How does a school with only 15 seniors produce four college volleyball players?
According to Savannah Classical Academy athletic director Kevin Woodbridge, the answer comes down to hard work, high expectations, and a school culture that values success in both the classroom and athletics.
Trey Lamar, Elijah Rivers, Damian Alvarez, and George Orgill III recently turned hard work into college opportunities by signing with Brewton-Parker College.
For Lamar, the opportunity is even bigger. He will compete in both volleyball and basketball at the collegiate level.
Savannah Classical Academy volleyball players who recently signed to continue their athletic careers at Brewton-Parker College pose for a photo in the school's gymnasium. Pictured from left are Elijah Rivers (#2), George Orgill III (#3), Trey Lamar (#13), who will also play basketball at Brewton-Parker, and Damian Alvarez (#18). (Courtesy of Savannah Classical Academy)
The signings represent a major accomplishment for Savannah Classical Academy, where nearly one-third of this year's graduating class had the opportunity to continue competing in college athletics.
"We're just so excited," Woodbridge said. "It's fun to see a school our size prove that we're not just putting kids into school with academics, it's showing in athletics now."
Head Volleyball coach Nick Lavery said the foundation was built over four years.
"There is no silver-bullet answer," Lavery said. "It was four years of hard work, dedication, commitment. They slowly fell in love with the game."
The achievement did not happen overnight.
Woodbridge said the school's athletes have continued to put in the work despite the challenges that often come with building programs at a smaller school.
"So, next year, like I said, I think we're probably going to have two or three more across some different sports," Woodbridge said. "The kids work hard. We've taken our lumps in some sports, but they're putting in the time and we're starting to get some of it back a little bit, which is exciting."
Lavery said the development process was gradual.
"Just drops in a bucket," Lavery said. "Putting in the work a little bit over time. The first couple years it was just about having fun. Then we started getting better. The last couple years we really dug in, worked hard and practiced as much as possible."
The success extends beyond volleyball.
Last year's graduating class consisted of only 11 seniors, yet former Savannah Classical athlete Jabril Simmons recently signed to continue his basketball career at Kansas Christian College after taking a gap year.
While athletic success continues to grow, Woodbridge believes the school's academic standards remain the foundation of everything students accomplish.
"We are very strong academically, and we do not cut corners for kids," Woodbridge said. "When our kids are on the court, they have truly earned it."
He believes there is a direct connection between success in the classroom and success in competition.
"I've always preached it, if you're a high achiever in the classroom, it tends to carry over onto the court and the field," Woodbridge said. "You kind of want to be good at everything you do, or at least put forth the effort to be the best you can."
The future appears bright for Savannah Classical athletics.
And this may only be the beginning. Woodbridge said he expects two or three members of next year's senior class to draw college interest in boys volleyball, girls volleyball, and cross-country.
"It's just getting better and better," Woodbridge said. "As we grow, I think it's just going to get better and better."
Woodbridge also pointed to continued support from school leadership and plans for future growth, including expanded athletic opportunities and facilities.
"The opportunities are huge," Woodbridge said. "The opportunities are there. If the kids want to come and put in the work academically, it'll pay off on and off the court."
The success of this senior class is already inspiring the next generation of Savannah Classical volleyball players.
"We're a K-12 school and those younger guys see these bigger boys play volleyball, get good, and earn college opportunities," Lavery said. "That's all they need to know to think it's cool."
Lavery said participation continues to grow, with approximately 20 middle school boys now involved in the program.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Lamar, Rivers, Alvarez, and Orgill.
Their scholarships represent more than four athletes signing college papers.
They represent what can happen when students embrace a culture of hard work, both in the classroom and in competition.
For a school with only 15 seniors, producing four college volleyball players might seem unlikely.
At Savannah Classical Academy, it may be just the beginning.
Photo courtesy of Savannah Classical Academy
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