James Clemens Fab Four!
Madison- Liverpool, England gave the world their Fab Four in the 1960’s with John, Paul, George and Ringo of The Beatles. Today, James Clemens High can boast of its own version of the Fab Four with Katie, Brittan, Bronte and Genesis of the school’s volleyball team. Each are seniors for the Jets and have made their marks on the school’s program that may never be erased.
“To be honest, I don’t know what I will do without the Fab Four next year,” said Amanda Smith head coach of James Clemens. “They are the foundation of my program and will be difficult to replace.”
The so called Fab Four are Katie Sharp, Brittan Davis, Bronte Ray and Genesis Taylor. At 5-foot-3, Taylor is the only one of the four standing less than 5-7. As a group, the squad’s only seniors have posted a record of 96-60 in three years and are currently 25-12 heading into the post-season play of the 2017 season.
“Three of us played together at Liberty Middle School and won the County Championship as I feel comfortable and trust each of them on and off the court,” said Ray, a 5-foot-7 middle front player. “We all look forward to possibly making it to the state tournament. We want to finish on a strong note.”
Taylor, a 5-3 libero position player, which is a back row specialist, has looked at her senior teammates as more than just fellow players. The group has become more of a family unit that started for Taylor when she joined the program as a freshman. “We lead our team and we’re working hard to finish on a positive note,” said Taylor, who will sign with Wallace State to continue playing volleyball in college. We’re together all the time. Some people have stated if you see one of us, you’ll see all of us.”
For Smith, she has not only coached the Fab Four to become excellent player, but she has watched each of them grown as young women and student-athletes. She gave a quick synopsis of each of the four:
Katie Sharp- “She has been my setter since she was 14. She works her tail off and can do setter footwork in her sleep. She has developed this competitive nature and I love seeing her be an offensive threat.”
Brittan Davis- “I’ve also had her since she was 14. She has always been an offensive threat and overcame shoulder surgery last year and has developed into a phenomenal six-rotation player.”
Bronte Ray- “She is my utility player and can and will do whatever is asked of her. She is awesome! She has played just about every position.”
Genesis Taylor- “She is a competitor and never scared of the floor. She will throw her body on the floor to save a play. I love her confidence and hustle.”
Sharp, 5-9, has committed to play at UAH upon her leaving James Clemens and has been on the varsity team since her arrival with the Jets. She has experienced the growth of the current four seniors whom are all team captains.
The 5-7 Davis said she plans on attending either Alabama or Auburn once she completes her studies in high school and will not play volleyball. But her memories of what she has gone through with her fellow Fabs are experiences she will never forget. Davis added, “We have grown so close and we are great friends on and off the court. We have great chemistry on the court and I think our chances at doing well in the playoffs can be traced to our closeness.”
“We all have a role to lead our team and that effort has helped us become one as a team,” said Sharp. “We’re enthusiastic and encouraging and love being together.”
In her years with the Jets Davis suffered two shoulder injuries, one of which required surgery, thus keeping her away from the court for a length of time, but her senior-mates were there by her side all along the way. “Yes, they helped me get back onto the court as they were always there for me throughout the process,” said Davis who has posted a 3.9 GPA while the average among the Fab Four is a 4.0 GPA.
“These girls would run through a wall with smiles on their faces if I asked,” added Smith. “It will hurt my feelings to see them go. They are precious girls full of grit and determination.”
Other teams have their own monikers or name recognitions, but none can boast of having a small group of friends who bond together like the Fab Four.
