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Grace Christian Academy volleyball players Sybil Lee, Elijah Grace Cawvey, and Kate Poitevint earned All-Region and All-State nominations for the 2023 season.

The three players earned All-Region bids in late September after the region tournament and were voted to the All-State team after the state playoff tournament in October. 

Lady Cougars head coach Kelsey Harrell attended a coaches’ meeting with all GIAA 2A coaches after the state tournament to discuss All-State honors. She said that when the coaches got together, she didn’t have to lobby hard for her players.

“Every coach was in agreement that our three that had won All-Region should get that All-State recognition,” Harrell said. “I didn’t really have to twist anybody’s arm.”

Junior setter, and team co-captain, Lee led the Lady Cougars in assists with 568 — the next closest player had 49.

“You’re never going to catch Sybil on an off day,” Harrell said. 

Lee was voted as captain by her teammates, and Harrell said her personality makes her perfect for the job. She said Lee is “a rock” for the team and does well at keeping her composure and encouraging her teammates.

“Sybil’s just smooth,” Harrell said. “I wish I could get a copy of her genes for when I have kids, like, ‘How do I make them so calm, cool and collected.”

Sophomore middle hitter Elijah Grace Cawvey was second on the team in kills with 112. At the beginning of the season, Harrell said she was looking forward to watching Cawvey grow this season, and the sentiment stands still.

“I know she’s not done growing,” Harrell said. “For her to be recognized now as an All-State player,… She’s already a standout player.”

On the front row with Cawvey is Junior outside hitter, and team co-captain, Poitevint. Poitevint led the team in offense and defense in 2023 with 387 kills and 351 digs. 

Harrell said Poitevint was a player she knew she could rely on in tight situations. Whether she was on the front or back row, Harrell said Poitevint provided “confidence” to the team’s abilities.

“She was our clutch player,” Harrell said. “She didn’t succumb to the pressure.”