Walking into the gym physically and mentally tired, starting at nine years old and continuing playing to keep on getting better and better. Traveling far and being able to make various connections is one of the advantages of being an athlete and coming back stronger each season. Putting the effort into volleyball every year ended up with a great payoff for senior Carly Paugh.
In front of a packed gym of family and friends, Paugh signed to play volleyball for Ole Miss on Nov. 13.
“I chose Ole Miss because of the staff and the culture being built there,” Paugh said. “I know that at Ole Miss they will push me academically and athletically. Not only is the culture and staff in the Volleyball program amazing but the entire staff at Ole Miss and the Oxford community. The community constantly goes out of their way to support their athletes.”
Hard work and dedication are ways that an athlete can prosper in any position they’re in, especially with the guidance of coaches.
“This is my first year/season with Carly,” Coach Kayla Jenkins said. “During her time with me, Carly was able to increase her strength, endurance and mental toughness for her team. She was already a key contributor in this program, but this season she was able to shine in so many additional ways. Her character and dignity set her apart in our big district and she was able to achieve many milestones this year.”
Although times might not always be perfect, being able to move past challenges is one of the biggest factors in going to the next level as an athlete.
“I learned that no matter what’s going on on or off the court, God has my back,” Paugh said. “The biggest lesson that I will carry with me is to be consistent and dependent on my faith. My friends, coaches, and family have taught me that from a young age, and allowing God to be a part of my journey every step of the way, is the biggest blessing and lesson I have learned.
From being a freshman on varsity to moving up to a D1 School, many friendships were built along the way.
“I absolutely loved being a part of Carly’s journey as one of her closest friends and as a teammate,” senior Brianna Hendrickson. “I am beyond proud of her and she deserves everything she has worked for.”
Not only the friendships helped pushed through the seasons, but coaches throughout the years always had an everlasting impact.
“I feel like every coach that I have had in the past has always had an impact on me,” Paugh said. “Every single one of them has either pushed me physically or mentally or both. I could not be more thankful for the trials I have been put through allowing me to grow in every way. I have so much gratitude for the coaches who have poured time, effort, and money into me physically, emotionally, and mentally. It truly isn’t an easy process and I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity and the people on this journey with me.”
