Gloucester senior Keira Tidwell: Spiking success from a leap of friendship
GLOUCESTER, Va. — Gloucester High School senior Keira Tidwell proves that it’s never too late to pursue a passion. Despite picking up volleyball just three years ago, Keira’s dedication and natural athleticism have propelled her to remarkable success, culminating in a volleyball scholarship at Southwest Virginia Community College. Let’s spotlight Keira’s journey, from her initial foray into the sport to her leadership on the varsity team and her aspirations for the future, with insights from her coach and family.
What are your goals in your sport?
Keira Tidwell: My personal goals within my athletic dreams were to get a scholarship for volleyball.
What challenges have you faced and overcome in your sport?
Tidwell: The biggest challenge was being able to stay motivated through all of it. I managed it by having an amazing support system. Volleyball is full of errors. It鈥檚 definitely a mental game and I鈥檝e had to learn how to be able to get out of my head
What do you love most about your sport and events?
Tidwell: I love that I鈥檝e met some of the best people through it. I have also loved being able to travel to tournaments and enjoy new experiences, as well as trying a bunch of different foods.
What has being a part of a team taught you?
Tidwell: That it is more than a sport and your team is your second family.
What advice do you have for other athletes?
Tidwell: The best advice I was given was being told, 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know until you try.鈥�
Sean McNash (Gloucester Dukes volleyball coach):
鈥淚 have been fortunate to watch and have a part in Keira’s growth over the past three years as she has participated as a member of our varsity volleyball team at Gloucester High School. Keira started playing volleyball during her sophomore year of high school, which, for most athletes, presents a major challenge as many of their teammates will have participated for at least one or two years, if not more. However, Keira was able to utilize her natural athleticism and work ethic developed through her previous experience participating competitively in other sports to speed her volleyball growth and learning process. Although her sophomore year with us was spent learning the techniques, positions, and strategies of the sport, by her junior year, she was not only a starter for our varsity team, but also one of our captains. Her participation in club (travel) volleyball as well as attendance of our offseason conditioning programs in between seasons continued to grow her skillset and increase her understanding of the sport. By her senior year, she was contributing to the team in the front row (at the net, in attacking and blocking roles) and back row (off of the net, in serving and defensive roles) and performing techniques reflecting that seen in high-end high school and collegiate volleyball play. She has met and exceeded the expectations of myself and the other coaches at Gloucester (coaches Leah and Lyndsey) and we cannot wait to watch her journey as a student-athlete at the collegiate level.鈥�
Bryan and Kamala Tidwell (Keira鈥檚 parents):
鈥淲e want to start off by saying that we are so proud of Keira. Her sophomore year, she decided to try out for volleyball to appease one of her friends. Much to our surprise, she made the varsity team! We were so excited for her. Keira worked hard and listened to the coaches. She learned a lot and was given a chance to be a starter. Keira played varsity for all three years of high school. She made the decision to play club that first year and has continued to play club into her senior year. She made the 18 nationals team this year and travels. We have watched
her grow and mature in the sport. We were so excited when she was offered a scholarship and an opportunity to play college volleyball. We are looking forward to watching her and following her in her college adventures. You never know where one leap of faith may take you!鈥�
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