By Rubin E. Grant
While watching a replay of the Class 7A volleyball championship game against McGill-Toolen Catholic, Audrey Rothman’s emotions got the best of her, especially during the final blow that sealed Spain Park’s first state title.
Rothman, an athletic 6-foot-4 senior outside hitter, delivered the kill to complete the Jaguars’ 3-0 sweep (26-24, 25-23, 25-23) of the legendary Dirty Dozen.
“It was bittersweet, honestly,” Rothman said of seeing the decisive kill again. “I was filled with a lot of emotions.
“It still feels unreal that we actually won it. It’s something I’ve always looked forward to when I was younger.”
Rothman had 24 kills and 12 digs in the final match of her high school career, earning Class 7A MVP honors. For the season, she had 709 kills, 249 digs, 71 blocks and 35 assists while leading Spain Park to a school record for wins with a 47-4 record.
Her dominant performance earned her the 2021 OTM Volleyball Player of the Year honor in voting done by Over the Mountain coaches.
“I feel very blessed,” Rothman said. “I am thankful for everything this season gave me and for every single girl on my team. We have a special bond.”
Rothman is one of four Spain Park players voted to the 2021 All-OTM team. Senior right side Bella Halyard, junior setter Lilly Johnson and junior libero Brooklyn Allison also were selected.
Class 6A state champion Mountain Brook landed two players on the team, senior middle hitter Greer Golden and sophomore setter Hannah Parant.
Class 6A semifinalist Homewood had three players chosen, senior outside hitter Olivia Brown, senior right side Mackenzie Yoakum and senior middle hitter Lily Janas.
Vestavia Hills had two players selected, senior outside hitter Angelica Vines and sophomore libero Audrey Vielguth.
Oak Mountain also had two players voted to the squad, senior right side Jayni Thompson and senior setter Kathryn Smith.
Rounding out the team are Hoover senior outside hitter Rya McKinnon, John Carroll Catholic sophomore middle hitter Poppy Moellering and Briarwood Christian sophomore middle hitter Stella Helms.
Spain Park’s Kellye Bowen was the unanimous choice as 2021 OTM Coach of Year.
Grown as a Player
Rothman joined the Jags’ varsity as an eighth-grader and will leave as Spain Park’s all-time leader in kills and digs. She has been named an All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association and signed with Florida State in November to play indoor and beach volleyball.
Bowen raves about Rothman and not just about what she does on the court.
“I can’t say enough good things about her,” Bowen said. “She’s got God-gifted talent, but no other player works as hard as she does or plays at such a high level. She’s a once-in-a-lifetime player.
“What makes her so different is what she does off the floor. She’s someone you want your daughter to hang out with and be like. She’s always so positive and gives her teammates credit and encouragement. I get choked up talking about her.”
Rothman returns the favor, saying she would not have become the player she is if not for Bowen.
“She took me under her wings when I was in the eighth grade and is like family,” Rothman said. “She was always trying to get me to be more assertive and be more aggressive, and I finally learned to play that way. I love her so much.”
Rothman said she is going to miss being a part of Spain Park’s program.
“This program has meant the world to me,” she said. “I’ve developed close relationships with my teammates and all the athletic staff. I’m going to miss those relationships.”
