Wirt County head coach Katie Frazier, standing, and assistant coach Janet Frazier look on during the Tigers’ Class A state championship match victory last week versus Gilmer County. The championship was the 14th overall in program history, which is the state record. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

CHARLESTON — It was quite the welcome home party last week for the Wirt County volleyball program after defeating Gilmer County in four sets to hoist the Class A state crown.

The Tigers enjoyed the spoils of their work from atop Elizabeth Hill, through town and finally back to the high school as everyone from the fire department, to local police and fans cheered along the way or were part of the parade route.

A celebration well deserved and not seen since the COVID-19 state championship of 2020 when the orange and black won it all as the No. 3 seed when expected state champ Parkersburg Catholic and regional runner-up Williamstown were denied entry after Wood County turned the wrong color on the Mountain State coronavirus map.

“For me personally it was ‘OK, we can finally breathe’ and I think the girls were the same way,” admitted Wirt County sixth-year head coach Katie Frazier, who also won two titles as a player under mother and current assistant Janet Frazier.

“There were only 13 girls total, jayvee and varsity, so we had to do a lot of both and finagle with what we could, but the upperclassmen just showed a lot of leadership skills. It was just a good team atmosphere.”

The Wirt County volleyball team captured the Tigers’ 14th overall state championship last week thanks to a 3-1 Class A title match victory versus Gilmer County. (Photo by Jay W. Bennett)

The senior quartet of Bella Starcher, Katherine Lemley, Makayla Moore and Addie Stephens helped lead the way from start to finish.

“We always joke around about the Fraziers and them coaching us, but they are amazing coaches,” said Stephens, who is going to school for marketing and didn’t rule out a future on the sideline.

“We go to practice. We hustle. We put in the work. They are backing us up every single day and I couldn’t ask for a better coach.”

Wirt County came close to winning it all a year ago during the tumultuous single-A portion of the state tournament which ended with a loss to eventual champion Greenbrier West in the semifinals at West Virginia State University.

“We definitely weren’t underestimating any team coming into this tournament,” Stephens said. “We knew we had a goal of winning this tournament, but we had to just come together and stick together.

“We knew that it was going to be challenging, but we turned out and put in the work. There were definitely a lot of iffy moments. We just came together.”

Moore agreed about the journey and knew it would take everyone.

“There was a lot of pressure, but I mean the team worked together really well,” said the libero. “I think that inside we knew we were going to be something great this year. It was really special. We really, really wanted it this year and I think that made all the difference.

“I know going out that second set and not winning that, that was kind of difficult, but champions aren’t made of people who are perfect every time. They are made of people who never give up. I think just knowing that we could beat them if we wanted to and we all knew we had to work together as a team. We knew we had it if we were doing that.”

Lemley, who was always a threat to serve up an ace, had the final up to sophomore setter Breigyn Dawson before Stephens put down match point versus the Titans.

“I’m very proud of my team and I’m just glad we pulled through and got that last point,” Lemley said. “I think we all thought this was our year and we worked really, really hard to get here.

“There’s been a lot of ups and downs and shortcomings, but this year we really pushed through and I think we just really wanted to win, and that showed today. I think our underclassmen will do very well these next coming years. They have a lot of work to do, but so far they’ve done really well.”

Starcher was more than amped to go out in style and like Lemley thinks the future is bright for the orange and black.

“We don’t get Saturdays off. We have three hour practices. We’re pressured, but this is what we’re pressured for. I’m just glad that we’re pressured through it,” she said. “I love it. I couldn’t ask for a better coaching system.

“I think the Wirt County volleyball program will continue to grow throughout these next few years, and I think these girls can fill our shoes. We’ve got some amazing freshmen right now. They are really just stepping up.”

Two of those freshmen are defensive specialist Mya Hatcher as well as spiker Simone Hall.

“I think they are going to do great things, too,” Moore added of the youngsters. “I’m excited to come back and watch the games to see what the younger kids will do.”

As much as Stephens enjoyed smashing balls across the net at her opponents, she knew the final product of her kills had a lot of help.

“All of our seniors are basically defensive players and our defense has been amazing this year,” said the 2024 Little Kanawha Conference Player of the Year and 2025 runner-up. “We’ve never had a better year of defense. We have three good players that can do anything and put the ball anywhere. I think just having that mentality and backing up all of our teammates, it’s an amazing feeling.

“Breigyn is one of my best friends. She has been an amazing player. She can hustle and get to the ball. Simone, this is her first year, and she’s put in the work. She’s been determined to get a kill every single time. I’ve never seen someone like more outgoing than her and I have become best friends with all these girls, all the freshmen, too. I never really thought I would click with the freshmen, but they are my best friends. It’s amazing.”

Stephens is hoping the good times will keep rolling long after she graduates.

“I think they’ll do great,” she added. “I have total confidence in them. I think the seniors and everyone have left their legacy and I think that it will be such a good season next year and the years coming.”

Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com

WIRT COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STATE VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT HISTORY

2025: Wirt County A champ d. Gilmer County

2020: Wirt County A champ d. East Hardy

2019: Wirt County A champ d. Paden City

2017: Wirt County A champ d. Ritchie County

2016: Wirt County A runner-up to East Hardy

2015: Wirt County A champ d. Magnolia

2013: Wirt County A champ d. Tyler Consolidated

2011: Wirt County A champ d. Williamstown

2009: Wirt County A runner-up to Charleston Catholic

2008: Wirt County A champ d. Greater Beckley Christian

2007: Wirt County A champ d. Greater Beckley Christian

2006: Wirt County A champ d. Doddridge County

2005: Wirt County A champ d. Williamstown

2004: Wirt County A runner-up to Williamstown

2002: Wirt County A champ d. Williamstown

2001: Wirt County AA/A champ d. Shady Spring

2000: Wirt County AA/A champ d. Oak Glen

1998: Wirt County AA/A runner-up to Oak Glen