More Than Teammates, They Are Sisters: Coffee Talk with Our South State Volleyball Champions

By Kristal Kennedy Sisson, Principal
Resurrection Catholic Middle/High School

There is something special about this group of young ladies. It goes far beyond their athletic abilities, their impressive record, or even their South State Championship title. It is the bond they share, the character they demonstrate, and the love they have for one another. They are more than teammates. They are sisters.

It’s unusual for a small school with a small volleyball team to have five seniors on one team, and this year was a first for RCS. But these ladies have developed a unique bond that shows every time they step foot on the court.

The morning after our Lady Eagles captured the South State Volleyball Championship, I decided I wanted to spend a little time with our five seniors: Tatum Wilcutt, Abby Panter, Mary Michael Miller, Millie O’Brien, and Ava Brewer.

I bought the ladies coffee (and “teas” 😊), invited them to sit down with me in my office, and we had a little “Coffee Talk.”

I wanted to hear from these remarkable young ladies about the keys to their success, their plans for Friday’s State Championship game, and, perhaps most importantly, the life lessons they have learned through volleyball. What I thought would be a fun conversation about volleyball turned into something even more meaningful. I walked away reminded of why I love being a principal and why I am so proud of these young women.

Still Celebrating, but Eyes on Friday!

My first question was simple: “How are you feeling this morning after winning South State last night?”

“Super excited!” Ava immediately responded. Millie said she was feeling “very confident in our team,” while Tatum enthusiastically added, “I’m so excited for Friday!”

Their excitement was contagious. But what impressed me most was their confidence. They were thrilled about their South State victory, but they were already looking ahead. These girls aren’t finished yet!

The Turning Point: When Belief Became Reality

I asked the girls when they realized this team had what it takes to compete for a State Championship. For Tatum, it was when they began defeating much larger schools. “When we started beating the larger schools like PCS and Alma Bryant, that’s when I realized what we were capable of,” she explained.

Mary Michael agreed, adding that something began to change within the team. “Our mindset shifted, and our team chemistry just kept getting better and better each game. We came back from behind, and we didn’t get in our heads. We never gave up.”

That statement says so much about this team. They learned to believe in themselves and, more importantly, in each other. They learned that being behind on the scoreboard didn’t mean they were defeated. They learned to fight through adversity, remain focused, and trust the teammates standing beside them. That is the kind of mentality that builds champions.

The Secret to Friday’s Success? Cracker Barrel, of Course!

Naturally, I wanted to know how they planned to prepare mentally for Friday’s State Championship game. I asked what traditions, routines, or words of encouragement they would use to get themselves ready.

Abby didn’t hesitate. “We HAVE to have a good breakfast at Cracker Barrel!” All five girls immediately burst into laughter! Apparently, breakfast at Cracker Barrel has become an important playoff tradition, and nobody is willing to mess with a winning routine!

Ava offered another piece of advice. “Get up and get ready, because if you look good, you will feel good, and you will play good!” Tatum took a more serious approach. “We have to not get in our heads and stay focused.”

Between a hearty breakfast, looking their best, and maintaining their mental focus, I think these girls have a good game plan!

But beneath the laughter was something much deeper. These young ladies know one another. They know how to encourage each other, when to laugh, and when to get serious. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it is one of their greatest strengths.

More Than Volleyball: Lessons That Will Last a Lifetime

One of my favorite parts of our conversation came when I asked the girls what volleyball had taught them about themselves and about life. Their answers were thoughtful, sincere, and wise beyond their years. Millie immediately spoke about the relationships she has developed. “I have a group of friends that are truly family. They are always supportive and want the best for me and the team.”

Abby reflected on the example set by the players who came before them. “Each year, there were older girls that we could look up to. They were good role models for us, and we aspired to play at the level they were playing at.” I especially loved Abby’s response because it speaks to the importance of leadership and tradition. These five seniors were once the younger girls looking up to the older players. Now, they are the ones setting the example for the next generation of Lady Eagles.

Tatum shared a lesson that applies to every aspect of life. “I learned that mistakes are part of the game. We have to shake it off when we make a mistake, move on, and look ahead and not behind.” What a valuable lesson! We all make mistakes. What matters is how we respond, what we learn, and whether we have the courage to keep moving forward.

Mary Michael spoke about perseverance. “I have learned to persevere and fight hard to reach the goals that I want to reach. I have learned from our losses just as much as I have learned from our success.”

