Athlete Spotlight: James Wood volleyball player Addie Pitcock

James Wood High School 17-year-old senior

Sport: Volleyball. Positions: Defensive specialist and outside hitter

Parents: Franklin Pitcock and Angela Pitcock

Hometown: Winchester

What do you love about volleyball?: I really think I love the family aspect, in a way. I love creating new memories, and the girls are so sweet.

Most memorable moment in volleyball: Definitely winning states two times. All the nerves were crazy. I always remember all of us were so excited, and we just dogpiled on each other. It was crazy. We have a bunch of pictures, and we’re all cheesing so hard.

Most embarrassing moment in volleyball: Being blocked when I’m going up to hit in a game.

Most difficult moment in volleyball: I broke my arm a couple years back going into my freshman year, and it kind of took me a while to grow from that and progress. I kept on pushing and pushed through.

Three people you can have dinner with, dead or alive: My grandpa John who passed away a couple of years ago. He was the sweetest man ever. I remember every time I would see him, he would always give me a backpack and fill it up with a bunch of dollar bills and put popcorn in there, and then we would have movie night. I love (country music singer) Zach Bryan, so I’d have to put him on there. And (singer/songwriter) Noah Kahan, as well.

Biggest athletic influence?: (James Wood) coach (Adrienne) Patrick because she saw me when I was going into ninth grade. I was really excited and nervous, but she saw that I had potential, and she’s the one who put me on the varsity team as a freshman. She always makes me push harder.

Favorite teacher: (James Wood social studies teacher) Deborah Grumbacher. Her class was definitely really hard, but she saw that I could do it, and she always pushed me to do better in the class.

Favorite athlete: Simone Biles, and I say that because, not only is she a great athlete, but she had an injury with her ankle not too long ago, and she still fought through and broke over that barrier, thinking she couldn’t compete or get stronger, but then she proved everybody wrong.

Favorite sports team: The Nebraska volleyball team because I just love their team aspect. It’s almost crazy because in years prior, James Wood volleyball, we’re all really close like family, and I see that in Nebraska volleyball.

Favorite movie: “Footloose” (1984)

Favorite TV show: “The Vampire Diaries”

Favorite song: “The Way Back” by Zach Bryan

Favorite food: Sushi from Chinatown (in Winchester)

Worst thing you’ve eaten: Peas

Plans after high school: I’ve been looking at a couple schools, but I do plan on attending a four-year college. My top school is Tennessee right now; I really love Tennessee. I want to major in criminology, and I hope to be in the FBI.

Compiled by Justin Robertson