Local volleyball player sweeps tournament

Haley Hop and teammate Addison Hoven at the Gulf Coast Region tournament.

By Aldo Amato

Staff Reporter

MADISON – A young volleyball prodigy “aced” her competition in Gulf Shores last week.

The Gulf Coast Region Volleyball Association hosted a tournament part of the USA Junior Beach Tour Event for ages 12-18 with an additional adult group. Haley Hop and teammate Addison Hoven of Birmingham swept the entire regional tournament.

Hop’s sister Kristen said the secret to Hop and Hoven’s success is based on their communication.

“On the sand court, their biggest strength is their natural chemistry with one another,” Hop said. “This was only the girls’ second tournament together, previously taking a second place win in Birmingham two weekends before. The girls also rely on their communication and ball control that only comes with years of playing.”
Teams from Florida, Texas, Tennessee, Alabama and other Southern states came to compete in the tournament. The victory in the finals of the tournament got the girls a free bid to the national tournament in Milwaukee on July 27.

Hop is a junior at James Clemens High School who just finished their inaugural season. She also plays for NASA (North Alabama Spikers’ Association) Volleyball and Huntsville Volleyball Association’s women’s sand league.

Hop said the future is bright for bother her sister and Hoven.

“Both intend to further their volleyball careers past high school,” she said. “Addison aims to continue her sand career, while Haley is leaving herself open to all options of collegiate volleyball.”