The Tennessee Middle School Athletic Association (TMSAA) has hosted a Middle School State Volleyball Tournament for four years. This past Saturday, the West Greene Middle School volleyball team qualified for the Class A TMSAA State Volleyball Tournament for the fourth time. There are 216 Class A middle school volleyball teams in the state of Tennessee, and West Greene is one of eight teams still playing. Over the past three seasons, the Lady Buffs won the State Championship in 2023, finished as runner-up in 2024, and won the State Championship again in 2025.
After winning the State Championship last season, the Lady Buffs had some serious rebuilding to accomplish, as they lost nine of their twelve players. As shown over their previous seasons, however, the West Greene coaches and players just reload. The athletes and coaches put a great deal of hard work into spring conditioning and summer work and set challenging goals for themselves before the season, and through teamwork and dedication, they were able to accomplish their goals.
One goal was a District Championship. The Lady Buffs went undefeated in district play in the regular season and then swept their District Tournament. In the first round, West Greene beat Rush Strong 25-16 and 25-6. In the second round match, West Greene defeated Rogersville City 25-5 and 25-9. Then in the District Championship, the Lady Buffs beat a very talented one-loss South Greene team 25-14 and 25-11. This District Championship qualified the Lady Buffs to advance to the Region 1 Sectional Tournament, played at Cherokee High School on Saturday, October 3rd.
In the Sectional Tournament, the Lady Buffs got off to a rocky start. Playing Grandview in the first round, West Greene lost the first set 23-25. The Lady Buffs had not lost a set in a district match all season, but because of playing in three in-season tournaments versus good AA schools, they were prepared to handle the adversity. The coaches and players made the needed adjustments and won the next two sets 25-15 and 15-7. Then in the Sectional Championship match, with a fourth-straight trip to the TMSAA State Tournament on the line, the Lady Buffs came out with complete focus and teamwork, defeating Boones Creek 25-12 and 25-23.
Currently, the Lady Buffs have a 31-2 season record, with their only two losses coming to AA teams, who are also representing their schools at the Class AA TMSAA State Tournament. Over the past four state-qualifying seasons, the West Greene Lady Buffs have an overall record of 118-12 (90.8%), which includes a 12-3 (80%) record at the previous three state tournaments.
The Lady Buffs will be leaving for Murfreesboro on Wednesday morning from the school. They play three pool matches on Thursday. Depending on the their pool play results, they will be placed in the silver bracket, competing for 5th place, or in the gold bracket with a chance to win their third State Championship in four seasons.
West Greene Middle School is coached by Gavin Brown, Erica Williams, and Tiffany Shelton. Team members include:
8th Graders – Cora Podraza, Anslee Shelton, Mackenzie Stewart
7th Graders – Cambrie Brown, Everlee Carpenter, Caroline Gray, Mckee Greenlee, Kaylie Johnson, Tessa Shelton, Avery Stepp, Kendall Stills
6th grader – Jesse Douthat
Thursday Pool Schedule (Central Time)
12:40 vs. Wartburg Central @ Seigel High Aux. Gym
3:20 vs Northview-Newbern @ Seigel Middle
7:20 vs Univ. Middle-Memphis @ Seigel Middle
