By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Over the last few years, Brianna McBride has talked often about playing college volleyball.
Bethel University has given her that opportunity.
McBride, a key contributor to Union City’s march to the Class 1A State Tournament last fall, has accepted a scholarship to continue her playing career with the Lady Wildcats.
Surrounded by coaches, teammates, and family on Monday, the Tornado senior celebrated becoming just the third UCHS volleyball player ever to earn a scholarship at the next level.
It was admittedly, for McBride, “a dream come true.
“Playing college volleyball is all I’ve talked about since my sophomore year,” she smiled after receiving congratulations and well-wishes from a large contingent of supporters. “I started playing club ball at the middle school level with several teams, and I’ve learned to love it more and more every year.
“I didn’t want to get down the road as an adult and regret not continuing to play if I had the opportunity. I’m happy that won’t be the case.”
The versatile McBride led the Lady Tornadoes in service aces (80), was second in digs (175) and kills (117), and ranked third on the team in saves (104) during her senior campaign when Union City qualified for the state tournament for just the third time in program history.
Winning a set for the first time in program history in state tourney play and a stirring comeback over Milan in the district semifinals will rank among her most-favorite Purple and Gold memories, she said.
“The way we came together as a team in that big comeback against Milan and being the first team from Union City to win a set in the state and be truly competitive are things I’ll always remember,” McBride said. “For me, I believe it’ll always be meaningful that whatever success the program has in the future started with our group.
“I can’t say enough about Coach (Jessica) Graham and her leadership. She worked us hard, but she made it fun. I also want to credit the UT Martin volleyball team for helping me to develop over the years.”
UC’s Graham, who set up the recent tryout at BU that helped McBride catch the Lady Wildcat coaching staff’s eye, was understandably thrilled with the opportunity for her to continue her career.
“I’m so excited for this next step for Bri,” Graham said Monday. “I know it’s something she has expressed wanting and has worked so hard for. I’m so proud of her and can’t wait to see what she does next at this level.
“Bethel is a great school. I believe Bri will be a great addition to the volleyball program.”
McBride joins Allysia Davis (Jackson State) as college signees for last year’s Lady Tornado team that set numerous program records, including most wins (18) in a season.
