By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Gracie Sims’ name will forever be in the annals of the Union City High School volleyball program.
Sims became just the second Lady Tornado player ever to earn all-state honors when she was named to the 15-member Class 1A Tennessee Sports Writers Association team today.
The senior outside hitter set a program record with a whopping 362 kills while helping UC to its second state tournament berth in as many seasons and a school record 24 match wins last fall.
Sims, one of eight seniors selected for this year’s squad, joins classmate Madie Theobald – who received the honor last year – on the short list of Lady Tornado all-state volleyballers.
“It’s super surreal (to be chosen),” smiled Sims – who didn’t begin playing the sport until transferring to UCHS from Carlisle County her freshman year. “I was always interested in the sport, but I was a softball player before really falling in love with volleyball.
“Being one of just two players ever selected from our school is a great honor that I’m so proud of.”
The District 13A Co-Most Valuable Player and a member of the All-Region 7A Tournament team, Sims also led the Lady Tornadoes with 108 service aces and 45 blocks. Additionally, she totaled 36 saves and 36 digs.
“I’m so excited for Gracie,” said Union City head coach Jessica Graham, who has directed the Lady Tornadoes to three of their four state tourney appearances and has posted 88 wins in six seasons. “This is such an honor, and she is so deserving.
“She is so passionate and truly loves the game. Gracie has worked so hard to get to where she is today, and the amount of growth that she has shown as a player and teammate over the past two seasons speaks volumes.
“Her skill and animation shine when she is on the court, but her being such a coachable and humble player will always be something that sticks out the most for me. I’m so proud of her.”
Though she’s played her last game in a UCHS uniform, Sims has aspirations of suiting up again on the collegiate level after playing Club ball with her travel team – Tri-Star.
She has her eyes on a roster spot at Missouri Valley College, a NAIA school in Marshall, Mo., that participates in the Heart of America Athletic Conference.
“I’ve been in contact with them, and they plan on watching me play in one of our first two travel tournaments in January and February,” Sims said. “Hopefully, I can impress them.”
Sims also said Sewanee Community College has also shown interest in her joining its program, extending a scholarship offer that she declined.
TSWA All-State Volleyball Team
Class A
OH – Derionna Bell, Gordonsville, Sr.
OH – Amanda Gardner, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Sr.
OH – Sydney Heisig, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, So.
OH – Campbell Leathers, Eagleville, So.
OH – Savanna Moore, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Sr.
OH – Morgan Ryan, East Robertson, Jr.
OH – Gracie Sims, Union City, Sr.
OH – Jena Wright, Merrol Hyde Magnet, Jr.
MH – Millie Emerson, Summertown, Sr.
S – Brooke Briggs, Gordonsville, Sr.
S – Preslee Campbell, Eagleville, Sr.
S – Gentry Hansen, Merrol Hyde Magnet, So.
L – Jalyn Hammons, Sale Creek, Jr.
L – Presley Knowles, Eagleville, Jr.
L – Breleigh Winters, Loretto, Sr.