And Ava summed up her experience with a simple but powerful message. “Never give up. It’s been wonderful to be a part of this volleyball program.”

As I listened to these young ladies, I realized that while they have certainly learned how to serve, pass, set, and hit a volleyball, they have learned something far more important. They have learned about friendship, resilience, commitment, leadership, and the importance of working toward a common goal.

These are lessons that will serve them long after they play their final volleyball game.

A Coaching Staff That Develops More Than Athletes

One thing became abundantly clear during our Coffee Talk: these girls absolutely love and respect their coaches. All five were quick to credit their coaching staff for much of their success. Ava explained what makes their coaches so special. “Our coaches really care for us as people and not just as athletes. They want us to reach our potential as an athlete and a person of faith.”

Mary Michael agreed. “They always believe in us and have confidence in us.” Abby gave me a wonderful description of the coaching staff and how their different personalities complement one another. “We have the perfect coaching staff because they complement each other. Coach Tucker is strict and all about fundamentals, Coach Kelly is maternal, encouraging, and nurturing, and Coach DJ is a disciplinarian.” I had to smile at that description because it was so genuine!

Mary Michael elaborated on the special role each coach plays. “Coach Kelly always knows when we are having a bad day and lifts us up. She will make you feel better.” And when describing Coach DJ, she added, “Coach DJ is honest and keeps it real. I appreciate his directness and honesty.”

Millie shared something that particularly touched my heart. “It’s very important to win this State Championship, not only for us and our school, but also for our coaches.” She went on to explain, “Coach Tucker could retire, but he says he’s staying here for his girls.”

For his girls.

Those three words speak volumes about the relationships that have been built within this program. Our coaches are doing so much more than teaching volleyball. They are mentoring young women, building confidence, developing character, and helping our students grow in their faith.

As a principal of a Catholic school, I cannot think of a greater compliment to give a coaching staff.

It Takes an Eagle Family

Before our conversation ended, the girls wanted to make sure I knew how much they appreciated the people who have supported them throughout this incredible season. Tatum spoke enthusiastically about Eagle Nation. “We have the best fans around. They get us hyped and show up for us. We appreciate them and their dedication to our team. We are grateful for their support.”

Mary Michael was quick to add the importance of their families. “We also appreciate our amazing parents and families who love and support us. They always show up and cheer for us.”

I couldn’t agree more.

One of the greatest blessings of Resurrection Catholic School is the sense of family that surrounds our students. Our parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, students, and supporters show up. They cheer. They encourage. They celebrate together, and they stand together when things get tough.

Our Lady Eagles know they are not walking onto that championship court alone. They are carrying the love and support of an entire Eagle family.

Already Champions in My Eyes

As our Coffee Talk came to an end, I found myself reflecting on just how special these five seniors truly are.

Tatum, Abby, Mary Michael, Millie, and Ava have spent years growing together, competing together, celebrating victories, and learning from defeats. Along the way, they have formed friendships that I believe will last a lifetime.

They have learned to trust one another, hold each other accountable, and lift each other up when things get difficult. They have learned that success doesn’t happen by accident. It takes hard work, sacrifice, discipline, faith, and a willingness to put the team before yourself.

Most importantly, they have learned that the greatest victories in life are not always measured by trophies.

At Resurrection Catholic School, we strive to instill in our students the virtues of Truth, Honor, and Integrity. These five young ladies embody those virtues, both on and off the court. Of course, I want them to bring home that State Championship trophy on Friday! I want them to experience the joy of accomplishing a goal they have worked toward for so many years.

But I also want them to know something. Regardless of what happens on Friday, I am already incredibly proud of them.

They have represented our school with class, determination, sportsmanship, and heart. They have set an example for our younger students, and they have helped build a volleyball program grounded in relationships, commitment, and love.

I have no doubt these five young women are destined for great things, both on and off the volleyball court. And now, I have one final request.

Eagle Nation, let’s show up for these girls on Friday! Let’s fill the stands, wear our school colors, cheer loudly, and let these young ladies know how proud we are of them. They have given us so much to celebrate. Now it’s our turn to give them the support they deserve.

And girls, one last piece of advice from your principal: Get a good night’s sleep, stay focused, believe in one another, say your prayers, and by all means, don’t skip that Cracker Barrel breakfast!

Go Lady Eagles! Bring it home!