Head Coach Henry-Wilson also named Region’s Coach of the Year
PUBLISHER’s NOTE: This week’s Athlete of the Week honor is several weeks overdue, and we offer our apologies to both player and coach for our tardiness in this recognition.
“Reese was the backbone of this team. I think anyone who watched us this season can see that,” LHS head volleyball coach Susan Henry-Wilson told PVN.
After receiving honors as a first team selection at the All-District and All-Region levels, Fitton also received respect from coaches in the VHSL Class 1 state volleyball tournament, as the powerful striker also won first team All-State honors as well.
“I think because of her experience, she was able to teach, instruct, demonstrate and care for her team in ways that other players fall short,” Coach Henry-Wilson said. “One of her biggest attributes is her kindness and our girls seemed to gravitate to her because of her compassion and ability to understand what they are going through.”
This is Fitton’s fifth year in the LHS volleyball program, her third full season on varsity; however, she was pulled up to varsity in her freshman year to participate in the 2022 postseason state run. She also participated in club volleyball for three seasons on a competitive team out of Fort Defiance. Fitton earned second team All-District honors her sophomore year, and then first All-District and second team All-Region (Class 2, Region B) during her junior campaign.
During her senior season, Fitton posted 245 kills (2.61 kills per set), 239 digs (2.54 digs per set), 89 blocks, and 57 aces with a serving accuracy of 84.4 percent.
During the Bulldog’s recent season-ending banquet, their senior leader was named the Most Valuable Player for the second year in a row and received the Gold “L”. A fitting ending to a stellar Luray career before Fitton hits the court for the Royals of Eastern Mennonite University next fall.
“She is one the most positive players I’ve encountered and genuinely cares about others’ success before her own. Highly unusual, I think. In a world full of statistics and a ‘look at me’ mentality, Reese is a breath of fresh air and Coach Steinbrecher and EMU is lucky to have her,” Coach Henry-Wilson said. “She’ll do whatever it takes to help her team and with a great attitude. She’s the consummate professional and I’ll say it again, a true student of the game. I believe in her and am extremely proud of her on and off the court.”
“I am hoping her leadership style carries forward for the future and they lead with as much grace and class as she has,” the coach added.
The Bulldogs won the Region 1B championship, which also lead to head coach Susan Henry-Wilson earning Coach of the Year honors as well. The Luray head coach had a youthful team that struggled at times, but played well in the second half of the year, especially in the postseason.
“I don’t know if I can say there’s an exact formula or recipe for our success. Obviously, talent and ability can take you so far, but I’d probably attribute our work ethic, playful personalities and friendships as reasons why we had such a terrific and special season,” Coach Henry-Wilson said. “They busted their butts in the offseason — relentlessly showing up to numerous off-season practices — as many as 2-4 times a week, asking for more one-on-one work, attending multiple camps, and so on. This group just doesn’t do the minimum. They want to go the extra mile. There’s no shortcuts with them.”
With a strong sophomore class that will be returning as juniors next season, the future looks good over the next two seasons for the Bulldogs.
“I am really looking forward to the next couple of seasons. Of course, the coach in me is also wondering how on earth I’ll ever replace this current sophomore class, but for now, I’ll enjoy the ride,” Coach Henry-Wilson said. “There’s going to be an adjustment losing the two seniors and a learning curve, but I am confident the returners are up for the challenge. I think they’re pretty excited for what the future holds and understand the expectations people have of them, most importantly the goals they set for themselves and for the team.
“We are definitely hoping to make an appearance in the state tournament again and hopefully, the finals,” she continued. “We know we have to work hard and continue to get better. If we’ve learned anything from this season, it isn’t how you start, it is how you finish. I think the district and region expect us to be pretty tough again knowing we return so many quality players and we are going to do our best to not let them down. We’ll do whatever it takes and can’t wait to take the floor again in August.”
For schedules, rosters and results, check the Bull Run District website.
Luray falls to Lancaster in state quarterfinal, 3-1
Bulldogs win Region 1B championship
Bulldogs advance to Region 1B championship
Luray advances to Region 1B semifinal after sweeping Rapp in first round
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