Oak Ridge High School Lady Wildcat Volleyball Senior Captain Ainsley Patrick crossed the 1,000 career Kill milestone at Campbell County on Thursday night. The 6'0" Tulane Beach Volleyball commit surpassed the mark with a rare hit from the middle, assisted by her Co-Captain and fellow four-year starter, Paige Halcrow. "Ainsley has been an impact player since freshman year and she's grown, matured, and just keeps getting better," said Oak Ridge Coach Dave Kolodney. "Other teams know she's our go-to player when we need a timely Kill and she's still able to find a way to get it done - over 1000 times!" Patrick is a two-time District IV-AAA Offensive Player of the Year and District Tournament MVP in 2019, so opponents are aware that she is coming in swinging and often build gameplans around how to shut her down. "It has been so much fun," said Patrick of her four-year career at ORHS. "I really had no idea I was this close to crossing 1,000 Kills - my Dad told me I would hit it this year, but I really had no idea if it would actually happen." Patrick had 891 Kills entering the Season, but there are of course no guarantees in the COVID-modified season. "I feel fortunate that I've gotten to play this season with my friends," Patrick continued. "Some of these girls, I have been playing with since I was 11, and most since 6th grade." Patrick and three teammates have played several years for K2 Volleyball Club in Louisville, TN. Halcrow and Patrick have been teammates on past club teams and Halcrow's Dad was Ainsley's first Coach. "You know, it is pretty fitting that Paige set the ball that Ainsley crushed for that Kill," finished Kolodney. "They've just been so much a part of our success - those two are going to be missed next year."
What's next for Patrick? "Getting back on the beach!" Patrick trains with AVP legend John Hyden at the Hyden Beach Academy in Spring Hill, TN; "And I'm really looking forward to playing Beach Volleyball for Tulane University next year," said Patrick. "Beach is my game and I couldn't be more thrilled that I have the opportunity to play it at the highest level for such a great University." Tulane, well-known for its academics is also recognized as a Top 20 NCAA Beach Volleyball program. "It is hard to keep me away from the sand," the Hyden protege finished with a grin. "But I'm so happy to play one last season of indoor with my buds - Roll Wave!"
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