Just before school was dismissed for winter break, a select group of Mansfield Lady Tiger volleyball players received an early present for the holidays.
Skylynn Harris, Kiara Thomas, Natalie Allison, and Coach Kaylie Pyles were invited to a recognition luncheon to celebrate the team’s volleyball success this past 2021 season.
The December 9 gathering brought together local dignitaries to witness the telling of significant moments from Mansfield’s most recent state volleyball championship campaign.
The three MHS players and their head coach were invited to Fort Smith’s Temple Live. There representatives from the Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette and HAWGS Illustrated Magazine served as hosts to the luncheon.
The main purpose of the afternoon special was to introduce Mansfield volleyball as the Program of the Week.
“It was pretty special,” said Mansfield head coach Kaylie Pyles. “The food was really nice, and they treated us like real celebrities.”
Coach Pyles went on to say that the girls enjoyed the food and being recognized. Jokingly, she added that her meal would have been much better if not for being obligated to stand up and speak to the audience on behalf of the team.
“It was a little nerve wracking,” confessed Pyles on the experience. “I didn’t exactly eat all my food because of the whole speaking part. I did enjoy the opportunity to brag on our players and our back to back state titles. It was a big honor to be recognized as the program of the week.”
The Democrat Gazette and HAWGS Illustrated chose the Mansfield players that attended because of their individual accomplishments and seniority within the team.
Thomas, a senior, earned All-Conference and All-District honors this past season. Harris, a junior, was All-Conference, All-District, and All-State. Allison, another junior, was All-Conference, All-District, All-State, All-State Tournament, and the class 2A State MVP.
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