S P O R T S & R E C R E AT I O N
A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN Dynastic success represents only the tip of the iceberg with the Peachtree Academy volleyball team. The relationships that were forged and the lessons that were learned on the road to four consecutive state championships have left an indelible mark on all involved. by CHRIS BRIDGES Sports dynasties often expand beyond the circle of athletics, which is why even casual fans know about the New England Patriots, the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Yankees, the University of Alabama and even our Atlanta Braves. Success for one season can be difficult enough to achieve, but to be at the top of a sport for an extended period of time demands attention. Such is the case for the powerhouse Peachtree Academy volleyball program. The Lady Panthers have won four consecutive state championships in the Georgia Association of Private and Parochial Schools—a notable accomplishment, not only for the volleyball program but for the small Newton County school that has a limited number of student-athletes from which to draw. “Being a part of the team these past years has been such an honor and blessing,” senior Haley Hopkins said. “I have loved every minute of it. I thank God for giving me the love for this sport and for all the friendships and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
34 The Newton Community Magazine
Head coach Bobby Mitchell took a circuitous route to Peachtree Academy. He was looking for a place for his daughter to compete in the sport, and after initially trying to start a program somewhere else, he settled on Peachtree. “My dad and his friends built a sand court on Jackson Lake back in 1988, and that’s when I was first introduced to the sport,” Mitchell said. “A few years later, I had the opportunity to see beach volleyball in the Olympics at Atlanta Beach. After that, I was hooked. I’ve been competing in doubles beach tournaments for 25 years now. I started coaching indoor volleyball 10 years ago when my daughter Brianna wanted to play. It was club volleyball at A5 South in McDonough. I never played or coached indoor before that. Since then, I have also coached for several other clubs and started my own beach and indoor program three years ago.” Mitchell credits the high level of play Peachtree has exhibited during its run to several factors. Coaches, parents and players all bought into the program.
