For the second time in three seasons, the West Greene Middle School Lady Buffaloes have climbed to the top of Tennessee Middle School Class A Volleyball. With a flawless 5-0 run through the state tournament, and not a single set dropped, the Lady Buffs secured the 2025 State Championship and solidified their place as one of the most successful middle school programs in the state.
“First and foremost, we give God all the glory, honor and praise for what he has done for this team,” said Coach Erica Williams. “It’s an incredible feeling to bring another title home. These girls have worked so hard and been dedicated to doing what it takes to play at the state level.”
The victory adds another chapter to an already remarkable legacy. West Greene has now earned two state titles and one runner-up finish across the past three seasons, building a combined record of 87-10 overall and 12-3 in state tournament play.
“They are making history and leaving a legacy to remember for many years to come,” said Williams. “It is something special to be a part of these teams and share this honor with them.”
The Lady Buffaloes entered the tournament with calm confidence and a shared faith that kept them grounded under pressure.
“One of our main priorities was to prepare them mentally for the level of play and the pressure that comes with that big stage,” Williams said. “I shared the story of David and Goliath, and from that point on, our motto became to walk into battle with faith like David. We knew God had already given us the skill and talent we needed. We just needed to take Him into battle with us.”
That focus carried into pool play, where West Greene swept all three matches. The Lady Buffs defeated University School of Memphis 25-6, 25-4, battled through a tough win over Summertown Middle, and topped Bellevue Middle in straight sets.
“After we defeated Summertown, I had a really good feeling about the rest of the tournament,” Williams said. “They were a really good team, and we beat them in two sets. I knew the girls had come to play and win it all.”
Redemption and Domination
The semifinal matchup against Northview Middle–Newbern brought extra motivation. It was Northview who had defeated West Greene in last year’s championship, and the Lady Buffs were eager for redemption.
“The girls had a mission,” Williams said. “We didn’t have to motivate them much. They were competitive and wanted that redemption. They executed the game plan perfectly and got it done in two sets.”
That win set up a championship rematch against Bellevue. West Greene entered confident, having already seen their opponent’s tendencies earlier in the tournament.
“We said, ‘Let’s play our game by hitting at them and keeping every ball from hitting the floor,’” Williams explained. “Our back line was touching everything, our hitters were placing the ball well, and our serving was consistent. It was a great all-around performance.”
The Lady Buffs controlled the first set with strong defense and precision hitting. In the second, Bellevue mounted a rally, but West Greene’s composure held firm. Leading 20-17, the Lady Buffs closed it out behind a big kill and sharp serving to seal the state title.
Team Chemistry And Character
Much like their 2023 championship squad, this team’s chemistry and connection stood out.
“These girls have played together for three years now and really like each other on and off the court,” Williams said. “They’ve learned how to play together as a team, and it shows every time they step on the floor.”
Every player had a role. Whether through serving, defense, hitting, setting, or pure energy, each member contributed to the championship run.
“Volleyball is a team sport that requires everyone to do their part,” said Williams. “All twelve girls brought something special to the team that made it complete. That’s what it takes to get to this level of play.”
The Heart Of A Community
Behind the players stood a community that never stopped believing.
“To our players, thank you for your time, hard work, dedication and heart,” Williams said. “To our parents, families, and community, thank you for always supporting and believing in us. From filling the stands to traveling hundreds of miles to cheer us on, we could feel your support every step of the way.”
That community support helped propel the Lady Buffaloes to a 32-5 overall record this season and a 5-0 run at the state tournament, winning all ten sets they played. Out of 208 teams competing in Class A volleyball, it was West Greene that stood alone at the top.
“We are proud to be a part of this wonderful community and proud to represent Greene County,” Williams said. “These girls have made history and left a legacy that will live on for many years.”
