2014 Banquet

posted Nov 17, 2014, 9:13 AM by Bellaire Volleyball   [ updated May 12, 2016, 6:38 PM ]
Last night, the Bellaire Volleyball celebrated the 2014 season in style.  The annual banquet recognizes the accomplishments of players,  teams, coaches and honors the seniors at the conclusion of their final high school volleyball experience.  The Banquet was held in the main ballroom of the Breaburn Country Club.  On hand was the 2014 District 20-6A Championship Trophy which highlighted the elegant banquet room appointed in Bellaire High's team colors of Cardinal Red and Coal Black.  Bellaire Volleyball supporters, families and players enjoyed a 3 course meal during the banquet presentations.  In keeping with tradition, this year's banquet candy bar did not disappoint; as players rushed the table at the end of the evening.


Master of Ceremonies, Booster Club President, Troy Smith began the evening welcoming the Bellaire Volleyball families and recognizing the Booster Club Board before welcoming Freshmen Head Coach Kelli Tomlinson to the podium.  In her first year as a head coach, Tomlinson led her freshmen team to an undefeated district championship despite starting the season 0-5.  This remarkable turnaround to dominate the district was recounted by Coach Tomlinson.  As each freshmen player was recognized and called to the front of the room, Coach Tomilinson thanked the players and commended them on a hugely successful season.  Next up was JV head coach Melissa Martin addressed the outstanding performance of her JV squad.  The JV team had simply dominated this season.  A team filled with upperclassmen, the JV program has positioned Bellaire Volleyball to continue dominating competition in the future.  As Coach Martin called each JV player forward, she recognizing them for how they finished the district schedule undefeated, dropping only a single set.  She praised the leadership observed on the court and thanked the players for their contributions.   When Bellaire Volleyball Program director and Varsity Head Coach stepped to the podium, there was something waiting for her that wasn't there last year - the District 20-6A Championship Trophy.  Coach Clarke praised all the players in the program as each of their teams finished undefeated in district.  She also thanked new Assistant Varsity Coach Todd Kolkhorst for his contributions to the varsity's success.  The Varsity Cardinals won their district by sweeping every opponent in three sets, twice (16-0 match / 48-0 set) achieving a perfect district championship.  These teams had returned Bellaire to it's rightfully place as district champions at all levels.  In the post season, Bellaire  beat Katy Taylor by doing what they had done in district ...a three set sweep.  Coach Clarke recognized her varsity squad of 2 freshmen, 3 sophomores, 4 Juniors and 7 very special seniors and thanked them for an outstanding job.  After the banquet, Coach Clarke said; "This was a very special year in so many ways; but, the part I enjoyed the most was how this group of ladies played for each other.  There was no drama; just heart and togetherness.  I'm very proud of how our seniors have matured into wonderfully strong and confident women."


The highlight of the evening came with each senior taking center stage to speak about their experiences in the Bellaire Volleyball program.  Every year this part of the ceremony is an emotional experience for the players, coaches and families.  Each senior, Meagan Applebaum, Katie Fairbanks, Morgan Jackson, Nina Le, Makayla Molock, Claire Smith, and Brianna Wilson all struck an emotional chord in the room with their heartfelt messages of thanks and appreciation.  Congratulations Senior Lady Cardinals, you have added to the history and experience which is Bellaire Volleyball.  You will be missed and remembered for may years to come.