BAKER — Ashley Black and Brittany Brunson will graduate from Baker School in three months having been a part of four of the Gators’ 13 consecutive district championship volleyball teams.
They hope to carry on those winning ways with them next fall when the continue their college careers at Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton, Ala.
The Gator duo and best friends signed with the Warhawks in March 2 ceremony in the Baker School media center.
Black is looking forward to beginning the next chapter of her education and volleyball career with Brunson.
“It’s really exciting,” she said. “I went and toured the dorm, the campus and everything a couple of weeks ago. I’m just so excited to see my new home.
“I think we are going to be roommates. I’m so happy to have someone from Baker with me. She’s my best friend.”
Brunson added having a close friend will help ease the transition into college life.
“It really takes a lot of the pressure off of not knowing anybody when you get there. I’ve got somebody there that I can kind of stick to until I meet other people.”
Both players expect to continue to play the same positions they have in high school, but Brunson, who played outside hitter in high school and is the more versatile athlete doesn’t care where she plays as long as she on the court.
“At the tryouts they were using me at outside hitter, which is my main position in high school,” Brunson said. “I’m hoping they will keep me at that, but I’ll play any position they want me to play.
“I really jump kind of high so that makes up for not being that tall.”
Black understands her size makes her better suited for the front line.
“I think the strengths of my game are hitting and blocking,” she said. “I definitely need to work on my footwork and speed.
“By design, I’m probably not going to be passing. That’s’ not my strength.”
Brunson is proud of what she and Black have been able to accomplish at Baker.
“It definitely makes you feel good because you were a part of a team that worked together good and played together good,” she said. “To accomplish multiple levels that we made it through and going to state, being part of the 13 district titles, it gives you confidence to go on to the next level.”
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Baker School volleyball teammates sign with Jeff Davis