Photo: Gadsden State sophomore Bliss Brown signed a volleyball scholarship on April 19 with Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut. Pictured, from left: mom Claudette, Bliss, dad Veryl. (Chris McCarthy/Messenger)
By Chris McCarthy, Publisher/Editor
Bliss Brown is headed for Constitution State for the next two years.
The Gadsden State sophomore signed a volleyball scholarship on April 19 with Division III Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut.
“It feels really good, and I’m really excited to get up there,” said Brown, who plans on majoring in athletic training. “It’s a really nice campus with really nice facilities and a new coach, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Playing at setter and libero last season, Brown finished with 324 assists, 272 digs, 92 sets and 35 aces. She was named to the Alabama Community College Conference All-Region 22 second team and was selected to the All-ACCC Academic team for the second year in a row. Brown also made the Gadsden State Dean’s List for two straight years.
Brown played for GSCC volleyball coach Courtney Brothers for the past six years, four at Southside High School and two at Gadsden State.
“Coach Brothers really knows my strengths and weaknesses as a player,” said Brown. “She really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone and be a better player.”
Brown also appreciated the support of her Lady Cardinal teammates.
“They’re all my best friends now,” she said. “We’re a really close bunch, so we’ll still keep in touch.”
As a senior at Southside, Brown was named MVP of the 2019 All-Etowah County Schools volleyball team after finishing with 1,266 assists, 115 kills, 114 digs, 49 aces and five blocks while helping Southside post a 47-14 record, win the county championship and qualify for the North Super Regional tournament.
“I’ve known Bliss a little bit longer than the other girls I’ve coached here, and I’ve enjoyed getting to see her grow in this sport,” said Brothers. “One of the good things about Bliss was that she knew how our system was run when I came in to lay the foundation for our program.
“A lot of times she either came in early before practice or stayed late afterwards to work on her fundamentals. Bliss brought a lot of hard work and dedication to the table for us, and we’re thankful to her for that. We’re looking forward to seeing what she will accomplish up in Connecticut.”