Jayda Perry, a senior at Sale Creek High School, has signed to play volleyball with the Tennessee Wesleyan University Lady Bulldogs.
Perry played as a setter for four years at Sale Creek, serving as floor captain for the Lady Panthers. Coached by Debbie Hill, Erin Hill Briner and Shelby Hill, the team enjoyed winning seasons and many accolades including: District 5-A champions and Region 3-A champions from 2015-18. They won sectional games from 20-16-18 and finished fourth at state in 2016, fifth the following year and runner-up in 2018. Sale Creek won the Silver Division in the Mid-Tenn Classic last season as well.
Returning from the state tournament in Murfreesboro last fall, Perry was among the top-ranking setters in the nation and ended her high school career with almost 3,000 assists. Her awards include 2018 District MVP, All-District Volleyball Team 2017 and 2018, Offensive Player of the Year Award 2018, All-State 2018, Most-Improved Award 2016, Setters Award 2016, coach Erin Hill Award 2016-17, and the 2017 Lady Panther Award. Perry also played for travel club volleyball teams.
When asked how she feels about the opportunity to attend and play volleyball at TWU, Perry said, “It’s my dream school and I love every single staff member I have met along with the other players when I had a chance to practice with the team. I can’t wait to further my education and my athletic career at the same time at a school that feels like home. I’m blessed.”
Academically, Perry has been a member of the Student Government, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Student Council, Renaissance Program, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She currently serves as the Secretary for the National Honor Society at Sale Creek High School.
The Lady Bulldogs tied a school record with 16 wins in 2018.
In February, TWU announced that volleyball coach Ashley Harris was stepping down after five seasons to become the coach at NCAA Division III Berea College. Harris was the school’s winningest volleyball coach with 58 victories.