ROCKINGHAM — Junior volleyball player Joy Styles has been named the Official Richmond County Female Athlete of the Week presented by HWY 55.
The Richmond Observer continues its spotlight on one male and one female student-athlete from Richmond Senior High School each week based on his and her respective performance to help their team.
Making the jump to varsity this fall, Styles has served as a defensive specialist for the Lady Raiders. She has continued to learn her new position and help the team, leading her to her first career recognition.
Athletic Profile
Age: 16
Birthday: Nov. 18, 2004
Year: Junior
Fall Sport: Volleyball
Position: Defensive Specialist
Years on Varsity: 1 year
Height & Weight: 5-0, 145 pounds
Experience: 9 years
ON THE COURT WITH JOY STYLES
The Richmond volleyball team is currently on a six-match losing streak, but that hasn’t stopped the Lady Raiders from trying to get better each game. Styles is part of a lineup that has seen several changes this season, which also features several underclassmen as starters.
In two matches last week, Styles was the defensive leader against Scotland and Southern Lee high schools. She had four digs against Scotland in three sets, and followed with 10 digs in three sets at Southern Lee.
Styles didn’t commit any digging errors in either match, and also combined to make 22 receptions during serve receiving. On the season, Styles has played 40 sets and has 66 digs (1.7 digs per set). She also has four aces and two kills.
Joy Styles digs a ball during a match at Scotland High School last week. (Kyle Pillar/The Richmond Observer)
RAPID RESPONSES WITH JOY STYLES
ROSports: How have you adjusted to the varsity level at defensive specialist? What’s going well for you and the team?
Styles: “I’ve played with most of the girls before, so it’s been easy to fit in since I already have a groove with them. That’s been good since I didn’t have to adjust to a new team. But the speed is faster on varsity and I’m only playing the back row this year, so I’m on and off the court a lot. I have to pay attention.
“Some things that are going well for us is that we have good chemistry. If we do lose, we’re good at keeping each other up and trying to fix our mistakes.”
ROSports: The team is in need of a win — what has to happen in order to get back into the win column?
Styles: “We need to keep our heads up, and we don’t need to be so intimidated by other teams. I think we have to realize we can beat them, and if we play our game at our level, we can win.”
ROSports: What are the keys to balancing being a successful student-athlete?
Styles: “I’m in dual-enrollment at the high school and RCC, so I definitely find it difficult some days when I get home late. I’m working on pacing myself in school and my time management is getting better.
“A lot of my free time is spent doing work, but I don’t mind sacrificing that time to be a better student-athlete.”
ROSports: If you could choose a color to describe your personality, which would it be and why?
Styles: “It would probably be red because it’s a bright color and I think that reflects my personality because I’m always positive. I try not to be negative and I like to lift everybody’s spirits when I can.”
ROSports: If you could travel anywhere in the world for vacation, where would you go and who would you take with you?
Styles: “I’ve always wanted to go to the islands like Barbados and see the clear water and swim with the wildlife. I’d also like to try scuba diving.
“I’d love to take my mother with me and get the chance to experience that trip together.”
The Richmond Observer will publish its Official Richmond County Male Athlete of the Week later this week.
