2024 Varsity Season in Review
Cumming, GA – 2024 was a historic season for the East Forsyth Volleyball Program, as the varsity team surpassed all expectations, hosting the Region Championship Tournament, finishing 2nd over-all in the region, and reaching the Elite 8 of the GHSA AAAA State Tournament.
Established in 2021, the East Forsyth Volleyball program had not qualified for the GHSA State Tournament in their initial three seasons. The program saw tremendous growth, however, the Varsity team could not jump over that final hurdle. The 2024 squad finally reach the goal of qualifying for the state tournament, after finishing their region schedule undefeated (6-0) and hosting the Region Championship Tournament, finished 2nd, falling to North Oconee in the tournament final. The 2024 team finished with an over-all record of 32-10, setting a new record for wins in a single season. In addition to the new team record in wins, their were several individuals setting new individual season and career records, following the 2024 campaign.
The 2024 squad was led by a pair of seniors, Emma Kissell (M, 2025) & Macy Meadows (S, 2025), with both seniors having started their volleyball career as freshman on the inaugural East Forsyth volleyball team in 2021. The 2021 team finished with a record of 1 – 30, but the pair of seniors finished their careers at East having both set school career records, Kissell with career blocks (83) and Meadows in career assists (1,570) and career matches played (141). The seniors were not the only major contributors to the success of the 2024 squad, as the team saw steady play from a trio of juniors, including Mandy Karavite (OH, 2026), Mataya Orth (L, 2026), and Kimmi Van Norman (OH, 2026). Orth continued to set new standards for the Libero position, as she set new season records in digs (380) and aces (83), while contributing to her career records in both categories with her senior year to go. VanNorman’s 2024 campaign included 190 kills and she became the career record holder in kills, taking over for 2024 graduate, Emily Miolen. Karavite, contributed in all facets of the game, including her steady play at the net and in the backrow, finishing with 159 kills, 36 aces, and 96 digs. Orth had some real support in the backrow in 2024, with the steady play of Dallas Bagwell (DS, 2027), who finished the season 2nd over-all in passer rating and with 109 digs. Lastly, the East team saw three up and comers, who played major roles in the teams campaign to the Elite Eight. Freshman standouts Madelyn Moog (OP), Sydney Tatum (OH), and Chelsea Torrence (S/OP) brought with them an exciting energy and offensive firepower. Torrence set the new school season record in kills, finishing 2024 with 236 kills to lead the team. In addition, she was second on the team in assists (300), playing the dual role of setter and opposite in the Bronco’s 6-2 system. Moog finished the first year of her high school career, transitioning from the middle to opposite, with 220 kills for second on the team. Tatum (along with Meadows & Orth), set new season records for matches played, playing in 42 matches in 2024, racking up 54 aces for second place on the team.
2024 Individual Awards Earned
Dallas Bagwell – EFHS Women in Sports Volleyball Honoree
Elizabeth Blake – EFHSVB Most Improved
Mandy Karavite – 1st Team All – Region & 2nd Team All – County
Kendal Kerns – EFHSVB Character Award
Emma Kissell – Honorable Mention All – Region & EFHSVB Leadership Award
Macy Meadows – 1st Team All – Region, 1st Team All – County, & EFHSVB Coaches Award
Madelyn Moog – 1st Team All-Region & 2nd Team All – County
Mataya Orth – 1st Team All – Region, 1st Team All – County, & GVCA All – State Class AAAA
Sydney Tatum – EFHSVB Coaches Award
Chelsea Torrence – 1st Team All – Region, 1st Team All – County, EFHS Freshman Athlete of the Year, & EFHSVB Coaches Award
Kimmi VanNorman – 2nd Team All – Region & Honorable Mention All – County