Cali Conner makes a return during a rally against Colquitt County in 2020 . She and the Lady Devils went on to win the region championship that season , the first in history for Tift County in volleyball . Photo by Becky Taylor
Conner pointed to play itself as changing tremendously over the years .
“ The athleticism ,” she said . “ I am so amazed at how far women ’ s athletics in general has come . It ’ s a great thing .”
She saw the dividends pay off for women ’ s athletics , both as a coach , and as a parent .
Cali Conner is currently playing volleyball at Santa Fe ( Fla .). A few years ago , she would not have had that chance .
Volleyball was introduced at Tift County in 2013 . After a few years of finding itself , the Lady Devils are now among the area ’ s elite . Cali Conner was MVP in 2020 , the year the squad won not only its first ever region championship , but won its first ever state tournament match .
Julie Conner credited Amy Walls pushing for years for volleyball . “ Not just for us ,” said Conner , “ but for the whole region .”
Women ’ s athletes at Tift County and Tiftarea have blossomed post Title IX , winning championships in softball , track , golf and gymnastics between them . Though they were more than a decade behind their north Georgia counterparts , swimming and soccer have made strong showings . Tennis had its individual champions during Cali Conner signs with that era and have push forward Santa Fe College in in state as well .
2021 to play volleyball . Her signing is part of
At ABAC , Ellen Vickers ’ s the continued growth Golden Fillies softball squad of women ’ s sports .
won the first ever women ’ s Volleyball was only national title for the school introduced at Tift in 1991 . Two more national
County High in 2013 .
Photo by Becky Taylor crowns have followed in the sport . Tennis has also excelled on a national level , peaking at second in 1999 .
Conner ’ s Lady Devils press the state each year in basketball . They do it with an aggressive press defense . Fifty years ago , a full-court game was brand new . TS
JULY 2022 | TiftonScene 17