By Donovan Gragg and David Sonaike (12th grade)

 JFCA Athlete Interview: Saints Volleyball – Addie Bakke #5 (12th grade), Laney Bentley #1 (12th grade), and Annelise Martindale #4 (12th)

Interview conducted on Oct 30th and Nov. 3rd

Q1: Considering this was your final season, what is one particular moment on or off the court that you think you’ll remember most vividly from your high school volleyball career, and why did it make such an impact on you?

 Addie: As this volleyball season is my last, one particular moment that I will remember the most is the last point I ever played, when we lost in the state final. While it seems like such a sad moment, I will never forget how accomplished I felt in that moment, that we made it that far when I didn’t even think we would win region.

 Laney: I clearly remember a time from last season. I had just missed a ball and turned to my teammates, looking for support, and was instead met with side eyes and was yelled at. Because of this moment I made it my goal to make sure that no one on my team ever feels the way I did last season. Even if someone keeps making a mistake, my first reaction is encouragement and laughing it off.

 Annelise: Although one particular moment is hard to choose over the last four years, one of my favorites was our quarterfinals game last year against Lanier Christian. Our team really stepped up and played our best game of the season. We fought for every point, played aggressively, and had such good chemistry. I’ve rewatched the film for that game probably over twenty times. One of my favorite moments from that game came after our team had established a lead of 10-4 in the first set. The next point I had a block against Lanier’s best hitter, and it helped continue our momentum to win the first set. The reason this moment is one of my favorites, is it was captured play by play by a photographer on the side. The preparation for the block, the jump, the block, and the celebrations after.

Q2: As a senior, what did you see as your primary role in setting the tone or leading the team this year, and how did you approach that responsibility every day?

 Addie: As a senior this year, I knew that I was going to be viewed as more of a leader. Something that us seniors wanted for the team at the beginning of the season to be one united team and to make sure that everyone felt a part and that everyone felt included.

 Laney: My main goal was inclusivity. I wanted every girl to know that they were a part of the team. Addie, Annelise, and I were very intentional about this and had conversations early in the season about how to include everyone.

 Annelise: This year, my fellow seniors and I really wanted to emphasize creating a community where the girls felt welcome and embraced by all their teammates. We knew unity would be vital to performing well, but we also wanted everybody to enjoy their time together and look forward to time spent with the team. There were many steps we took encourage this comradery, but one of the most important steps was the initial impression we made on the girls at team camp at Georgia Tech in July. We made it clear our goals for the season, and that we wanted to work on them with everybody; nobody excluded. We encouraged all the upperclassman to be intentional with their conversations with the newcomers, and in the end Addie, Laney and I agree we were successful in creating a team that loved each other.

 Q3: Playing at a Christian school, how do you feel your faith and personal values intersected with the intensity of competitive volleyball, especially during the highs and lows of the season?

 Addie: Playing for a Christian school changes your approach to the sport. While we do want to play to win and we want to end with a trophy, I think when you have the intention of playing for the Lord every time you step on the court, it creates a whole different love for volleyball. When I step on the court I do want to just simply play to win, I want to play to bring glory to the Lord because that is the biggest win.

 Laney: Keeping my face straight during bad ref calls was a challenge. I asked God for lots of patience during those times of heightened intensity.

 Annelise: Playing at a Christian school has ultimately brought me so much more meaning. It brings me immense joy to be able to play not for my own glory, but for the Lord’s. Representing Johnson Ferry reminds me that I am representing a Christian community, so when my competitiveness gets the best of me, I can reign it in. No matter the result of a game, win or lose, I can lean on the fact that my worth does not come from my performance.

 Q4: Looking back at the team’s journey this   year, what do you think was the biggest strength   your team showed, and where did you see the   most significant growth over the season?

 Addie: Looking back on the beginning of the   school year, I was anxious to see how the season   would play out because we were more of an   undersized team, and in volleyball that can be a   challenge when you lack some height. However, I   think that overtime with lots of practice we truly   showed how talented we were and I couldn’t be  more proud of how the team progressed over the season.

 Laney: We grew so much in unity. We started the season with a few new girls, a few returning, and many from JV. The team has definitely had to learn how to play well with each other specially.

