Cotter picked for all-state volleyball team

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Sarah Cotter was named to the Texas Girls Coaches Association Class 2A all-state volleyball team and was one of three Lady Lions to earn academic all-state honors.

Cotter, a senior middle blocker, led the Lady Lions with 541 kills and 64 blocks as Albany won the District 8-2A championship and advanced to the Region II-2A tournament. She also recorded 103 aces on 414 service attempts and had 216 digs.

“I’m really proud of Sarah for earning all-state,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said. “She definitely deserved it. “She was a six-rotation player and a very big presence on the court.”

Cotter was one of 50 players honored in Class 2A. Hawley’s Shaylynn Bailey was also selected from District 8.

Reneau said Cotter’s impact extended beyond the court.

“Her leadership was not only on the court but in the classroom and in practice every day,” Reneau said, “She was one of the first ones out, getting the other girls ready to go. She led by example. I’m excited to have her in tennis (where Cotter was a state finalist in girls singles last year), but I’m going to miss her next year in volleyball.”

Cotter and fellow seniors Clara Holson and Susie Cormack were among 149 athletes and support staff who earned academic honors. To achieve the designation, candidates must have maintained an average grade of 94 or higher for all classes from their freshman through junior years.

“I had six seniors this year and all of them were 90 or above,” Reneau said. “They’re smart, athletic girls who were a lot of fun to have. They had great attitudes and were a fun group of seniors.”

Reneau said the group’s academic achievements made it that much easier to attain athletic success.

“I never had to worry if they were going to be at practice,” she said. “They were very committed and very good members of our program.”