LA Freshman Finding Footing In New Position

Livingston Academy Volleyball Freshman Bella Harris finds herself at a new school, playing a new sport, at a new position on the starting rotation and she said feels fine.

Harris began playing volleyball in eighth grade after a lot of her friends tried out. She said even though last year was her first year playing volleyball, her experience as a basketball player made the transition smoother than expected.

“In basketball, you meet your passes, so same in volleyball,” Harris said. “Like if the ball is going to you, well you have to go and meet it. So, that’s one of the things and then like jumping when you’re blocking. You also use your feet a lot too.”

Head coach Christie Jenkins said the Wildcats graduated more than half of last year’s starting rotation. She said this year would be a rebuild. And early in the season, Jenkins adjusted her rotation to put Harris on the front row and moved her established seniors across the court. Jenkins said Harris is a valuable asset to the team.

“She is a smaller player, but she can jump and she has the best attitude,” Jenkins said. “She’s always smiling and her smiling always helps keep the other girls in a good mood too.”

And a positive attitude is just what the Wildcats need as they are winless in seven games. But, Jenkins said even though the team may not be winning games, she can see constant improvement and increased confidence in her players. And this has her not ruling out a second half Wildcats comeback.

“Even if we struggle throughout the season, when it turns tournament time and we’ve done everything we need to do and we’ve improved, we’ll be fine,” Jenkins said. “Because, like I said, we have enough athletic kids on this team to be truly successful.”

Harris said she feels more composed and confident in her ability on front row. She said just in the few days she has been on front row, her hitting and blocking have gotten better.