 Annelise: Every year, the seniors like to designate a word to use as a vision for the season, and this year we chose the word “elevate.” Coming into this season, we essentially started from scratch, only have four players returning from the ‘24 Varsity team. “Elevate” made a lot of sense for our team, and the meaning for us went two ways. The first was that we would make a conscious decision to elevate others and God on the court. Being encouraging to our teammates despite errors is crucial to playing well together and playing for a greater glory than ourselves leads to better attitudes and gracious hearts. The second way that “elevate” applied to us was our expectations for this season. Honestly, it was difficult to avoid having low expectations about the outcome of the season considering the clean slate we were working on with our roster. We rose above those expectations and thoughts and ended so much better than we ever could have guessed!

 Q5: If you could give one piece of advice to an incoming freshman trying to make the volleyball team at your school, what would it be, and why is it so important for them to hear?

 Addie: If I could give a piece of advice to an incoming freshman trying to make the volleyball team would be to be the best encourager. In volleyball, being encouraging to one another and always cheering is a huge part of the sport. When you are encouraging to others on the court it shows that you care and want to be there. Apart from just being encouraging on the court, it is important to be confident in yourself, and don’t get down about mistakes because everyone makes mistakes on the court.

 Laney: You can control your attitude and your effort. I can tell you that coaches definitely notice those things.

 Annelise: Your enthusiasm and passion are not embarrassing. Being excited to be at practice, cheering loudly for your team, and respecting your coaches and teammates is not something to be ashamed of or considered “lame.” For the first half of my high school career, I reserved my cheering, didn’t get hype, and didn’t support my friends like I should’ve. Once I finally looked to the example of the older girls and saw how much fun they had cheering on their teammates, I realized I would not be judged for yelling and shouting but would be more likely judged for standing silently. Once I realized how much of a privilege it was to support teammates during the time on the bench, I experienced such a great joy that I couldn’t stop. Honestly, the rotations that I stand on the bench have become my favorite. So be yourself, be loud, get hype, and support your team.

Q6: With your high school career now finished, how are you planning to keep the sport in your life; whether by playing, coaching, or remaining a fan; in the years to come?

 Addie: With my volleyball career ending, I look forward to coaching middle school girls in the spring. I coached last year for the first time and I absolutely loved it so I definitely see coaching in the future.

 Laney: Volleyball has been a part of my life since I was 7 years old, and I can’t imagine my life without it. While I’m not planning on playing collegiately, I do plan on playing on a club team or joining an adult league. In the meantime, I am coaching an Upward team with Addie Bakke.

 Annelise: If it is the Lord’s will, I would love to continue playing volleyball in college somewhere in the Southeast. For the past two years, I have coached an Upward Volleyball team and have really enjoyed instilling a passion for the sport in middle school girls. I will continue to be a fan and follow the world of college volleyball and support my younger sister in her learning and development.

 Q7: Your team experienced the significant challenge of losing in the playoffs. In what ways has that outcome changed your perspective on competition, and what are you finding to be the most important takeaway from that loss?

 Addie: Ending the season with a tough loss in the state final, I learned that wins and losses do not define what our team is. I know our team and I know that winning that last game was for sure possible but the Lord had a different plan for us. I believe that this loss will be the hardest game I have had to lose, but I wouldn’t have it any other way because the loss has taught me so much more than a win would have.

 Laney: In the beginning of the season I didn’t even think region champs was even in the question, let alone state. It was definitely a big loss, but I couldn’t be prouder of my girls for making it all the way to state finals.

 Annelise: As disappointing as it was to lose in the state finals, it taught me a lot about competition and how to view it in a Christ-like way. I was wrecked after that fifth-set loss, but once the tears had dried and I had gained my composure, I looked back on my season with satisfaction. I learned that my fulfillment did not come from winning or losing, but came from the memories and relationships I formed throughout the season.

 Q8: Describe the feeling and atmosphere on   the bus ride home after that final playoff   match. What was the quietest moment, and   what was the loudest moment, and what do   those moments tell you about your team?

