James Wood's Day signs to play volleyball at Virginia State

Robert Stocks The Winchester Star

WINCHESTER — James Wood senior middle hitter Ashanti Day made her first visit to Virginia State University when she was a sophomore and from that point on the school has always been her top choice.

On Friday afternoon at James Wood High School, Day made her choice official, signing a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball next fall at Virginia State University.

Day — one of four seniors who played for the Colonels’ team that reached the state finals two seasons ago — said she made her unofficial visit to Virginia State at the end of her sophomore year and stayed in contact with Trojans coach Rose White since then. She also considered Millersville University (Pa.), but once she visited Virginia State, located in Petersburg, she fell in love with it.

“I liked that it was a very close-knit community with a smaller population,” Day said. “Everyone was very friendly. The coach, I’m very familiar with a lot of the drills that she does, so it’s about the same coaching and the team itself is really close-knit and together.”

James Wood coach P.W. Hillyard said Day has been a great example for younger players to emulate.

“Everyday at practice she comes to work,” Hillyard said. “I’ve told her before that she’s a great volleyball player, but she’s an even better person. She’s always willing to work, and she gives 100 percent all of the time. She’s a girl you’d always want to coach.”

Hillyard said he was impressed with White, so he thinks Virginia State is a great fit for Day.

“[Coach White] actually did a camp here, and I met her and she’s a great young coach,” Hillyard said. “I think Ashanti will thrive [there] and she’s a smart student — just everything about her is 100 percent.”

Day would like to contribute during her freshman season at Virginia State.

“I hope once I get down there I can just help the team as much as possible towards victories,” said Day, who may pursue a degree in mechanical engineering or chemistry or possibly double major in both. “I hope I can help them improve and just be part of the team.”

Day helped the Colonels earn their fourth state tournament berth in the past five seasons with a thrilling 3-2 win over Heritage in the 4A West Region semifinals on Thursday night.

The Colonels travel to face Loudoun County in the 4A West Region championship tonight at 6, and James Wood is guaranteed a spot in next Tuesday’s 4A state semifinals regardless of tonight’s outcome.

Tonight’s winner will host 4A East Region runner-up Courtland in Tuesday’s state semifinals, while the loser of tonight’s match will travel to face 4A East champion Jamestown in the other state semifinal match on Tuesday.

“I’m very excited, and it’s very good goal that a lot of us had,” said Day, of the team’s state tournament berth. “I’m really excited that we got to this point.”

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