Published: August 15, 2008 02:14 pm         

Despite young age, Allen brigns experience to South Laurel volleyball

Kaye Smith would like to see middle school program in county

Making the transition from middle school to high school can be tough when you are competing in varsity sports and the difference can be miles apart, but for South Laurel’s Breanna Allen, it is several thousand miles.

The freshman from Amarillo, Texas has been playing volleyball for six years and hopes to make an immediate impact for the Lady Cardinals. South Laurel coach Kaye Smith expects the experience Allen brings with her to pay off this season.

“We are rather young in volleyball here in Laurel County,” Smith said. “With her experience I think it should add a lot to our team. She has played various positions. She moves the court well and we are pleased to have her on our team.”

Although Allen will have to adjust to a new school and a new team, she admits volleyball is a little different here, as is the landscape.

“It’s a lot more greener here and volleyball is different here,” Allen said. “In Amarillo they start in the sixth grade. It’s going to be tough, but I’m getting use to it. It’s probably going to be easier than getting use to the varsity level there.”

Smith understands the importance of introducing kids to volleyball at an earlier age and thinks Allen is proof that a middle school program would help speed up the growth of volleyball in the area.

“I think she is going to be very helpful to our team,” Smith said. “When you see a kid like Breanna who has the fundamentals and the things she needs to know it helps our program. Hopefully it is in the making to start a middle school program in Laurel County.”

Allen felt welcomed right away and was impressed with the players and the coaching staff.

“The first day I got here I was introduced to the team and it was a perfect fit,” Allen said. “I am excited and ready to get started. The coaching staff is great and they help us with everything.”

Allen admits being involved with sports has made the transition easier and has helped her make new friends even before the school year started.

“It has helped me. If I wasn’t in sports I wouldn’t have been able to meet people as soon. I have met a lot of people through volleyball.”