ADRIAN — Two members of the Lenawee Christian volleyball program, senior setter Brynn Davis and junior libero Leah Sherman, have achieved record milestones this year.
Davis recorded her 2,000th career assist at Morenci against the Bulldogs in Tri-County Conference action on Sept. 17, while Sherman collected her 1,000th career dig against Blissfield in her team’s first match of the LCS Home Quad on Sept. 26.
“Brynn is dedicated, passionate, and focused,” coach Tenille Marowelli said. “She has a commitment to growth and consistently works to give what is best for her team.”
Davis, whose parents are Matt and Mindy Davis of Adrian, began training to become a setter only the summer before her sophomore varsity season. Still, Davis said Marowelli trusted her enough to put the ball in her hands during matches.
“I am very grateful for Coach M and all the time she has invested in my development. She has had a lot of faith in me and my potential to grow into the setter that I am today,” said Davis, who, as a freshman, admired the play of four-year varsity setter Gabby Bryja. “She was highly skilled yet still humble, and it inspired me to work hard and improve my own skills since I had some big shoes to fill after she graduated.”
Marowelli pointed toward others who have reached similar milestones during her five years with the LCS program. Bryja surpassed 3,000 assists and 1,000 digs as the four-year varsity setter, and Hannah Baker also reached 1,000 kills as a four-year varsity player.
Sherman, whose parents are Salina and John Sherman of Adrian, has worked hard to reach this career milestone, a goal she has pursued since making the varsity program as a freshman.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do this without my amazing teammates and coaches,” Sherman said. “The senior class this year, class of 2027, has guided me, encouraged me, and ultimately makes our team what we are.”
“Leah is a fierce competitor,” Marowelli said. “She has grit and is deeply committed to growing her skill and IQ to be the best she can be for her team.”
Marowelli said every player wants to improve, achieve their highest goals, and be the best, but there is something much bigger and deeper to achieve. She said she thinks Sherman and Davis, along with their teammates, see the bigger picture and truly work to play like each practice and game is a gift.
“Although I believe each player has a desire to improve themselves, I believe Leah and Brynn’s ultimate motivation isn’t for themselves, but for the glory of God and for their teammates,” Marowelli said.
Each believes their coach, teammates, and families have made achieving those milestones secondary to the greater things.
“I am so blessed to be on this team,” Davis said. “My teammates are humble, driven, and selfless. I have an incredible offense that can place the ball with speed and accuracy. They have allowed me to reach the milestones that I have because of the work they put into volleyball during the season and the offseason.”
Davis, who has signed to play basketball for Spring Arbor University next year, said the team’s success comes from unity, faith, putting the team before individuals, and playing with confidence despite daily pressures.
“Our team is very uplifting,” Sherman said. “We are strongly founded in Christ, which makes us stronger in everything we do. Our lineup is pretty much the same since last year, so having the same connections for two seasons has helped grow to what we are.”