THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 17, 1995 TAG: 9511170358
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
Bronwyn Blair sat on the steps in Salem's gym, casually discussing her athletic history. Above her head, banners for district, regional and state championships attested to the Sun Devils' success in girls sports.
For Blair, winning has always been a part of playing. Blair, 5-foot-6, has played in three state final four championship tournaments in the past two years. Currently, Blair is a member of the Eastern Region title-winning Sun Devils volleyball team and is preparing for tonight's AAA state tournament semifinal game at Tallwood.
``We took each game one at a time and then before we knew it we were going to state and we were like `wow,' '' Blair said.
The junior is also practicing with her basketball team and looking forward to the softball season.
Her role on each team varies.
In volleyball, Blair is a starting setter/hitter. She does not start on the basketball team, but is the pitcher for the softball team.
To the casual observer, carrying the weight of the softball team appears to be a heavier load than playing on a volleyball court with five others sharing the spotlight. However, Blair sees it differently.
``In softball I'm the pitcher, but I just have to get the ball across the plate and then my team is right there behind me,'' Blair said. ``In volleyball we are very much a team, but everyone has their little job they have to do for it to work. The passer has to get the pass so the setter can get a set so the hitter can hit.''
She does admit that standing alone on the mound intimidated her at first, but that once she adjusted to her teammates she became comfortable.
``When I first started pitching, I was a little nervous and thought, `No, I don't want to go out there.' But it's something I got used to,'' Blair said.
Now she is accustomed to her teammates. She should be. Seven other Sun Devil volleyball players are also on the basketball and softball teams. Vying for the volleyball title only whets their championship appetite.
``It's prepared us because now we're hungry,'' Blair said. ``All of us play the same sports, we have a group that travels from volleyball to basketball to softball. So now we're even more pumped.
``This is the second year for all of us to be real close and do this. It's something of an advantage.''
The advantage has boiled over into playoff appearances. As long as she has been competing, Blair has been winning. She has never been on a losing team.
Her success began when her Bayside middle school team won the volleyball championship. Looking solely at her Salem career, Blair has played on the current Beach district and regional champion volleyball team, a state champion basketball team and a state final four softball team.
``Bronwyn's a natural athlete,'' volleyball coach Owen Dixon said. ``She absorbs information like a sponge takes up water. She's a good setter, a good hitter and when she's on, she's on.''
Dixon is looking for Blair and teammate Misty Colebank's state playoff experience to bolster the Sun Devils (20-3) when they play Mills Godwin (18-0) in tonight's 8:30 semifinal. Eastern Region runner-up Indian River (16-4) plays Patrick Henry at 7. The championship game is Saturday at 2 p.m. at Tallwood.
Monday, eight players will put their volleyball season behind them and concentrate fully on basketball. Although the players are behind schedule, Blair is confident the wins will come.
``I think because, as individuals, we're all strong, it won't be that hard to catch up,'' Blair said.
``I like where I'm at. ... and it's great winning.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Bronwyn Blair's volleyball team plays tonight in a state semifinal
game.
by CNB