 Addie: On the bus ride home after losing in   the state final, it was quiet. We were all taking   in how special the season was and a lot of   reflection on the season was happening in   this time. For me, I just remember feeling like   a part of me had just been erased, 7 years of playing volleyball and for it to end in a loss was a hard pill to swallow. However, we did stop on the way home to get some food and we all sat and shared a meal and reflected on funny moments in the season, so while the day was hard for us all, I am happy I got to share that day with the most special team.

 Laney: The bus ride home was calm. It was mostly us seniors grieving our last game as Saints, but no one was too upset about losing. We celebrated how far we got by getting Culver’s (now a team tradition).

 Annelise: There was a stark contrast from the bus ride to the game versus home. On the way there, we blasted music, screaming the lyrics and waking ourselves up from the early morning. After losing and driving home, spirits were low. The whole ride was quiet, but when we stopped for lunch and coach generously bought all of our meals, moods were heightened, and the rest of the ride home became more amiable. I’d say the loudest moment was when we had gotten back on our bus and our driver pranked Laney that we were leaving without her by driving away before she got on the bus, and everybody was having a good time and thought it was hilarious. Although we were physically loud, that spoke numbers for us, showing that no matter the result of a game, our team could always have a good time together.

Q9: What’s one thing a teammate did for you this year that you were particularly grateful for, and how did that action influence your experience?

 Laney: I am so grateful for my seniors and how close we became through the season. After practices we would go to QuickTrip and get slushies. And after games we would get dinner somewhere. I am so thankful for those memories with those girls. They truly made the season into something so special. definitely notice those things.

Annelise: I’d like to highlight two of my teammates, my fellow seniors, Addie Bakke and Laney Bentley. The two of them had been varsity teammates since freshman year, while I didn’t join them officially until junior year (I played both JV and Varsity my sophomore year). In my first two years of being on that team, I did not spend a lot of time with them, and now that’s something I regret. This year, when my closest friends were no longer on the team, I looked to my fellow classmates, and they did not disappoint. They were an answered prayer. Not once throughout the season did I feel left out, excluded, or like I had missed something in the last three years. Laney and Addie welcomed me with open arms, and we formed a strong friendship. So, thank you, Addie and Laney, for being so unbelievably kind to me and giving me the sweetest memories to look back on. Let’s do another late-night parking lot hang out soon 🙂

 Fall Sports 2025

By Amelia Kuzmin (12th grade)

Football is not only about the scoreboard, or solely defined by the number of perfect plays and stats. Johnson Ferry athletes don’t participate in football for glory or for wins, they play because, as the coaches remind them, it’s simply “the best team sport.”

 Zander (#2), sophomore, plays for the strong and close community football creates. He explains that “the brothers you gain by playing is just incredible.” Even when a tough game resulted in him being “wheeled off the field” by emergency responders, Zander noted that “it was great afterwards to see all the support [he] got from Johnson Ferry.”

Emerson (#44), sophomore, plays because it’s his passion. He enjoys the physical challenge of football, whether it’s “moving a guy that’s bigger than” himself, or setting goals to bench 275 by next summer. As a lineman, his position calls for fortitude and aggressiveness, yet he keeps Christ at the center of the game. To do so, he ignores trash talk from opposing players, responding with “Jesus loves you” or “I love you too.”

Though the season has called for perseverance and grit from coaches and players alike, it hasn’t been without its wins. Zander made his first interception, putting him in the State Club and encouraging him to set the goal of making a touchdown pass next season. During an especially intense game, Emerson made his first centerline tackle in the game against Unity Christian, saying that “it felt great.”

 Though it has been a difficult season—one that has called for determination, humility, and strength—Emerson and Zander both look forward to next season, and hope to recruit more players. Through the intense moments and injuries, coaches and players have endured hardship and responded with reverence to God’s will. The season will stand as a testament to each athlete’s character and purposeful reliance on God. At Johnson Ferry Christian Academy, that is what football is about.

Fall Sports 2025

By Ansley Zimmerman (11th grade)

The JFCA Mountain Biking team has had an incredible season this year, starting off strong winning their first two races at Milledgeville and Allatoona against bigger schools around Georgia. Beating some of their biggest rivals and strongest competition, the team left both races with their heads held high, their spirits unleashed, and excitement for the new possibilities opened up by these victories. Tate Carr (10) says that this is a big deal for their team because “it’s our third year and most teams don’t win against bigger schools” especially since they are a new team. With hope she told us that “If we keep doing really good, then we could win state and become the fastest team in Georgia.” Tate said that if they won state she would be “so happy and so proud of my team and all the riders.”

