DOVER — The sectional draw can prove to be a blessing for some and a curse for another. For Crawfordsville volleyball they knew they’d have to run the gauntlet if they were to bring home a sectional title. After a thrilling come from behind five set win over Danville on Thursday, the Athenians came back to Western Boone for a semi-final battle with the host Stars. While the Athenians hung in and battled for as long as they could, the Stars came away with a 3-0 sweep (25-16, 25-14, 25-14) over CHS to end what was another stellar season.
What makes the loss even more bitter sweet for Crawfordsville is that it sees the end of an era that’s lasted almost four decades as coach Kelly Johnson’s career comes to an official end.
“I’ve put my heart and soul into Crawfordsville volleyball for a long time,” Johnson said as she reflected on 39 years at the helm. “We’re going to miss the community for sure but it’s time for a change and for me to spend time with my family. We’ll stick around and watch these girls and this program. I couldn’t be more proud to be their coach.”
The Athenians graduate six seniors in Halle Elliot, Brooklyn Mills, Elyse Widmer, Hallie Gayler, Jessica Tribble, and Macy Bruton. Bruton ends her nothing short of phenomenal career with 2,147 kills, 1,107 digs and 309 aces.
“We all know that Macy is a D1 volleyball player and some school is going to be very lucky to get her,” Johnson said. “She’s the best player I’ve ever coached plain and simple.”
A season ago, the Athenians graduated six seniors from a 24-7 team. Most might have thought with having many new faces step into important roles, CHS would take a step back. Not even close. The Athenians ended this season 23-9 and once again had a season that will be talked about for some time.
“I think we won every game we should have this year,” Johnson said. “We did let a few get away from us but to be able to get revenge on Danville on Thursday was phenomenal, especially in the way it happened. We just want to wish these six seniors nothing but the best in whatever they choose to do moving forward.”
After a 14-14 season in 2019, The Athenians have put together three straight 20-win seasons as this group of seniors has left their mark as one of the most successful groups in school history. Combine that with a leader like Johnson at the helm and this Athenian team was something special. While it will feature many new faces next season, this group will be remembered for quite sometime.
