Nina Moorer, Ridge Point
"The volleyball community is truly a family that you have for life, no matter where you are."
Moorer started playing volleyball in the first grade after moving from Columbia, South Carolina, to Louisville, Kentucky. Her father, then coaching football for the University of Louisville, took his daughter to one of the volleyball games.
"I immediately fell in love with the game and the atmosphere that volleyball creates," Moorer said.
The goal was to always play in college, which Moorer knew was a possibility because she could see herself rapidly growing stronger and getting better. Every improvement awarded a different perspective at the potential she had.
It all eventually earned her a scholarship to the University of Louisville, a place that never left Moorer's heart.
"When I took a trip there recently, I fell in love with the city all over again," she said. "The campus, the people and the culture is so special, and after talking with the coaches, the players, my family and friends, I knew that it was the place for me."
But now an anticipated senior campaign awaits, one loaded with the typical great expectations generally associated with a perennial powerhouse like Ridge Point.
Moorer has 318 digs, 290 assists, 164 kills, 67 blocks and 22 aces for the 31-9 Panthers so far this season. She is a versatile player who prides herself on being a leader and being one step ahead of the opponent, recognizing plays and how to counter them.
She is an essential part of a stacked team full of talent. One that has what it takes to get back to the state tournament.
"This program has had many successes throughout the years, and I am so happy that I have the chance to be a part of it," Moorer said. "It does put a big target on our backs, just because of the history Ridge Point volleyball has had, and people expect us to be good. It motivates me to not only live up to those expectations, but to exceed them."
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Patrick Smith, Clements
"I put everything on God and my parents," Smith said. "My parents knew football was one thing I've always wanted to get better at, and they've helped me do things to get to that level."
The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Smith played cornerback and safety and returned kicks last season, opening the eyes of college coaches. He totaled 44 tackles with two interceptions and had 49 receiving yards and a touchdown.
This season, he added receiver to his resume, and has 1,000 all-purpose yards through the season's first eight games (625 receiving, 234 kick return, 109 punt return) to go with 10 touchdowns (eight receiving, one rushing, one punt return). Defensively, he has 52 tackles, one fumble caused and four passes defensed.
He has 12 offers and is leaning toward Air Force, San Diego State or Lehigh.
"My dad being a safety helped out a lot when I was growing up learning the game," Smith said. "Naturally, I feel like I'm a corner but I'll adapt to whatever it takes to help the team."
Smith has always had speed, ever since he was playing kick ball and tag as a kindergartener. It's what he credits for his success. He's simply faster than whoever he's lined up against. At the TCU camp this summer, Smith hit a 4.41, 40-yard dash.
Smith worked on his defensive back and wide receiver play during the offseason, trying to perfect his craft at both. He knows the Rangers will need those two things this year, especially receiver play.
"I've been on varsity for four years," Smith said. "Freshman year, it was let's at least get one win. Sophomore year, it was OK, let's get at least two.
"This year, now it's about expecting wins. In my opinion, we have what it takes to be a playoff team, and we need to expect to make the playoffs."
Clements is 6-2 so far this season.
"The biggest thing is mental," Smith said "I feel like there's never really been a team that's really beat us. A lot of the time, we beat ourselves. We have to get over that mental hump. We have to have leaders. We have to have a mentality to win."
This story appeared in the Inaugural VYPE Fort Bend ISD Fall Edition, which is now available to pick up at your local Fort Bend ISD High Schools.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW & PURCHASE MORE PHOTOS
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