Brody Meadows (Graham) blocks a defender during a Virginia Tech practice
Tim Hayes
Ella Maiden figures she might shed a tear or two on Tuesday as she takes part in Senior Night festivities for the volleyball team at Milligan University.
"I know I will be emotional just because volleyball has had such a huge impact on my life and created so many opportunities for me," Maiden said. "Not only do I just adore the sport, but volleyball and Milligan University have given me friendships that will last a lifetime. I've truly met some of my best friends while playing here and it will be hard to say goodbye to them. I truly love it here and am so thankful God has given me this opportunity to receive an incredible education and continue playing the sport I love."
Maiden has certainly made a major impact at the small school in Northeast Tennessee as the former Patrick Henry High School star has racked up more than 1,000 kills, 500 blocks and been a two-time NAIA All-American honoree.
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"Ella's impact on Milligan volleyball will be one we talk about for years to come," said Milligan coach Doneva Bays. "Her career has been outstanding and she ranks in the top-five players in our program."
Maiden proved that once again in Milligan's most recent matches. She had 11 kills and six blocks in a five-set win over Reinhardt on Friday and followed that up the next day with 16 kills and nine blocks in another five-setter against Truett-McConnell.
She was named Appalachian Athletic Conference defensive player of the week for her efforts. Yet another accolade for the 5-foot-10 dynamo and the recipient of the Bristol Herald Courier's 2021 Gene "Pappy" Thompson Award.
"It was such a long and tiring weekend but worth every second," Maiden said. "It was extremely rewarding and I'm so proud of how our team battled back and stayed focused and disciplined even though we were tired. Beating Reinhardt was definitely a huge accomplishment for our team and I'm so proud of how we persevered and fought with grit and determination. I think we are all exhausted emotionally and physically, but definitely worth every sore muscle for two huge wins."
Among Maiden's top teammates is her younger sister, Avery Maiden, as they form Milligan's sisters of spike. Avery Maiden ranks second on the team with 286 kills.
"Getting to play with Avery at the next level has been amazing," Ella Maiden said. "She's an incredible athlete even though she doesn't believe me when I tell her that. I'm super thankful she came to Milligan because it has been such a blessing to be able to play with your sibling. People always ask me what it's like playing with your sibling in college and I always tell them it's the same as it was in high school but better because the game is more advanced and more competitive. We joke about how after Milligan we will play together at the YWCA since we can't stop playing.
"Something I love about Avery is she is such an all-around player. I also love knowing that if I've read the middle or setter wrong and the ball is set to the right side and I'm going to be late or not there at all, she's got it under control. She's a brick wall on the left side."
Ella Maiden was a standout sophomore in 2018 when Patrick Henry won the VHSL Class 1 state volleyball title.
"When I look back to that state championship in 2018, it's hard for me to believe that was really where my volleyball journey started," Maiden said. "I was just a kid who loved to compete and loved volleyball and I think that's what has made my volleyball journey so fun and rewarding. I have just as much love for the game now, if not more, as I did when I was 16. Winning that state championship just created a love and passion for working hard, playing good competition, and striving to be better and that has carried me through my volleyball journey. Not only do I just love the sport, but God has surrounded me with phenomenal coaches, amazing teammates, and an incredible support system over the years and that has made my volleyball journey even more special."
Bays is glad she found Maiden on the recruiting trail in Southwest Virginia.
"I knew her athleticism was a strength and that she would have an opportunity to play for us," Bays said. "But didn't imagine the impact she would have on our program."
So, what's next for Maiden?
"As of right now, I'm praying for God's guidance in figuring out what I will do after graduation," Maiden said. "Depending on the day, I might say I'm going to become a pilot in the military or I might continue my volleyball career overseas. I jokingly tell people I major in volleyball and have a minor in business, but really I am majoring in Business Administration. Eventually, I hope to one day own vacation rental homes, have a family, and play volleyball as long as I'm able."
She'll play volleyball on Tuesday night in what will be a memorable and sentimental match.
"This season has been full of emotions for me as I had been struggling with a shoulder problem most of the summer and good part of the season and then I sprained my ankle pretty badly on the third day of preseason," Maiden said. "It's not been the season I thought I was going to have as it's had several challenges, but I will say it's made me more appreciative of the little things and made me work even harder than I have in the past. Playing for Coach Bays and Milligan University has been one of the biggest blessings and I have been dreading the day I have to say goodbye to playing in Steve Lacy Fieldhouse or not putting on the No. 8 jersey."
Goodwin does good
Hannah Goodwin continues to have stellar showings for the volleyball team at Bob Jones University.
In a four-set win over Pfeiffer on Oct. 31, the Chilhowie High School graduate had 17 kills, two digs and one block.
SWVA Duo at Bluefield
Leyton Fowler (George Wythe) made seven tackles and Koda Counts (Ridgeview) recorded six stops for Bluefield University in a 24-16 football loss to Reinhardt on Saturday.
More tackles for Keller
Virginia Tech's Jaden Keller (Tennessee High) had nine tackles for the Hokies in their 38-31 overtime loss at Syracuse on Saturday.
Brody Jones (Virginia High), Xayvion Turner-Bradshaw (Graham) and Brody Meadows (Graham) also got playing time for Tech.
Aubrey Update
Emma Aubrey scored Carlow University's first points of the season in a 60-44 women's basketball win over Newport News Apprentice on Saturday.
The Sullivan East High School graduate finished with three points, five rebounds and one assist.
Hare Ball
Jenna Hare (Sullivan East) is averaging 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists through the first three games of the season for the women's hoops team at Milligan University.
Carter vs. Wasps
Tennessee Tech senior guard Peyton Carter had several family members attend Emory & Henry University and she played against the Wasps on Monday night.
The former Abingdon High School star had 11 points, six assists, two rebounds and one steal as the Golden Eagles won 82-54.
Cusano vs. USC
Sean Cusano (Union) had five points, five rebounds and two blocks for the Chattanooga Mocs in their 77-51 men's basketball loss to the Southern California Trojans on Monday night.
Brown back at Lees-McRae
Brandon Brown is back at Lees-McRae and had nine points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in a 79-75 loss to North Carolina State in a men's basketball exhibition on Oct. 30.
Brown played his prep ball at Tennessee High and Teays Valley Christian. He began his collegiate career at Lees-McRae, had a stint at Tennessee Tech and is now back at L-M.
UPike: 2-0
The University of Pikeville men's basketball team is off to a 2-0 start and some Southwest Virginia natives are playing at a high level.
Cade Looney (Grundy) is averaging 18.0 points and 9.5 rebounds per game, Bradley Bunch (Union) is putting up 17.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game and Connor Lane (Twin Springs) is averaging 7.5 points per game.
Tigh Compton (Grundy) is the head coach of the Bears.
Greeneville's Gillespie
Ja'Kobi Gillespie (Greeneville) had 16 points, five assists and three rebounds in his debut for the University of Maryland men's basketball team on Monday, a 79-49 manhandling of Manhattan.
Gillespie spent his previous two seasons at Belmont University.
Mitchell honored by SoCon
Derek Mitchell of Chattanooga earned a spot on the Southern Conference All-Freshman men's cross country squad.
The former Lebanon High School star placed 20th in the SoCon meet on Saturday, clocking in at 25:40.7.
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