By Rubin E. Grant
Homewood senior libero Sydney Humes plays volleyball with unbridled enthusiasm, which befits her personality
“My whole family is kind of out there,” Humes said. “We’re loud. We like to talk. So, when the other team misses a serve and we get the point, or we score a point, or I make a dig, I believe it should be celebrated.
“I love this game so much and I get excited on the court. I think that’s a very positive thing.”
Homewood coach Andie Freedman doesn’t mind the Patriots’ 5-foot-5 bundle of energy expressing herself on the court.
“Sydney is a special player and special person,” Freedman said. “She comes from a great family and leads others by example and just her presence. She brings a tremendous amount of energy and intensity to the gym and on the court.”
It’s not just passion that Humes brings to the court but also talent. She is regarded as one the top seniors in the state. Last season, she recorded 392 digs, 43 assists, 12 aces and 8 kills, and she is well on her way to eclipsing those numbers this season. She entered this week with 329 digs, 36 aces, 32 assists and 8 kills.
“Sydney leads us on defense,” Freedman said. “She is a very skilled defender with tremendous ball control, court awareness and athleticism. Her anticipation is very good. She gets to balls a lot of other players wouldn’t be able to get to.”
Humes played in the Alabama High School Athletic Association North-South All-Star Volleyball game in July and recorded seven digs for the North.
She comes from an athletic family. Her older brother Cameron played football for the Patriots, and her dad, Darryl, played football and baseball at Minor High School.
Humes began playing volleyball during recess when she attended elementary school at Saint Rose Academy. Because of her athleticism and vertical leaping ability, she started out as an outside hitter and setter before becoming a defensive setter when she began attending Homewood.
“I love defense,” she said. “I get to show my athleticism and explosiveness on the defense.”
Humes would like to play in college. She has offers from UAB and Florida A&M and has drawn interest from Maryland and Florida State.
“She’s exploring her options,” Freedman said. “She’s definitely going to play at the next level.”
Snakebit Season
Homewood has just a 10-16 record this season, but the Patriots have had to deal with a COVID-19 outbreak that sidelined five starters, including Humes, for a period of time. Also, talented sophomore outside hitter Ellie Watts was lost for the season because of a knee injury.
“We’ve definitely been hit with some adversity,” Freedman said. “I’m hoping all of that is behind us now and we can move forward.”
Homewood is undefeated in Class 6A, Area 9 with a 3-0 record after sweeping Jackson-Olin and Parker last week and Minor on Sept. 8.
This week, the Patriots are set to play Auburn in an in-school match Wednesday and then will play in Spain Park’s Heffstrong Tournament Friday and Saturday.
“The way the season has started gives us a chance to grow as a team with the most important part of the season ahead of us,” Humes said. “We’ve got a lot of young girls who are starting to see what varsity volleyball is all about. I’m trying to be an influential leader and help them with building confidence.”
