By Rubin E. Grant
Mountain Brook volleyball coach Mattie Gardner considers senior Grace Stewart to be the consummate team player.
Stewart spent the past three seasons as a reserve setter, playing behind former Spartans’ star Hannah Parant and patiently waiting her turn to move into the starting lineup.
During the wait, Stewart did whatever she could to support her teammates, even though her playing time was limited.
“Grace is a year younger than Hannah Parant, who was a dominant setter and the best setter we’ve ever had,” Gardner said. “Grace had been behind her for so long and she fully embraced what that meant and learned how you compete and support your teammates even when you are not a starter on the floor. I think that’s an underestimated skill.”
Gardner had witnessed Stewart’s team-first attitude for several years and fully appreciated it.
“I love that kid,” Gardner said. “Grace has been in our program from the very beginning, when she was a young 12-year-old just getting started. It’s been fun to watch her grow as a player and as a person.
“I was one of her coaches when she was 12. She has been the kind of player I hope future players recognize and appreciate and learn from her, knowing the team is more important than me.”
Stewart enjoys a close relationship with Gardner.
“I’ve known her a long time,” Stewart said. “We’ve grown close. We have a communicative style on and off the court. We talk about everything and that helps me during games and during the season.”
The lessons Stewart learned as a non-starter were invaluable.
“She learned the importance of practice,” Gardner said. “That has allowed her to step into her role this season.”
With Parant, the 2023 Alabama Gatorade Volleyball Player of the Year, now a freshman at the University of Alabama, Stewart has taken over as the Spartans’ setter.
“I knew I was going to be filling some big shoes,” Stewart said. “I learned a lot from Hannah, listening to her and taking in what she said.
“I’ve been waiting my turn and I learned from that, including how to be a good teammate and still getting better as a setter. I feel the team is the most important thing. It’s a team sport, after all.”
Stewart has been a productive player. Going into a quad-match at Hartselle last Saturday that included Pelham and Hazel Green, Stewart had 487 assists, 125 digs, 33 aces and 19 blocks.
“She gets better every day with her decision making, on defense and as a vocal leader,” Gardner said.
Competitive Nature
Stewart admits she can be somewhat of a perfectionist on the court, but that’s because of her competitive nature.
“I would describe myself as a smart player, making sure I’m making the right decisions,” she said. “Sometimes, that causes me to overthink things, but it allows me to control what I can and be energetic.
“I love to compete at a high level with my teammates. I am very competitive and put a lot of time in on the court to improve my game.”
Stewart, who also plays setter for Alabama Performance Volleyball Club, has committed to Wofford in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
“The team there is really close and that’s something I can relate to,” she said. “The coaching staff is amazing, and I love the location and size of the school. It’s small but big enough to enjoy the college experience. I think I fit well there.”
Right now, Stewart is trying to help the Spartans repeat as Class 6A state champions. Mountain Brook entered this week with a 14-14 record.
“Our season so far has taken a slower pace than last year with our success rate early on,” Stewart said. “But I think we’re improving. We had a big win over Bob Jones recently, so I think we’re on the upswing.”
