Oak Mountain Academy’s 2020 girls’ volleyball teammhad one of their best seasons finishing with a record
of 25-3, to include an undefeated record in their region, winning the region championship, and a trip
to the GISA state playoffs, where a championship was secured. What makes these Warriors truly
unique is their successes both on the court and in the classroom.
The Warrior’s Sensational Seven, all Juniors (’22) on this year’s roster, were critical to the team’s success,
especially since there were not any Seniors on the court leading the charge. Oak Mountain Academy coach Britney Mount relied on (photo L-R) Sophia Newell, Abbey Penley, Anjuli Vavrik, Raegan Wynn, Kenzie Reid, Jenna Guy, and Hollis Engel. These juniors led the team on the court while also setting the tone in the locker room inspiring the younger players with their hard work.
Five of this season’s teammates, Engel, Charlotte Milanese (’23), Newell, Reid, and Wynn, were recently
recognized as All-Region AND All-State players by GISA (Georgia Independent School Association)
coaches across the state. It is unprecedented to have FIVE student-athletes chosen for this honor at the
Region level, much less the Region and the State level too. On the court, these ladies are a true
powerhouse! Coach Mount states, “Having FIVE of my players honored as All-Region AND All-State
athletes is unbelievable and unheard-of. They all worked so hard for our team and for this recognition.
I am extremely proud of their hard work and commitment!”
In addition to these five student athletes being honored, Coach Britney Mount was also named the GISA
Coach of the Year. Oak Mountain Academy Athletic Director Terrell Barkley states, “Coach Mount has
an energy that her players take on when they are on the court. She not only is a great coach, but she
truly pours energy into her athletes and this year it was evident on and off the court. We are so blessed
to have Coach Mount on The Mountain and proud of her for winning coach of the year.” Coach Mount
attributes her success to not only to the hard work and talent of the players, but also to her incredible
assistant Coach Brett Wynn for his dedication and insights both on and off the court, “we definitely
could not have done this without him,” states Mount.
In addition to being a powerhouse on the court, these seven Juniors also excel in the classroom.
Currently, these Sensational Seven have a collective average GPA of 4.05. This GPA is even more
extraordinary considering the academic challenge of their schedules to include Advanced Placement
courses. AP courses are Oak Mountain Academy’s most difficult classes where students can earn
college credit by passing a college-level AP exam. The seven juniors are currently taking a total of
twenty-two AP classes! Each student will be required to take the state AP exam at the end of the school
year for possible college credit. Each of these Sensational Seven plans to continue this rigor in their
Senior year with more AP classes included in their schedules.
Jenna Guy, Oak Mountain Academy’s Middle Blocker states, “I’ve found that by balancing my athletics
with my studies, I’m a more well-rounded and happier person. I utilize study halls, travel time, and
weekends to stay ahead in all my classes. Being a student athlete is challenging, but very rewarding and I
wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Founded in 1962, Oak Mountain Academy now has more than 200 students enrolled in grades PreK 3
through 12th grades. Oak Mountain Academy is an innovative school of academic excellence where
students receive a personalized, faith-based, college-preparatory education on a vibrant campus that
offers dynamic opportunities, empowering them to become leaders committed to living lives of service
and integrity.
For more information, contact Katie Kilgore at 770.834.6651 or [email protected]
