The 4th Annual MaxPreps Girls Volleyball Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard headed to the southeast just outside of Greenville, S.C. to honor the
Hillcrest Rams High School's girls volleyball team. The Rams were one of only 10 girls volleyball teams from a pool of 17,000 teams across the country to receive the prestigious award.
The Rams finished ranked No. 66 in the country by MaxPreps after winning the 4A state title. Hillcrest High School beat Wando in five sets to win the state title. This is the team's third straight state title and fifth since 2006. They finished the 2013 season with a remarkable record of 58-5.
The setting was a pep rally in the gym on an unseasonably cold morning on Friday, Jan. 31. Sergeant First Class William Knight from the South Carolina National Guard was ready to present the coveted Army National Guard national ranking trophy to head coach Lynn Avant.
It was apparent after speaking with Coach Avant that the Hillcrest Rams take their volleyball extremely seriously. Coach Avant spoke about the program and the tradition that has been built. Coach Avant has developed a powerhouse here in the mountains of South Carolina; it starts with girls at a young age competing and looking up to the high school team — and it ends with strong senior leadership.
Armand Milanesi from MaxPreps kicked off the trophy presentation in front of a packed gym. Milanesi briefly touched upon the remarkable accomplishments of the team on the court and then introduced SFC Knight to present the Minuteman trophy and a nationally ranked championship rafter banner. SFC Knight highlighted the similarities of being in the National Guard and on a championship team — traits such as commitment, dedication, hard work and perseverance were tossed out. SFC Knight then gladly presented the trophy to the team's two lone seniors and captains.
Coach Avant took the microphone and heaped praise on her team. Afterwards, she thanked the school and faculty for their continued support over the years and she then thanked MaxPreps and the National Guard for the honors.
It was a wonderful morning at Hillcrest; to see a program built and upheld by strong values and a dedication to each other. Congratulations to coach Avant and the Hillcrest Rams on a memorable season!
