This November, the Newberry volleyball team advanced to the FHSAA Class 1A state semifinals.
The Panthers advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 2020, when they were state runners-up.
A total of three players signed contracts to play at the next level that year.
But one of those players, Grace Ohlrich, signed a rowing scholarship and gave the program two volleyball scholarships.
On Tuesday, NHS had three players sign National Letters of Intent (NLI) to play volleyball in college, a first for the program.
Haley Tharp attended Florida State University in Jacksonville, Hannah Templeton chose Weber University, and Sarah Watson chose William Paterson University.
“It's the leadership of these three guys,” Newberry coach Hank Rohn said. “We wouldn't have made it to the final four without one of those three guys stepping up because they all had great games in their senior seasons.” All three made a huge impact in college. I believe that you will have great success in life. I really liked coaching the seniors. ”
Tarps are the epitome of “big things come in small packages.”
The 5-foot-3 outside hitter led Newberry with 359 kills.
“He's a very talented athlete,” Roan said. “She's very strong on the outside at 5 feet 3 inches. She's an explosive player and gives it her all. I'm very proud of her and how far she's come as a volleyball player. I am very proud of it.”
In the 1A Region 4 final, the Panthers (15-15) had 11 kills as they defeated top-seeded Williston 16-25, 25-21, 25-21, 19-25, 15-13 to advance to class. . 1A state semifinals at Polk State University in Winter Haven.
The Pavlik Orthodontics Athlete of the Week for the week of Aug. 21 was one of four recruits invited to play with FSCJ's team and visit the Jacksonville campus.
“Today was great,” Tharp said. “I'm very grateful for the opportunity to continue playing. Coach (Chelsea) Hink says we're all very well suited and she wants us to commit here. I made it through the commitment process mainly because the team welcomed me as if I had been with them for a while.''
Tharpe, who was third on the Panthers' team with 235 digs, said the Blue Waves are very family-oriented and that was a big factor for her in the sport.
“It's not just about the sport itself, but the bond you get from it and the family bonds you get from playing together,” she said. “FSCJ offers all of that and more, and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
Templeton will also remain in the Sunshine State, signing with Weber International University in Polk County.
“I love the atmosphere and the coaches,” she said. “It’s a beautiful campus and I can’t wait to get started.”
Last year as a senior, Templeton led the Panthers with 789 assists. She finished second with 387 digs and had a team-leading 66 aces.
“She really dedicated herself to the game and became the leader on the court that I knew she was going to be,” Roan said. “She has not played much volleyball and has grown from a very green player to one of the best setters to come out of Newbury. I am so proud of her growth as a student, captain and volleyball player. .”
Watson will take his talents to William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey.
“They had the right vibe for me, the major I wanted was possible, and the professors I met were very nice,” she said. The team was great when she spoke on the Zoom call. I'm looking forward to the next step in my life and playing for William Patterson. ”
Last season, Watson led the Panthers in batting average (.251) and blocks (170) and was third on the team with 157 kills.
Roan said Watson joined as a junior and was an immediate asset in net blocking for Newberry.
“She didn't play any competitive volleyball from eighth grade to 10th grade,” he said. “That partnership has paid off with Coach Lili Benz (Santa Fe College) focusing on her blocking and hitting, and Sarah's work ethic in wanting to be the best middle at Newberry. She has become a player who comes in handy when we need a wideout or a big block. I am very proud of how much she has grown in one year.”
Watson works hard on and off the floor.
She is the school's valedictorian and team captain.
“Today is the culmination of all the hard work I've put in,” Watson said. “Now a new door opens for me and I'm going to a new team. I'm very, very excited.”
