Mom, daughter help Gordon Lee

CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. — When Alli O’Neal began her volleyball career at Gordon Lee High School, her mother planned to be at every match. She just didn’t know she was going to end up with a courtside seat.

Three years ago Janet O’Neal accepted an offer from the school to be Ed Clendenen’s assistant coach. Mother and daughter have since been a meaningful part of the Lady Trojans’ success, which they hope continues a few weeks more beginning with the Area 6-A/AA tournament.

The first round is today at Sonoraville. Because Gordon Lee (29-3, 8-0) was regular-season champion, it will host the championship match Thursday.

Janet said her background is in basketball. She figured what she lacked in knowledge of volleyball she could make up for in motivation.

“I can always hear Mom motivating, I guess you could call it,” Alli said. “Coach Clendenen can tell me what I’m doing wrong and tell me what I can do to correct it.”

Clendenen said Janet helps the team greatly in the inspiration department. Alli may sense some urgency is directed toward her at times, but the two have time at home to talk about any volleyball-related matters — and other things.

“I think they have a great relationship,” Clendenen said. “Janet is no different than any other parent. You’re always going to be a little bit harder on your own. Alli knows that. It never seems to bother her.”

Growing up, Alli played a variety of sports. She was in sixth grade when Gordon Lee started its middle school volleyball program. She said she thought it would be fun, so she gave it a try.

Now a senior, she’s a nominee for player of the year in the league. The result of the coaches’ votes will be announced at the conclusion of the area tournament.

“She’s a wonderful student-athlete,” Clendenen said. “You always know you’re going to get her best effort. That’s a given. She’s one of those rare ones that has the heart and intensity and also has the talent to go with it. You don’t get those every day.

“She’s going to leave a huge hole next year, to say the least.”

The 5-foot-7 O’Neal plays outside hitter up front and middle back when she rotates. She leads Gordon Lee in kills with 201 and is second on the team with 227 digs and 67 aces.

Her mother doesn’t measure Alli’s worth to the team in numbers, however.

“What I’m probably most proud of is her words and her actions match,” Janet said. “That type of leader, most people are willing to follow. When you’re off the court, they’re willing to listen to what you have to say.”

Alli shares a leadership role with her classmates on the team, and this senior class has reached unprecedented heights. They were part of last season’s school-record 27 victories and eclipsed that this year.

“The goal has always been to beat the record and go further in the state,” Alli said. “This year I think we can go two rounds in the state. I don’t think we’ve ever done that before.”

If a little encouragement is all the Lady Trojans need, then they have the assistant coach to provide it. Janet said camaraderie is already there.

“They’re friends on the court, and they’re friends off the court,” she said. “They want to do good for each other and work for each other. They’ve meshed together, and Alli has helped be a part of that. I’m so glad I get to see that every day.”

Contact Kelley Smiddie at ksmiddie@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6653.