Eighth grade libero joins varsity volleyball team

photo by Sophie Hirschel Eighth grader Ruby Little is serving the ball to start the play. Ruby had been the server all season and has played a very important part on the team.

Eighth grader Ruby Little is stepping up on the Varsity Volleyball team. Ruby has dedicated six years into the sport she loves and is seeing the results of her hard work.

“I think being the youngest on the team is definitely a little intimidating at times, but it’s also such an amazing opportunity,” Little said. “I get to learn from the older girls and push myself to become a better player. Everyone has been really supportive, and I’m excited to be part of the team and grow throughout the season.” 

Last year the Varsity Volleyball team had eight girls graduate, which meant there were more spots to fill on the team. Danielle Tillery, Girls Varsity Coach, knew that it would be hard to replace the experience of the past players, and knew that this season's team would be younger. 

“We knew we weren’t going to replace them by trying to find the exact same type of players,” Coach Tillery said. “Instead, we focused on identifying the strengths of this year’s group and putting each girl in a position where she could be successful.”

During the end of last year's season, the coaches watched Little on the middle school and club teams and saw her potential. They decided Little was mentally and physically prepared for try- outs.

“I continued to follow her progress throughout her club season, and it was clear that she was developing into a player who had the ability to compete at a higher level,” Coach Tillery said. “Because of that, I invited her to attend high school tryouts and gave her the opportunity to compete for a varsity spot just like everyone else.”

Little was asked to join the team in May, and has taken the responsibility as the team’s libero, the defensive player. This is the same position that 2026 TKA alumna Hailey Landrum played. Little has big shoes to fill, but is up for the task.

“It’s definitely really exciting and an honor to get to play the same position as someone like Hailey, especially knowing she went on to play volleyball in college,” Little said. “She set a great example for the program, and I think it’s really cool to follow in her footsteps.”

The Varsity Volleyball team has had a great season. The team is diverse and made up of many different players who work together and are ready to step up when needed. 

“I would say our biggest strength is that we have a lot of different players who can step up for us at any given time,” Coach Tillery said. “We don’t necessarily have to depend on the same person every match. Different girls have stepped up in big moments throughout the season, and having multiple players who are capable of making an impact has been a huge strength for us.”