By Shannon J. Allen/Sand Mountain Reporter
The Boaz High School volleyball program reached elite status over the past four seasons, and the performance of senior Hannah Liverett was one of the main reasons for that success.
The Lady Pirates won four area tournament championships, one regional title and advanced to the state tournament twice during Liverett’s outstanding career.
A 5-foot-10 hitter, Liverett recently signed a scholarship with Gadsden State.
Also a basketball standout for Boaz, Liverett’s been offered the opportunity to play both volleyball and basketball for the Lady Cardinals.
“I’ve always liked volleyball better,” Liverett said. “I always knew I wanted to play that in college for sure. I’m still trying to decide if I want to play basketball or not.”
Liverett admired the programs at both Snead State and Gadsden State, but said she didn’t receive an offer from Snead.
Liverett gained an inside track to a scholarship from the Lady Cardinals be-cause of her relationship with GSCC head coach Angie Sanders, who offered Liverett a scholarship at the beginning of the 2012 season.
“I played two years in her volleyball club, so she got to watch me, and I was on her team last year,” Liverett said of Sanders. “She was my coach and I learned a lot from her.”
Liverett expects to see playing time as a freshman, and her goal is to break into the starting rotation.
“[Sanders] told me I needed to dual enroll and take an online class this spring so I could start playing with them in March. I’m so excited. I can’t wait.”
Sanders said Liverett is going to be a great addition to the Lady Cardinal squad.
“I plan to play Hannah outside, but will also have to note that Hannah’s versatility will also have her playing middle as well. It’s been a long time since I have seen a player block as well as Hannah. Many times I’ve seen her in midair reaching in all directions trying to get a touch on the ball.”
“Hannah is what I call a terminator on the outside. Meaning, when she gets a full swing, the ball isn’t coming back. It hits the floor. We’re very excited to have Hannah join us at Gadsden State.”
Boaz made its first state tournament appearance in 2010 and returned again in 2012. Those trips were the top highlights of Liverett’s prep career.
“You’re there with all the best teams in the state and you’re part of it, and you get to compete. It’s just an awesome feeling,” Liverett said. “The talent that’s come through while I’ve been on this team has been unbelievable. Like Peyton (Higgins) … she made it good. Just people like her coming through.”
Higgins played volleyball for two years at Gadsden State and is playing basketball this season.