By Rick Palsgrove
Managing Editor
Pictured here is the 2021 Mid-State League champion Hamilton Township Rangers varsity volleyball team. (Back Row): Makiyah Fields, Gabi Wittenberg, Ashlee Garren-Gibbs, Coach Penrod, Alaina Jackson, Ashley Kefauver, Rachel Longbreak, Haleigh Harrington, Head Coach Katie Forrest, Coach Snider. (Front row) (seniors): Ayonnie Bonte, Vanessa Hardgrow, Briana Jackson, Emma Ferrell, Grace Green.
The Hamilton Township High School varsity volleyball team had great success last season and hopes to continue that trend in the future.
The team’s overall record last fall was 19-3 and they were co-champions of the Mid-State League’s Buckeye Division with a record of 12-2. The team also did well in the Central District tournament before falling to Bloom-Carroll in a five set match.
“The main strength of the team was the starting six had all been on varsity before so we already knew what it takes to win and to be successful,” said team co-captain Grace Green. “Most already won the league being on the team in the past. Communication was a really big part of our success as well.”
Green said the Ranger volleyball program is strong.
“I personally, think the future is bright for Hamilton Township volleyball, but there may be a few rebuilding years to come,” said Green. “Hamilton Township has two kids camps every summer to build the program which is a huge factor.”
Green said last season was full of exciting achievements.
“Briana Jackson reached 1,000 career sets,” said Green.
Green herself reached her goal of 1,000 kills. Both Jackson and Green are returning captains for the upcoming 2022 season.The pair also played in all star matches including the Central District All Star match and Green played in the All Ohio All Star match.
Green is committed to Mount Vernon Nazarene University to play volleyball. Jackson is committed to Ohio Christian University and Vanessa Hardgrow is committed to Alderson Broaddus.
The 2021 team garnered several awards including: Grace Green – first team Mid-State League, Mid-State League Player of the Year, first team Central District, Central District Player of the Year, 1,000 Career Kills, and Columbus Dispatch Player of the Week nominee; Briana Jackson – first team Mid-State League, second team Central District; Ashley Kefauver – second team Mid-State League, honorable mention Central District; and Ayonnie Bonte – Mid-State League honorable mention. Additionally, Coach Katie Forrest was named coach of the year for both the Mid-State League and Central District.
2022 Ranger Volleyball Camp
The 2022 Hamilton Ranger Volleyball Camp for athletes in grades K-8 (based on the 21-22 school year) will be held July 26-28 at Hamilton Township High School, 1105 Rathmell Road. Times are 11:45 a.m. – 1:45 p.m. for grades 6-8 and 2-3:30 p.m. for grades K-5. Cost is $35 and can be paid by cash or check payable to Hamilton Township High School. Mail payment and registration to: Katie Forrest – Volleyball, 1105 Rathmell Road Columbus, OH 43207.
T-shirt included. Register by mail before July 10 for guaranteed shirt size.
Visit www.hamilton-local.k12.oh.us for information.
