The Greenbrier East Spartans volleyball team enjoyed an extremely successful season in 2020 during the uncertain times that the Covid-19 pandemic presented.
The Spartans finished 34-4 which was the highest winning percentage in school history. The JV team also went 13-1.
In a sport that can fly under the radar, the volleyball team had one of the better regular seasons in the school’s history, regardless of the sport.
A big reason for that is senior Chylyn Pate. A four-year starter, the setter was named to the all-state first team, was captain of that team and was heralded the West Virginia player of the year. For the season she had 262 aces, 86 kills, 748 assists and 268 digs. She also cemented her legacy in in the Greenbrier East record books with over 1,000 digs (fifth in school history), 2,000 assists (first in school history) and 800 aces (first in school history). If those accolades were not enough, Pate also finished second in the nation in all-time aces.
Coach Matt Sauvage felt privileged to coach Pate over the years.
“Chylyn is a very special player. Her serve is unmatched in the state, but the rest of her game is just as good. Her competitiveness drives her to be a great player,” Sauvage said.
Pate was just extremely thankful and appreciative to be recognized statewide.
“I want to start by thanking God because without him this wouldn’t have been possible. When I first found out I was just so excited and I could not wait to tell my parents. I never dreamed I would have got it. Also, without coach Sauvage I would have never been able to be where I am without him. He improved not only my volleyball skills, but my volleyball IQ, which helped me get player of the year. I’m extremely blessed and just so thankful to receive these awards,” Pate said.
Fellow senior Madison Boswell also enjoyed an extraordinary season. Playing the tough position of outside hitter, Boswell, also a team captain, was named to all-state second team after having 30 aces, 377 kills, seven blocks and 93 digs. She accumulated over 1,000 kills for her career, which sits her in fourth place all-time in the school’s history.
“Volleyball means so much to me,” Boswell said. “This past year my mom was diagnosed with leukemia and MDS. She has been in and out of the hospital all year and we haven’t gotten to be together very much. She missed half of my senior season. She is my number one supporter and she never misses my games, but that also drove me to push even harder. I accomplished most of my goals and I am so grateful,” Boswell said proudly.
“Madison is a phenomenal hitter. She hits such a heavy ball with so much power. She is a force that is hard to stop on the outside,” Sauvage said of the senior.
Freshman Libero Euodia Sauvage was selected to the special honorable mention all-state team. She concluded the year with 69 aces, 73 assists, 495 serve receives and 263 digs.
“Euodia controls the back row. She reads the hitters well and doesn’t let anything hit the floor. She has a drive to do whatever it takes to win,” Sauvage said of his daughter.
“It was an honor to receive the all-state award. I was really excited,” Euodia said. “But I know if it wasn’t for my teammates it would have never been possible. Individual honors come with team success.
Junior Nevaeh Wooding was the other Spartan to receive postseason accolades. She was named to the honorable mention all-state squad after getting 123 kills and 45 blocks. She excelled as a middle blocker and Sauvage raved about her unique skills.
“Nevaeh runs the net well. She is a good hitter but where she excels is on the block. She loves to shut a hitter down on the opposing side,” Sauvage stated.
Wooding attributes her success to determination and hard work.
“I’ve come to learn that volleyball isn’t about who’s taller. It’s about who’s willing to fight harder to win. And to be an honorable mention proved to me if I want it bad enough, I can get it,” Wooding said.
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