Blazing a New Trail
“He said that no one had ever done it before,” she said.
The first ever Bolivar Central Volleyball player to sign a college letter of intent took place on January 24 as two-time all district volleyball player Hannah King signed with Champion Christian College in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
“I was in Geometry Class in 10th grade when Mr. (Jordan) Stack said that.”
King’s experience prior to taking up volleyball in sixth grade at Hornsby Elementary was with a ball, bat, and glove as she played softball from as early as she could walk. The chance to do something different was what attracted her.
“I’d never played it before and it was exciting. My usual routine of sports had nothing to do with volleyball.”
She did see some similarities, though, as the softball experience came in handy for her, especially in her role as setter.
“It helped with quick thinking and playing catcher helped me know how to take charge,” she said giving credit to coaches Kim Emerson (Bolivar Central) and Jody Jackson (Hornsby and Bolivar Central) for the encouragement she received.
“They supported me every step of the way,” she said.
Coach Emerson, who said she has known King since she was the age of two, saw the fire even back then.
“She was a very determined toddler and that determination just grew as she did,” said Emerson. “She was my ‘energizer bunny’... all over the court, bouncing right back up no matter how hard she hit the floor and never questioning anything that I asked of her. I am very thankful for her leadership and the fact that I had the opportunity to play a small role in her life,” she added.
But it wasn’t just on the court that impressed Emerson as she wished her well on her journey.
“I am proud of you for this moment that very few athletes get to experience. But most importantly I am proud of the woman that you are and the love that you have for God, people and this game. Go do great things and know that you will forever be a Lady Tiger.”
King said she is looking forward to beginning her college years at Champion, but not just for volleyball.
“The atmosphere is great and it was very welcoming,” she said.
Champion competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).
King is the second recruit from Bolivar Central to attend Champion. Last spring baseball and football player Josiah Clark signed at Champion.
She plans to major in Elementary Education with a possible minor in Secondary English.
The vision for Champion Christian College emanated from both Pastor Eric Capaci’s mind and the congregation of Gospel Light Baptist Church, which he founded in 1992. In the fall of 2005, the vision became a reality as Champion Baptist College began with 104 students and 24 faculty members. Most of the students came from other states and from independent Baptist churches. The campus for both the church and College consisted of approximately fourteen acres in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Gospel Light’s support of Champion was strong, and during the very first year, a two-hundred-bed, state-of-the-art dormitory was built on the property. It was filled with students within four years.
Photo courtesy of Champion