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Current and former Thorsby volleyball players shared the court during an alumni game hosted by the Rebels on Aug. 12.

The game has taken place both years since Leighsa Robinson took over as coach of the varsity volleyball team.

It is something that she wants to continue to watch grow into a symbol of Thorsby pride.

Both the varsity and junior varsity squads took part in the event, with each player getting the chance to faceoff against their coaches and former teammates.

“I like it because of the team bonding that you get from it,” eighth-grader Autumn Knox said.

As well as Robinson, other alumni participants included the likes of junior varsity coach Brittany Maddox and recent graduate Lauren Wyatt.

Wyatt was a member of last year’s team, but found herself for one afternoon on the other side of the net playing against her friends and former teammates.

“There’s a lot to be said about tradition,” Robinson said. “We have a lot of fine alums that like to come back not only for this, but throughout the season to support our girls.”

Prior to becoming a volleyball coach at Thorsby, Maddox was a player and student at the school.

According to Maddox, she can show her current players how she approaches the game on a first hand basis that is very different from the every day routine of practice.

“It always good to get back out there doing what you love,” Maddox said.

Even though the alumni game was played with a fun and relaxed atmosphere, there were coachable moments in the contest that Robinson used to share a tip or point out something that her players could work on.

“Any time you put your hands on the ball, it’s a learning moment,” Robinson said.

The Rebels are shaping up to be a very young team this season with only three returning starters on varsity.

“They work hard and they’ve shown that ‘will to win’ attitude,” Robinson said. “When you’ve got that, you can overcome a lot of things.”