Pass. Set. Spike. Kill! All around the gym, the crowd erupts in cheers. The Trojan girls volleyball team swarms the court, jumping up and down in celebration of their victory against Franklin Central. The win marks another highlight in an impressive season for the Trojans, whose teamwork and chemistry have propelled them a sectional title and match up against Yorktown in tomorrow’s regionals. While this is a team accomplishment, it is also a milestone for senior Gracyn Gilliard and freshman Gabby Gilliard. For the Gilliard sisters, volleyball is more than just a team sport – it’s a family affair.
“Growing up, we were just encouraged to do what we liked,” Gracyn said. “I never played volleyball at the club level because I preferred to be involved in other sports like basketball and track. That’s part of the reason I like playing volleyball. It’s just something that I get to enjoy without worrying about my stats or getting recruited.”
After transferring to Center Grove in the fall of her junior year, Gracyn became a basketball starter for the Lady Trojans, averaging 18 points per game. However, she decided to try out for the volleyball team going into her senior year.
“I know a lot of athletes just stick to one sport, but I wanted to play with Gabby,” Gracyn said. “I figured the worst possible thing that could happen was that I wouldn’t make the team.”
Both sisters were offered a spot on the team — Gracyn as a right side hitter, and Gabby as an outside hitter. With both sisters being competitive, they say that playing different positions on the court enables them to be more supportive teammates.
“It really helps that we are in different positions,” Gracyn said. “We are both really competitive. If we were to both play the same position, there would be a lot of other issues going on.”
Being on the same team gives them the opportunity to hold each other accountable. Their bond also allows them to communicate with one other in a different way than teammates typically do.
“We couldn’t have that level of blatant honesty with anyone else,” Gabby said. “It helps us to be better because she tells me when I need to get my act together and show out and I do the same for her.”
This honesty carries over to their gameplay, especially during tense games against rival teams like Roncalli or Franklin. With the pressure that comes from these games, staying poised on the court is crucial to a player’s performance. For Gabby, dialing in is all about finding ways to forget mistakes and move forward after losing a set.
“In situations such as a big game or when we’ve just lost a set, there’s this breathing technique that I do and it just makes everything better,” Gabby said. “I take a deep breath in for five counts, hold, and then release for five. Once I’ve done it a couple times, I calm down, forget the past, and reset.”
Evidently, this technique works. As a freshman, Gabby has already stacked up a total of 390 kills throughout the season. Her performance has made her one of the team’s top offensive threats. Despite her stats, she remains humble, crediting her teammates and older sister for their example.
“I’ve really learned a lot from seniors like Nat [Vance] and Gracyn. They play with a lot of confidence,” Gabby said. “Everyone is just so supportive. It also helps that we’re all friends, which makes playing way more fun.”
Now, as No. 10 Center Grove prepares for its regional matchup against No. 3 Yorktown, the Gilliard sisters are gearing up for another challenge. With every pass and swing, the two are ready to bring their trademark energy to the court and help catapult the Trojans to victory.
