CCA volleyball focuses on their “why”

By Charlie Rook

Clinton Christian Academy volleyball sits in year number three as a varsity sport, and just four weeks into the 2025 season. It’s been hard times early this season for the Lady Warriors, who are 0-4 in varsity play and 0-5 in JV play. Understanding that these types of struggles are common with any new program, Head Coach McClain Hill says she has been trying to instill the correct habits in the team in order to build for the future.

“CCA’s volleyball program has had a lack of fundamental skills, proper techniques, overall knowledge of how the game operates, etc., in the past, so I’m trying to help these girls break some bad habits and replace them with good techniques,” said Coach Hill.

Despite the struggles, Hill stated that there has been a tremendous amount of growth on the team, not just as individuals, but as a team, as well.

“So far, I’ve seen so much technique and attitude improvement,” said Hill. “There are girls who are stepping up and leading the team, and it’s motivating others to want to do better, too. I think that the girls have gotten much better at playing as a team and not as individual players on a court.”

A big emphasis for the team this year has been figuring out their “why,” – why they play the game and who they’re playing for. Both the varsity and the JV decided that their “whys” were to honor God in the way they play.

“Our ‘why’ is because we love volleyball, and we want to show others how great volleyball is,” said Hill. “God has blessed us with the gifts to play volleyball, so we need to honor them and play for His honor and glory.”

Despite the tough start to the season, Hill remains optimistic about the team, and she talks about how she loves to help the girls use volleyball for life lessons.

“I love being able to talk to them about volleyball and teach them techniques and skills, but what I love more is relating the game of volleyball to life and showing them that it’s much more than just volleyball.”

“Volleyball teaches them how to mentally and physically get through hard things. It helps them build confidence within themselves to trust and know that they can conquer hard things, despite what their doubts and fears tell them.”