Athlete Spotlight-CalliAnna Griggs

CalliAnna Griggs, a dedicated student-athlete, has mastered the art of balancing both her academic and athletic responsibilities. As a senior at White County High School, CalliAnna has spent her high school years playing volleyball, a sport that has not only fueled her competitive spirit but also shaped her overall experience.

From the beginning, CalliAnna embraced the challenges of maintaining her academic standing while excelling in sports.

“As a student-athlete, the ‘student’ part always comes first,” she explains. This mindset has helped her stay focused on her grades, as her school’s policy requires athletes to perform well in the classroom to stay eligible for sports. With the support of her coaches, who have access to her grades, CalliAnna has developed a strong work ethic. She attributes much of her drive to volleyball, saying,

“Sports motivate me to try harder in school and make better grades,” she said.

CalliAnna’s volleyball journey has been a source of both personal growth and cherished friendships. She has played alongside many of the same teammates since middle school, and the bond they’ve formed over the years is one she treasures deeply.

“It’s a friendship that you’ll never really find again,” she says, reflecting on the camaraderie and teamwork that volleyball fosters. This sense of belonging has given CalliAnna an identity within her school community, where she is known for her volleyball skills and her close-knit group of friends.

Being part of a team sport has taught CalliAnna valuable life lessons, especially about teamwork and communication. These lessons, she notes, have translated into her academic life as well.

“You have to respect your teammates on the court, just like you respect your peers and teachers in school,” she explains.

The discipline she’s gained from volleyball has helped her maintain good grades and push herself academically, all while balancing a busy sports schedule.

Despite the pressures of both sports and school, CalliAnna has had strong support from her family, especially her father.

“He comes to all of my games and always has something to say to me afterward,” she says fondly.

His encouragement has helped her through tough seasons and the stress of balancing her commitments.

“He always reminds me that volleyball is supposed to be fun and that I play because I love it,” she said.

Throughout her high school career, CalliAnna has achieved numerous milestones. As a freshman, she earned a spot on the varsity volleyball team, a position she’s proudly held all four years. Her ability to maintain this level of play is one of her proudest accomplishments. Academically, CalliAnna admits that school doesn’t come naturally to her, but she has consistently worked hard to maintain good grades, a testament to her perseverance and determination.

Looking ahead, CalliAnna is uncertain whether she will pursue volleyball at the college level, but she’s confident that her experiences as a student-athlete have prepared her for whatever the future holds. With plans to stay active through intramurals or other fitness activities, she remains committed to leading a healthy, balanced life. Although she hasn’t yet settled on a major, she’s considering early childhood education and is excited about the opportunities that await her after graduation.

For CalliAnna, the combination of academics and sports has provided a well-rounded high school experience, filled with personal growth, strong relationships, and valuable life lessons that will stay with her for years to come.