Mount Airy spikers sign with Surry Knights

A pair of Mount Airy volleyball standouts will continue their careers at the collegiate level this fall, signing recently to join Surry Community College’s program.

Alexis Allen and Jenna Clement inked with the Surry Knights for the 2012-13 school year. Allen was a middle hitter for the Bears, while Clement served as one of the team’s primary setters as well as an outside hitter. Both have been four-year contributors to Mount Airy High’s program.

“Both of these young ladies will help to build a strong foundation for our offense this year,” Surry coach Jan Marion-Kiser said.

The Knights are coming off a banner 2011 campaign. Surry finished 23-7 and won the Region X championship. Marion-Kiser’s program has won 20 or more games the past three seasons, finishing as Region X runner-up in 2009 and 2010.

Mount Airy coach Kim Lyons believes the Knights are getting two gems in Allen and Clement.

“I have watched them grow tremendously over the past four years in their skills, leadership, charisma and character,” Lyons said. “I can’t remember a summer workout they both did not attend, nor a camp that we attended that they were not there. Alexis and Jenna have dedicated themselves to our volleyball program and did what it took to better themselves and their teammates.”

Allen has “awesome athletic ability,” according to Lyons. She recorded 224 kills and 115 blocks this past season for the Bears.

“She was the glue that held us together on more than one occasion over the past couple of years,” Lyons said. “We knew if we could get her the ball, the chances of us scoring were pretty high.”

Clement was relied upon for leadership and served the duel role of being a setter and key hitter. Clement provided 237 assists and 184 kills. She was second on the team in both categories. Clement also served up a team-high 68 aces.

“She is a proven winner, and there’s nothing more a coach wants on the court than a player that does everything possible to win,” Lyons said. “Jenna was one of our setters and played as a strong outside hitter for us.

“These two young ladies have not had anything handed to them,” Lyons continued. “I’m so proud of them, because they have put themselves in this situation, signing with SCC, because of their hard work and commitment to volleyball. They deserve it all. Jenna and Alexis will both succeed at the next level because of their drive to get better and they know that hard work, long hours and lots of sweat is how it will happen.”

Q&A with Jenna Clemente

What do you look forward to the most about playing at SCC next year?
I look forward to becoming a collegiate volleyball player. I also, look forward to becoming a team member to an excellent team with great athletes and an awesome coach.

How has playing at Mount Airy prepared you for the next level?
Playing at Mount Airy has prepared me as a leader on and off the court. I think that my team members have looked up to me in the past and I want to strive for others to do that in the future. Also, having a great coaching staff and support has prepared me to be better on and off the court.

Who are your greatest influences?
My greatest influences have been my parents and my coaches. My parents have supported me through anything and everything throughout high school. My coaches Amy Balthis and Kim Lyons have helped me beyond high school; in life itself and I couldn’t thank them enough for everything they have done.

Q&A with Alexis Allen

What do you look forward to the most about playing at SCC next year?
I look forward to working hard, playing up to my potential and making my teammates and coach happy. I can achieve these goals by working hard in workouts and practice.

How has playing at Mount Airy prepared you for the next level?
Playing at Mount Airy has prepared me to hit, dig and work harder for the next level.

Who are your greatest influences?
My greatest influences are my parents, family and Coach Lyons and Coach Balthis.