops anything and listens.”

School
“My goal this year is to have a 4.0 GPA and stay in the top 10 percent. I study hard for everything and plan to go to college, maybe Texas A&M University and Texas Christian University.”