Volleyball is a family affair for the Sixbey sisters
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Sixbey sisters–Alex, Addie, and Chloe–grew up playing all kinds of sports; soccer, basketball, swimming, karate…even baton twirling and triathlons! But volleyball is the one that stuck. Blame it on their height or their love for the team, the sport has become a major part of the Sixbey family’s life.
Alex is in 10th grade at Buchholz High School. Addie and Chloe are twins; they are in 7th grade at Fort Clarke Middle School. All of the girls currently play for Gainesville Juniors Volleyball Club, as well as their school teams when in season. Alex’s team is heading to the USA Volleyball Nationals this month!
How long have you been playing volleyball? What made you initially interested in this sport?聽
Alex: I started playing in 1st聽grade at the Girls Place; Girls Place is a great place to get started and learn the basics, as well as meet other girls that you may end up knowing through high school. My mom played volleyball and it looked fun!
Addie: I started playing at Girls Place in 2nd聽grade and then started playing travel when I was 10. My mom played it and it seemed fun. It was fun to watch people hit the ball hard (spiking). I also like that it is a team sport and not an individual sport because I think team sports are more fun!
Chloe: I started playing at Girls Place in 2nd聽grade and then played travel since I was 10. My big sister played volleyball and I liked watching her at the Girls Place and school.聽 We would get to watch her sometimes when she played travel ball, but usually this was harder because we were young and tournaments weren鈥檛 in town.
What position do you play? How did you end up in this position?聽
Alex: Right now I play middle hitter, but have played right side hitter for my travel team too. In high school, I play outside hitter. I鈥檓 in these positions because I鈥檓 tall and can hit! (Alex is 6 feet tall and only 16 years old!)
Addie: I play right side hitter. I ended up in this position because I鈥檓 tall and left handed. (Addie is 5鈥�7″ and only 13 years old!)
Chloe: I play middle hitter. I ended up in this position because I am tall and you need someone who is tall in the middle. (Chloe is 5鈥�9″ and also 13 years old!)
Describe your team. What do you do to get excited together before a game?聽
Alex: We are very competitive and care about each other. We are silly and hardworking. We get excited before a game by talking in a huddle; we talk about things that encourage each other.
Addie: We work well together and care for each other. We like to hang out at tournaments and have fun together; it鈥檚 nice that there isn鈥檛 drama on our team! Before a game, we pass in a circle together while listening to loud music on a speaker.
Chloe: We support each other and are always there for each other. We never give up and always push towards our goal! Before a game we will sometimes do a team bonding activity, like go to dinner and talk and laugh to get loose and relaxed before a stressful game.
What has volleyball taught you that you have been able to transfer off the court?
Alex: Volleyball has taught me how to be a team player and how to be competitive. It’s helped me learn how to work with others and to make sure I鈥檓 balancing things like school, sports and work well.
Addie: It has taught me how to work together and have a positive attitude; the friendships and meeting new people is fun! It also taught me to go out of your comfort zone both physically and mentally.
Chloe: Volleyball has taught me how to keep trying and not give up. Sometimes you鈥檒l win and sometimes you鈥檒l lose, but always push yourself because at the end of the season, that鈥檚 what really matters.
What else would you like to share?聽
Alex: Sports can change your life for the better because you have something to look forward to every day and you鈥檒l make lifelong friends!
Addie: School sports are fun and a good way to start playing sports! You don鈥檛 have to play travel sports, there are so many options for sports in Gainesville.
Chloe: If sports are fun for you, play them. It doesn鈥檛 have to be competitive. It can be in your front yard, at Girls Place, or I9. There are many options.
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