BHS's Emily Griffith Brings the Beach to Bridgeport, Competing in Sand Volleyball
By Trina Runner on June 14, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Just as volleyball season wraps up, BHS Junior Emily Griffith has got her toes in the sand. Sand volleyball, that is. Already a standout 
in traditional volleyball, Griffith is the only BHS student who is currently competing in the sand volleyball division. This weekend, she is traveling to Ocean City, Maryland for a tournament after competing in Columbus, Ohio last weekend.
in traditional volleyball, Griffith is the only BHS student who is currently competing in the sand volleyball division. This weekend, she is traveling to Ocean City, Maryland for a tournament after competing in Columbus, Ohio last weekend.
Volleyball is in Griffith’s blood. At 5’5” in fifth grade, her parents knew her potential in the sport, so they created the Mountain Rage Volleyball Club in 2013. After making 1st team All-County several times and making 2nd Team All-State this year, Griffith’s efforts have paid off.
She played has been playing volleyball, virtually all year, for the last six years. She played for Bridgeport High School and the Mountain Rage Volleyball Club 17R-Whiteout team and is the Assistant Coach for the Mountain Rage U12 Developmental team. The club has grown from 17 girls to about 160 players in just four years and Griffith’s younger sister, Julia, is also a standout on the court.
“I have wanted to play sand volleyball for about two years now,” said Griffith. “The fun atmosphere that comes with beach volleyball is a nice change from the intensity of fast=paced indoor volleyball and I thought it would make me a stronger, faster and more mentally-capable player.”
Because there were no other sand volleyball players in Bridgeport, Griffith partnered with Rachel Gantzer of Morgantown. The two practice almost daily preparing for competition and honing their skills on the court. Griffith plans to balance her love of volleyball with her love of God by hopefully interning with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Volleyball while attending college. She is also a West Virginia State DECA Officer, active in several clubs and leaving soon to explore Europe with the BHS French Club.
Balancing academics, spirituality, extra-curricular activities and travel all contribute to helping make her a well-rounded athlete. She plans to attend several volleyball camps this summer as well. “Nothing beats playing a strong team that tests and pushes you to play at a higher level than before.”
