Featured Athlete: Shelby Burriss

Grace Steed, Staff Writer • August 29, 2024

Shelby Burriss is a middle blocker for the volleyball team. She is committed to Princeton University to play volleyball in the fall.

Shelby Burriss is a senior middle blocker on the volleyball team. Burriss is committed to Princeton University, and she plans to pursue her dream career in pediatric orthodontics, while playing for the school’s volleyball team.

Pre-game:

Warmup: Stretching, Advil and energy drink

Favorite hype song: PRAISE! by Brandon Lake

Pre-game snack: Honey Stingers

Go-to drink: Dream Float flavored Alani Nu

Post-game:

The Red Ledger: What inspired you to start playing volleyball?

Shelby Burriss: At first, I played basketball, but I decided it was too much of a contact sport. I liked the no contact concept in volleyball and was inspired by my mom’s high school volleyball career, so I tried it out, and well, it stuck.

TRL: What are your goals for this season?

SB: This season, I am very committed to winning state. I also hope to grow as a player, not only on the court, but as a person and a teammate.

TRL: What is your favorite part of playing?

SB: I enjoy cheering on my friends and teammates! I love whenever the whole team runs onto the court into a huddle after a big win.

TRL: What is your favorite part of the season?

SB: Definitely enjoying time with my teammates. Even when I am having having a bad day, my teammates always manage to find a way to make me laugh.

TRL: What position do you play, and do you enjoy it?

SB: I play middle blocker and love it! I like the fast pace that the position requires. If I were to play any other position, it would be the setter.

TRL: What is the biggest lesson you have learned while playing volleyball?

SB: Volleyball has taught me to control what is controllable, such as my attitude, effort and preparation. I recognize that I cannot control my performance or the results of the match, so having this mentality helps relieve any stress and nerves before a big game.

TRL: What are you looking forward to in your volleyball career?

SB: I am so excited to play at Princeton! Until then, I want to work on continuing to develop, so that I can become the best version of myself.

TRL: What is your goal for your future volleyball career?

SB: I want to be successful at Princeton during my career, but I don’t anticipate playing professionally. I intend to use my future degree to pursue a career in pediatric orthodontics.

About the Contributors

Grace Steed, Staff Writer

Grace Steed is an incoming sophomore who enjoys dance and hanging out with friends. Most of the time, you will find Grace at her studio or with her friends. This year, she is looking forward to making new friends and having classes with her close friends. This is Grace’s first year in The Red Ledger, and she is very excited to be a part of the organization. Grace is very excited for her sophomore year and she is looking forward to the years to come!

Anna Frost, Section Editor

Beginning her fourth and final year on TRL, senior Anna Frost is excited to take on her new role as Photo Editor. Frost is a member of the cross country and track and field teams, and when she is not at the track, she is in the classroom studying history and pushing herself in her school work. Frost likes meeting new people and exploring different cultures, and is excited to see where her future takes her. Anna loves music, and is in her church worship band. She also likes to explore new genres of music. Frost can’t wait for an amazing final year on staff, and is so excited to see the places it will take her.