Gate City’s Lindsey Burke and John Battle’s Kelsey Griffitts spent the past three years battling at the net as their two teams contended for Clinch Mountain District supremacy.
Today and for the next four years, the two will be teammates.
Burke and Griffitts will both suit up for the West squad in the Virginia High School Coaches Association All-Star volleyball match this afternoon in Hampton.
Both standouts have signed with King College.
“It’s really funny,” Burke said. “When I found out that she had signed, I was like ‘Oh my goodness, she’s going there too.’ I had always seen her on the opposite side of the net.
“But once I got to talk to her, she’s very nice. She’s a great player and I’m glad she’s on my team now.”
Griffitts set the Virginia High School League record for career kills as a four-year starter at Battle. She helped the Trojans earn consecutive bids to the Group A state tournament.
Meanwhile, Burke was a model of consistency during her time at Gate City. She helped lead the Blue Devils to two state titles and played a number of roles.
Burke hustled her way to 26 digs and four kills in the 2009 state finals, a five-game win over Bath County.
It capped an eventful career.
“It was a great experience overall,” Burke said. “It was a lot of hard work and a lot of time put in. But it was worth it.”
Burke is looking forward to the challenge today’s All-Star match presents.
“I don’t really know a lot about it, but I’m really excited,” Burke said. “I get to play with the [Group] AA and AAA girls and that will be a neat experience. I’m sure I’ll meet a lot of new people and it will just
be a fun trip.”
Gate City’s Amy Reed will serve on the West coaching staff along with Laird Johnson of Loudoun Valley and David Cardwell of E.C. Glass. Reed said a player like Burke should flourish on the all-star stage.
“She’s well-rounded and quick and can cover the floor,” Reed said. “Defensively, she’ll help. The East team always seems to have big hitters.”
Gate City’s Brittany Simpson and Powell Valley’s Tasha Trent will also play for the West.
“That speaks well for our area,” Reed said.
thayes@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Hayes_BHCSports | (276) 645-2570
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