THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 8, 1996 TAG: 9602070142
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
SCATTERED around the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy gym are banners celebrating the Saints' athletic successes. Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools championships have been won in almost everything - football, baseball, softball, swimming, golf, and boys and girls basketball.
One missing championship banner is for volleyball. And senior Allison Williams knows it.
``I joined varsity (as a ninth-grader), the last time (N-SA volleyball) was strong,'' said Williams, who has been on TCIS championship softball and girls basketball teams. ``Since then, we've just been rebuilding.''
Nansemond-Suffolk expected the same this year, with a new coach, Beverly Nuckles, and only one returning senior starter - Williams.
``I think we were still thinking along the lines of rebuilding,'' Williams said. ``Our main goal was to improve over last year.''
But after a 3-5 record last season, the Saints, led by Williams, are 4-2 in the TCIS going into Friday's game against unbeaten Norfolk Collegiate. N-SA had won four straight conference victories before losses against Norfolk Christian and Greenbrier Christian last week.
``We're running a new defense that's a little easier to learn,'' Williams said. ``It's easier to get into position, and we can cover more court.''
Nuckles said Williams has been the main reason for the Saints' turnaround.
``Some kids just have that leadership personality,'' Nuckles said. ``She's the strongest player on the team and is always upbeat and encouraging (to the other players).
``A lot of times when you have a new coach that comes in to do things different, you get an attitude (from the top player.) I didn't get that from her. She just said, `Sure, I'll try that.' ''
Williams said being a member of the Coastal Virginia Volleyball Club, a team made up of the area's top players, has helped because it allows her to play all year.
``That's an elite program,'' Williams said. ``It's more competitive volleyball, and I've learned a lot from other experienced players and get a lot of experience playing. I'm really becoming more consistent and hitting the ball harder.''
Nuckles said Williams' biggest assets are her quickness and aggressive style of play.
``She never says die,'' Nuckles said of the 5-foot-6 Williams. ``She usually puts the ball away, even against bigger girls. We know we can just get the ball to her and she turns the whole team around.''
Said Williams, ``I don't like to see the ball hit the ground too often.''
Williams, who carries a 3.7 grade point average, hasn't decided on a college, but she would like to attend the University of Virginia.
``If I go there,'' Williams said, ``I won't play and will concentrate on academics.''
The 17-year-old expects a reply from Virginia in April. She also has applied to North Carolina State and the College of Charleston, where she said she would likely try out for volleyball.
Until then, Williams is more concerned with winning another TCIS championship, but in volleyball. The conference tournament starts Feb. 13..
``(Winning TCIS basketball and softball championships) brings a lot of leadership experience to the team,'' Williams said.
``We definitely have the talent. We just have to put it together.'' ILLUSTRATION: TCIS GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond-Suffolk superstar Allison Williams, a senior, waits for
the ball, then slams it back at an opponent.
by CNB