By DREW GRANTHUM/Staff Writer

Isabella volleyball senior Unique Robinson became one of the key fixtures on the Mustangs’ varsity squad this season, leading the team in blocks and kills on the way to helping boost the team to an AHSAA Class 1A state Elite Eight appearance.

Her accomplishments have been impressive, but Robinson’s somewhat late start to the sport make the feats even more incredible.

“Unique has only played (volleyball) four years,” head coach Glen Graham said. “She waited until her ninth grade year to start, but her growth was very good each year. She became our dominant offensive player her senior year.”

It was an interesting path to being the Mustangs’ key player; Robinson didn’t give the sport much thought until seeing some of her family play —including cousin and former Isabella standout Landy Griffith.

“It just looked fun, and it ended up being something I really loved doing,” Robinson said. “After seeing my cousins play, that’s what made me want to do it.”

Graham said he knew that Robinson could make a difference on the court after teaching her senior class in physical education classes through the years.

“I’ve known them (since) second grade, and then (had them) again in fifth and sixth grade,” he said. “I knew Unique was an athlete, I knew she was a smart girl and I knew she had the skills that would transfer to volleyball well.”

Volleyball wasn’t immediately easy, Robinson said. It took a season of really learning the game for her to feel confident with it.

“The toughest part was passing,” she said. “My 10th grade year, when I was playing B-team…that’s the year I started hitting harder and everything was much easier.”

Graham said Robinson’s ability to listen to her coaches helped her develop.

“She is a good athlete, but she is also very coachable,” he said. “She wanted to really improve at the game every year, which she did.”

So much so that she was voted by her teammates as captain for her squad, where she posted 384 kills, 118 blocks, five aces and 29 digs this season.

“When Unique really had (momentum) going, if when we were passing the ball well, we could get it to her,” Graham said. “A block and a kill in volleyball are two of the exciting plays that really help set the tone and momentum. Against Montevallo she had 22 kills, (which) was a season high.”

Robinson, who signed a scholarship to play for Wallace State-Selma in the fall, was quick to praise her teammates.

“I think my team had a big effect on (reaching the state finals) because everyone got along. They were all good to each other, and we had no issues. We all worked together.”

Robinson said she was “nervous and excited” about playing on the next level, and that she eventually wanted “to go to UAB to pursue my career in physical therapy.”

2014 All-Area Volleyball Team

FIRST TEAM

• Kacie Adams, Isabella, senior

• Alexis Cook, Billingsley, senior

• Sabrina Ellison, Thorsby, junior

• Kaley Lucas, Chilton County, sophomore

• Unique Robinson, Isabella, senior

• Cassani Steele, Jemison, sophomore

Honorable Mention:

• Billingsley: Spencer Simpson, Hannah Caver

• Isabella: Caley Booth, Sarah Graham

• Maplesville: Kendrauna Griffen, Shelby Weldon

• Thorsby: Kerri Robinson

• Jemison: Emily Spain, Ashley Dutton

• Chilton County: Lesley Harton, Johnna Robertson