This school year, for the first time ever, Charleston High School and West Tallahatchie High School are fielding varsity and junior varsity teams in the sport of girls volleyball.
"We're proud to add another girls' sport," said Charleston Athletic Director LaDon Taylor, who noted that the CHS Lady Tigers volleyballers are playing as independents this year but will be slotted into a Mississippi High School Activities Association division in 2025.
Taylor said by adding volleyball, Charleston has been able to attract to athletics, some female students who had not previously participated in other girls sports offered at the school. Those other sports include basketball, powerlifting, softball, and track and field.
The Charleston teams are playing exclusively on the road this season, as CHS does not yet have the proper equipment and set-up to host volleyball games, Taylor explained. They plan to be fully outfitted to host games by the time next season rolls around, he added.
Within the past week, the Lady Tigers played games at Greenwood, North Panola and Amanda Elzy high schools.
Meanwhile, West Tally acquired the necessary equipment to be able to host games this season. The Lady Choctaws, who compete in MHSAA Region 5-1A, played their first game of the year at North Panola Aug. 8 and played their first-ever home volleyball game Tuesday, hosting West Bolivar at the West Tallahatchie gymnasium.
The CHS volleyball team is under the direction of head coach Linda Buckley and assistant A'lisha Hudson, noted Taylor.
The WTHS team is coached by Roderick Hawkins and LaTrenda Bounds.
