Written by Cliff Tumetel
NEWBERRY, Fla. – From David Schmidt and Ian Hubbert to Holly Pabst, Newberry High School has a number of Panther players on their way to the next level this year.
Tuesday was no different, with not one, not two, but three volleyball players signing at the collegiate level.
Hayley Tharp, Hannah Templeton and Sarah Watson took to the stage once again as family, friends and loved ones celebrated their achievements.
Tharp will attend Florida State University in Jacksonville, Templeton will take her talents to Weber International University, and 2024 valedictorian Sarah Watson will attend William Paterson University.
Undoubtedly, their last season was special, reaching the final four of the Class 1A state championship in 2023, but now that chapter is ending and a new one begins for all three.
When looking for the right team and the right school, there are many factors that go into that decision, but one comes to mind for the Panthers players. It's family. All said they found a new home thanks to their families.
“They welcomed me like family. That's exactly what I wanted from volleyball. This is more than just a game. It's also a team and family atmosphere, and they have all of that. ,” Tharp said.
“The whole atmosphere of the players, how they connected, how we all connected, and I really tried to be a setter and a leader of that,” Templeton said.
“William Patterson really seemed to foster an environment of, 'We look out for each other,'” Watson said.
Tenacity, working hard, and always getting better are just some of the things head coach Hank Rohn focuses on when talking about the trio, and he sees them on the court and in the classroom. It's about how proud you are of what you did.
“What all three have in common is that they work hard not only on the sports field, but in the classroom as well.” [that] Their GPAs were all above 4.0. This is pretty great for the volleyball program to have back-to-back valedictorians as this is her second year in a row and Sarah kept that light burning. ” said Mr. Roan.
Roan said he enjoyed coaching them and can't wait to watch them continue to grow their volleyball careers.
“I couldn't be more proud of these three. Haley and Hannah have been with us since they were freshmen. Sarah started midway through her sophomore year. She has been staying at home due to the coronavirus. But since she's been here, she's blossomed,” Ronet said.
This time, all three players prepared to play college volleyball, and each talked about their goals as they take to the new court.
For Templeton, it's all about bettering himself. I think you can always improve and grow, but once you get on the court, it's the next play, the next level. ”
Tharp wants her confidence to be at an all-time high. If I lost confidence, it wouldn't be a really good experience for me, so I think if I stay confident and play with the team like a family, I'll be fine. ”
Watson said it's simple but important to “help the team and play for the people on the court and on the sideline.”
