Isabella middle blocker Synia Chattman was named The Clanton Advertiser’s 2015 Volleyball Player of the Year after a dominant sophomore season.

She helped the Mustangs reach the AHSAA Class 1A State Tournament in Birmingham by totaling a county-high 275 kills and 142 blocks to accompany 47 digs.

Success on the volleyball court is something that runs in her family.

She follows in the footsteps of her cousin Unique Robinson who was named The Clanton Advertiser’s Volleyball Player of the Year in 2014 following her senior season at Isabella.

According to Chattman, she started playing during seventh grade, and though she didn’t play much the team went undefeated. She quickly learned what it would take in order to be a winner.

“I finally got my start on the junior high team in eighth grade, and they moved me up to varsity during my ninth grade year,” Chattman said.

She has already earned a starting spot and developed into a leader on the team despite only being in 10th grade.

A tradition of volleyball success has been established in recent years. That legacy appears to be in good hands moving forward with Chattman at the forefront.

“Our crowd loves us, and they are always behind us whether we win or lose,” Chatman said. “We’ve got a crowd with us everywhere we go.”

Head coach Glen Graham has been instrumental in rising the level of the volleyball program at Isabella, and Chattman appreciates the care and belief that he exhibits toward his players.

“He pushes us when we’re lacking, because deep down he knows that we can do better,” Chattman said.

Chattman also plays basketball at Isabella, but recognizes that volleyball clearly tops all other sports.

“We’re going to work even harder next year, and we’re hopefully going to finish it off before I graduate,” Chattman said.

According to Chattman, the best aspect of her game is her ability to block big hits from the opponent.

“That is the best feeling in the world,” Chattman said.

2015 All-Area Volleyball Team

First team

Libero:

•Caley Booth, Isabella, senior – 244 digs, nine kills, 56 aces and 18 assists.

Setter:

•Emily Spain, Jemison, senior – 129 kills, 25 blocks, 209 assists, 145 digs and 101 aces.

•Hailey Underwood, Isabella, junior – 136 kills, six blocks, 89 aces, 21 assists and 181 digs.

Outside hitter:

•Jayda Jones, Isabella, sophomore – 156 kills, two blocks, 64 aces and 130 digs.

•Kaley Lucas, Chilton County, junior – 176 kills.

Middle blocker:

•Synia Chattman, Isabella, sophomore – 275 kills, 142 blocks and 47 digs.

•Cassini Steele, Jemison, junior – 252 kills, 78 blocks, 45 solo blocks, 40 digs and Chilton County Tournament Most Valuable Player.

Designated server:

•Brianna Tyler Setter, Isabella, senior – Set school season record with 151 aces, 12 kills, 26 digs and three assists.

Second team

Libero:

•Brannon Zaner, Billingsley, junior – 94 percent serving accuracy with 31 aces, 83 percent on digs with 303 good passes on 363 attempts.

•Johnna Robertson, Chilton County, junior – 105 digs and 191 serves received.

Setter:

•Spencer Simpson, Billingsley, sophomore – 86 percent serving accuracy with 78 aces, 50 kills and 118 assists.

•Lesley Harton, Chilton County, junior – 105 assists.

Outside hitter:

•Sophia Underwood, Isabella, sophomore – 97 kills, 229 digs, 37 aces and seven assists.

•Jada Lucas, Billingsley, senior – 74 kills.

Middle blocker:

•Taylor Ray, Jemison, senior – 121 kills, 20 blocks, 221 digs and 30 aces.