Editor’s Note: “TFS Legends” is a regular sports feature spotlighting the achievements of standout athletes at Tallulah Falls School in Habersham County.
Sarah Jennings personifies what it means to be a legend. She will leave Tallulah Falls School as a legendary volleyball player — perhaps the best to ever suit up for the Lady Indians — but she’s an even better teammate, student, and person. The holder of six school records has achieved success on and off the court and leaves behind a lasting legacy that includes a state championship and a humble attitude that elevates those around her.
Since the age of 10, Jennings has fine-tuned her craft in the game of volleyball. Starting out some 8 years ago, she’s learned more than just the skills necessary to become the greatest volleyball player in Tallulah Falls School history. While she has given the school and the sport so much, it has granted her much more in return.
“This sport has given me so many lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget,” says Jennings. “It has given me opportunities to not only better my skill, but better myself as a person. Volleyball has always been a safe place where I can just put the world aside and pursue my passion. I will forever be grateful for this sport.”
The old adage ‘records were made to be broken’ rang true for Jennings. Though her goals were not always set on becoming the all-time leader in kills, digs, or aces, her elite level of play led to her finding those records on the way. While those categories have her name etched on the leaderboard, she recognizes they belong to all her teammates, coaches, fans, and family.
“I am so grateful for the amazing teams that I have been a part of that have encouraged, supported, and helped me to accomplish these goals,” states Jennings. “I would not be where I am today without my teammates, my coaches, and my family. Teamwork and trust are two very important aspects of volleyball, and without a good pass and set, I never could’ve gotten so many kills. The excitement on the court, on the bench, in the student section, and from the fans fueled me and pushed me to be my best. It means so much to me that I have been given these amazing opportunities to work hard and challenge myself and have such a successful outcome.”
Jennings’ career school records include kills (1,085), digs (1,025), and aces (283). She also holds single-match records in kills (28) and digs (28), as well as the single-season kills mark of 417. She is the school’s lone Region/Area Player of the Year and is the only player in TFS history to be named 1st-Team All-Area three times.
Still, she’d exchange all the accolades and stats for what she was able to accomplish in her final season at TFS — a state championship. In the team’s historic 2022 run that included 35 wins, the first-ever Area Championship, and going 14-0 at home, Tallulah Falls defeated a record eight wins over state-ranked opponents on the way to the GHSA 1A State Championship over Mt. Bethel. Few players ever get the chance to play for a title, let alone win one in their final match of their high school career. It was a storybook ending for Jennings that even she couldn’t have written going into the season.
“It is every volleyball player’s dream to win a state championship,” says Jennings. “I never thought that this could be a reality for the Tallulah Falls team due to the fact that we had never made it past the Sweet 16. Our team worked harder than any TFS team that I have ever been a part of. From the first round of state playoffs, we wanted every game so badly, and we were going to do whatever it took to win. We gave 100% in every practice and worked to improve our individual skills along with our team chemistry. When it came down to our last practice, knowing that I would play my last high school volleyball game the next day, I was fulfilled. I was so at peace with the ending of this chapter in my life. To be able to share this unforgettable experience with such a great group of girls means the world to me. I could never have wished for a better way to end my senior season.”
The common theme in Jennings’ success is others around her. Those people — the family, teammates, coaches, teachers, and fans — have impacted her life as she has impacted theirs. There are so many teammates that Jennings feels close to over the years that impacted her.
“From the start of my freshman year, I have had so many great teammates that have impacted my life,” recalls Jennings. “Getting to play with my sister, Rebekah, was really special for my freshman and sophomore year. Kate Blackburn (‘19) and Katy Corbett (‘20) also took me under their wing from day one and encouraged me to be my absolute best. Walking onto the team as a little freshman was scary, but they made me feel so comfortable and welcome. From sophomore year to this day, some of my best friends on and off the court have been Corbett, Barrett Whitener (‘21), and Addy McCoy (rising senior). To have such great friends who constantly encourage you to be your best and who want the best for you is a feeling like no other. Knowing that you all share the same passion for volleyball just makes it that much better. Allie Dalton (‘21) has also been very impactful. When she first started setting me in tenth grade, it took a lot of practice to get the chemistry we needed to succeed. Once we found that connection, it was a whole new game. She gave me the great sets that I needed to succeed as a hitter.”
For her senior season, Jennings named every player individually, as well as all the coaches by name, on the 2022 roster as being impactful to her and to the team’s success in hoisting that championship trophy.
“Coach [Matt] Heyl has encouraged and supported me since I started playing for him,” adds Jennings. “He has always had my best interest and the team’s best interest at heart, and I really appreciate that. He does so much for us behind the scenes to ensure our success while also always having fun and laughing with us constantly. This coaching staff has cheered me on relentlessly and helped me accomplish the goals that I thought I couldn’t. I already miss playing with this team, but I will never forget the memories and friendships that I have made.”
While Jennings’ records may eventually fall — though not anytime soon — those memories and friendships will never be replaced. On the court, Jennings pushes herself to be the best for her team, and typically practices four days per week and 10-15 tournaments all over the southeast during club ball. She has spent countless hours in the gym and weight room. It’s an exhausting routine that spans the whole year, but Jennings’ love for the game keeps her going.
“I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world,” exclaims Jennings. “I really enjoy pushing myself to be better and seeing the rewards for my perseverance. For me, volleyball is year-round and a lot of time and effort, but it provides me a place to step away from the world and all of life’s issues and do what I really love.”
Jennings is committed to playing at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. In the fall of 2023, she will pen a new chapter in her life. It’s a chapter that both includes and sets her up for a bright future.
“From the first day that I toured Covenant, I felt like it was the place that I was meant to be,” states Jennings. “I was able to meet with the coaches and eat lunch with the volleyball team, and it just made me feel at home. I am excited to get in the gym with the team and work hard so that I can benefit the team’s defense. I plan on majoring in psychology and going to Occupational Therapy School in hopes of becoming a pediatric OT. I am so excited to begin this new chapter in my life at Covenant College.”
History often repeats itself. As a master in leaving a legacy and making history, Jennings will no doubt have a lasting impact on those she encounters at Covenant and beyond.
