Busy Briley still finds time to give to others
By Steve Williams
In addition to sending in Careacter Star Athletes for their basketball teams this past season, each head coach from Knox County and the Seymour area could also send in a specific example of good character they may have recognized.
Eric Palmer, head coach of the Berean Christian School girls, spotlighted one of his players:
“I am thankful for the attitude and heart of all of our athletes, but Briley Paul stands out,” he said. “Briley is a four-sport athlete. She has signed to go to Emory & Henry University to ride on their Equestrian team. In the midst of all of her activities, Briley still finds time to give to others! This year she coached youth girls basketball at Gibbs and club volleyball. She always makes time to serve at our camps. Briley has a heart for youth and loves to give back!”
HARDIN VALLEY
“All of our girls are fantastic kids! One thing you may include in the article that is neat is that all of them volunteer in our youth league. All of them are coaches for a K-1st grade youth team. They volunteered their Saturday mornings to coach their kids.”
-Head Coach Jennifer Galloway
KNOXVILLE CATHOLIC
“These girls had several setbacks along the way and every time they grew closer and played more tightly together. The chemistry this team had was one of the major strengths of the team and character among all the players is what drove the chemistry.
“I would say injuries and the kids all stepping up in their roles once called upon would be an example and just overall not caring who got the credit and their emphasis in competing and winning is all that mattered to them with the support of their parents. It makes a huge difference when trying to coach a team to a state championship!”
-Head Coach Travis Mains
SEYMOUR
“All have been leaders on and off the court. All work hard in the classroom, serve others, and give their all at everything they do with integrity and respect.”
-Head Coach Brandi Stallings
AUSTIN-EAST
“Ja’Onna Witt and Tymirrianna Brown are both model student-athletes who play with tenacity and poise no matter the score. They play hard and leave it all on the court every game and every play. On several occasions the opponents’ coaches have said the same things about both. On top of that, they are excellent students who take education seriously and work just as hard in the classroom as they do on the court. As a coach I couldn’t be prouder to coach these two young ladies.
“Michala Stevenson is a warrior; she is just tough and there is no quit in her. She takes a lick and keeps on ticking. She is the warrior of our team who plays with a lot of heart and emotion. One game she had 14 steals. She is the type of player that sees the ball and goes to get the ball. Even if she has to dive for it, she is going to come up with that ball or that basket.”
-Head Coach Gwen Jackson
FULTON
“Player: Dee Williams is one of those players who coaches dream about. Whenever she is asked to do something, she does it. As a player and as a role model, she never complains and leads by example both on and off the field. When a play needs to be made, Dee will make it.
“Team: Our 1st region round game against Clinton was a win or go home situation. A player from Clinton got injured and left the game. After the game ended and we shook hands, I walked back to our locker room and wondered where my team went. They all went and found the girl who got injured to wish her well. As a coach watching this happen showcases what great players/students we have at Fulton. It’s more than basketball sometimes.”
-Head Coach Tony Cooper