Fall Sports 2025

By Hannah Ramsey (11th grade)

   Especially in the world of sports, ups and downs are inevitable, and football is no exception. Every team experiences both victory and defeat, but the JFCA football team stands out for one defining reason: they don’t give up.   

 As senior Matthew Yoder explains, “The coaches talk about being like a goldfish and having a short memory, so that we don’t let one loss impact us moving forward.” Sophomore Brooks Baughman adds, “No matter what, a loss does not make me a worse player. If anything, it gives me an opportunity to improve myself. It shows that there’s still room for growth. Every loss I treat as a chance to analyze what I did wrong so I can correct it and become better. As for wins, they’re proof of what I just said about losses. They’re the result of correction and growth.”

 By adopting and practicing this resilient mindset, the team not only improves on the field but also gains valuable lessons for life beyond the game. Even when facing tough defeats, like their homecoming matchup against the Central Christian Crusaders, the JFCA football team proves that perseverance is their greatest strength.

Fall Sports 2025

By Molly Hogan (10th)

The elementary school girl’s cross country team won every single one of their meets, including state!  These girls have worked hard in practice all season, which resulted in their wins.  Karis Fisher (4th grade) says, “My coach and my teammates helped make this championship possible through the spirit and running together with teamwork.”  All nine girls contributed to their team wins and worked hard to earn their “state champions” title.  Races can be challenging at times, but Caroline Pace (4th grade) reminds herself “to breathe; and I tell myself that God loves me.”  The junior girls team ran their hearts out this season, and we are eager to see what they will accomplish next year.

Fall Sports 2025

By Ansley Zimmerman and Kaitlyn Kee (11th grade)

 Olivia Esposito (11th grade) has   been mountain biking for many   years now, and she continues   to   have amazing opportunities and   experiences   as a result of her   unmatched   talent and   unrivaled   expertise in her sport. This year has   been one of the strongest seasons   in mountain biking for Olivia and her   team, as they rode   their way to   victory at the state championship.   Having been ranked as the number   one mountain biking team in the   state of Georgia,   Olivia says “it felt   really good to win because   we have   been working for it the whole   season. I think it felt better to win as   a team than individually.”

It all started back in August when the team began diligently preparing for each race, mentally and physically. They kicked off the year   with a team bonding get-together   to gain each other’s trust, deepen their relationships with one another, and develop relationships with   new teammates. From then on, the team was devoted to attending   every practice and doing their best to prepare for the season. At their   first race in Milledgeville, the team achieved some of their best racing yet.

Continuing to win the next few races, the team realized that they had a legitimate shot at winning state this year. With much   determination, the team pulled out a win at   the state championship, securing their spot as the top mountain bike racing team. There   were many other accomplishments at that race, as many of Olivia’s teammates   also placed high in their races, achieving goals for themselves that ultimately made their team stronger and, in the end, victorious.

Fall Sports 2025

By Charlotte Abernathy and Abbey Thomas (11th grade)

Colin   Paynter (10th grade) has been a part of the   clay targets team since the very beginning, ever since   his dad created the team.   What started small has   now grown into something much bigger. “We’ve   gotten more and more members over the years,”   Colin said. “It’s just grown into a well-known fall sport.”

Shooting has always been  a part of his life. “I’ve been shooting guns since I was five,” he shared. From an early age, Colin   developed a love for the sport that continues to grow each season.

Fall Sports 2025

By Cassadie Ross (11th grade)

 The stands were filled with cheers and excitement as the girls flag football team defended their home field in an exciting game. Allie Ross says the most exciting part of the game “is when someone catches an interception and everyone goes crazy!” As the game went on, the girls fought hard and played 2 back to back games. One of the captains, Naomi Lambert says, “I am so proud of the team for continuing to play hard against a more difficult team and working as a team as we kept pushing which led us to win two games back-to-back!!!” The team won both games and has kept an undefeated title so far this season.

Fall Sports 2025