Community Rallies to Send Off Lady Warriors to State Tournament

Centre — Main Street in Centre was filled with cheers and school spirit Tuesday morning as the community came together to send off the Cherokee County Lady Warriors volleyball team to the Class 4A Elite Eight in Birmingham.

Before heading downtown for their official sendoff, the Lady Warriors made special stops at both Centre Elementary School and Centre Middle School, where they were greeted by students and staff for a quick walk-through. The younger fans cheered, held signs, and wished the team good luck, giving the players an energetic boost before they hit the road.

The team departed for the Birmingham CrossPlex just before 11 a.m., where they are set to compete in the state tournament. Their first match was scheduled for noon against St. Michael Catholic.

Fans, business owners, and students lined the sidewalks along Main Street, waving signs and shouting words of encouragement as the team bus passed by. The show of support highlighted the community’s pride in the Lady Warriors, who entered the tournament with an impressive 48–9 season record.

As the bus rolled through downtown, coaches and players waved to the crowd, smiling and soaking in the moment. The Centre Fire Department joined in the send-off, pulling fire trucks out of the bay with lights flashing as a tribute to the team’s hard work and success.

The Lady Warriors’ run to the Elite Eight marks another exciting chapter for Cherokee County volleyball, and the Centre community made sure the team knew they weren’t traveling to Birmingham alone — they carried the spirit and support of an entire town with them.