By Connie Nolen / Community Columnist

“Josie first started playing volleyball because of her sister,” Josie’s mom, and Pelham City Schools Board of Education Vice-President Angie Hester said at her daughter’s recent Huntingdon College volleyball signing. “We were dragging her to tournaments to watch—and I guess Josie decided, why not play?”

Angie Hester thanked her daughter’s coaches—revealing that because of their efforts, “as parents, we were able to see something rare. We witnessed our daughter discover her passion.”

As her mom concluded, Josie looked at her dad.

“I don’t have a speech,” Chad Hester said. “We love you Josie—and we’re proud of you.”

Satisfied, Josie Hester stood. Her poise and confidence speaking to this gathering was striking. Beginning by thanking her mom and dad, she moved quickly to thanking her coaches—starting with PHS Varsity Volleyball Coach William Robinson—and then, Hester mentioned every volleyball coach of her career.

Thanking her coaches for opportunities, their confidence in her and even those who were “harsh enough to get me where I should be,” Hester revealed how these coaching relationships shaped her.

Hester detailed her first play and the fear that paralyzed her as “the ball dropped right in front of me.”

“I also remember my first touch. The ball came back to me in the second play; I was in middle back and I passed the ball,” said Hester.  Hester recalled her thoughts, “I love this sport; I want to play for the rest of my life.”

“I dreamt of becoming a college athlete, but I never planned on it,” said Hester. “Playing in college was a last minute decision for me. I am so glad that I made this decision to play the sport I love for four more years.”

“And Huntingdon—I love Huntingdon!” Hester said. “The coaching staff is super nice. They had me meet the team—and they made me feel like part of the family.”

Gracious and joyful, Josie Hester’s smiles radiate in this celebration’s photos as she winds down her senior year confidently—fully equipped to follow her passion.