FAIRVIEW, Ala. — The Fairview Aggies had another strong year on both the volleyball court and out on the track and in this interview, I talked to Lady Aggies standout Kabri Redding about her favorite moments from her junior seasons.
“I feel like we had a great year and progressed throughout the season. We had chemistry and we lost only one senior, so I’m hoping our chemistry is even stronger this upcoming season. Our team last season had all the pieces; we just needed more time. We really began playing together as one towards the end of the season. This team has nine seniors, and we definitely have the potential to have a great run; we just have to put the work in,” Redding said. “It’s been great. Six of us have been playing together since the seventh grade and we had a few move in from Parkside. We have become so close and created strong bonds through the years. They are my best friends on and off the court.”
Kabri has learned so much from new head coach Katie Ball so far and learned a very important thing from senior Jaycee Aleman as well.
“I love playing for coach Ball. Having her as our coach is always a great time, but we always put in the work. She wants us to be the best and always makes sure we are working to our full potential. I’ve learned many skills on the court, and she has also helped me improve off the court. She teaches us that we need to move onto the next one, whether that be a win or a loss in life or volleyball, celebrate and then move on to the next game or challenge in life,” Redding said. “Jaycee is my best friend and we have been playing together for years. I’m so sad to see her leave. She was a great friend on and off the court. She always kept up her energy and made it fun, even when we weren’t having a good game. She has shown me how to be a great teammate.”
Kabri’s so blessed that she’s got to play with so many upperclassmen during her time at Fairview and will put in the work in the off-season to get ready for next season.
“My freshman year, I got pulled up to play on varsity and we had six seniors that year. They became some of my closest friends. The seniors took me in and made me feel a part of the team, even though I was so young. We made it to the Elite Eight. We had so much energy and I’ve never been on a team with so much love for each other and the game. After an off year my sophomore year, we came back my junior year and despite not making it out of area, we progressed so much,” she said. “I’m going to work on being more vocal. I’ve improved, but I need to be more of a leader this year.”
Kabri has some goals set for herself and the team next season and thinks this upcoming season will be a really special one for the team.
“My individual goals are to be a better teammate and help the team wherever I’m needed. My team goals are for us to make it out of area first, then make it to state. We have so much potential this year; we just have to make it happen,” she said. “We are all very close and work together as one. Everyone on our team this year has something to bring to the table. We all have improved in each section of the game, which will help us in the long run.”
Kabri talked about the success that she had during the track-and-field season and was happy to be around some great people this past season.
“This year, I placed second at state. I strived for that state championship all year and despite coming up just short, I felt like I did good and was successful this year. I beat my personal record by eight feet, but I need to increase more. I need to be great to secure that state championship my senior year. I also qualified for state in the high jump and the shot put this season as well,” she said. “When you’re going to compete at the state championship, it can be very intimidating. You just have to adjust and compete. I met many great athletes and we have become friends over the years.”
Kabri learned as much as she could from her coaches and learned a lot from senior Jacob Hankins as well.
“They are amazing. I’ve been working with coach Whitney Haynes since I was in the eighth grade and she has taught me many lessons and skills. Coach Jason Smith just started working with me this year and he has taught me endurance and to keep your eye on what you want and keep working at it,” she said. “Jacob is great. He was always a good teammate. Every track meet we have ever gone to, he was down on the track, cheering me on, no matter what. He is always encouraging me and our other teammates. He has taught me how to be an even better teammate than I already am. I hope that I’m able to support others the way he did.”
Kabri talked about what she will work on to get ready for next season, her goals and the team goals, and what will make this team special to watch.
“I’m just going to work on my skills. I’m starting back to work now. I took a few weeks off and now, it’s back to work to get the state championship,” she said. “My individual goals are to improve from last year and secure another state championship. My team goals for us are to place at county and at Sectionals. This team will be special to watch because we have many different types of athletes that are all successful in different areas.”
Kabri had a great role model in volleyball and talked about the best advice that she was ever given.
“My role model in volleyball was Daisy Manasco. She was one of the best players and teammates I was ever around,” she said. “The best advice I’ve ever received would have to be simply, ‘Never stop’. You just have to keep grinding and keep your eye on what you want to be successful.”
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