By Rubin E. GrantIdentical twins Ella and Abby Gallaspy had been wanting to play football for some time.They would go out in their Vestavia Hills neighborhood and play throw and catch.“We had a really good time,” Abby said. “I always thought, ‘Why can’t we play football?’”When the Alabama High School Athletic Association sanctioned flag football as a … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantFor someone who has played the international game of football — better known in these parts as soccer — practically his entire life, Vestavia Hills junior Carter Shirley is beginning to act like the American brand of football is his future.Shirley has been playing soccer since he was 4 and plays in the Major League Soccer’s elite MLS Next program, but … [Read more...]

 By Rubin E. GrantA few months after being named Briarwood Christian’s new volleyball coach, Luann Causey threw down the gauntlet for her players.They accepted the challenge and in the first seven weeks of the 2022 season posted a 33-12 record.“We have a lot of talent, but they have never been challenged the way I challenged them,” Causey said. “I wanted to … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantHomewood senior receiver Jackson Parris served notice in the Patriots’ first football game that he was ready to have a breakout season.Parris fielded a punt and weaved 65 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of Homewood’s season-opening 38-20 victory against John Carroll Catholic. It was the Patriots’ first punt return for a touchdown in three … [Read more...]

By Rubin E. GrantHomewood 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 … [Read more...]