By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–The program’s first-ever All-State volleyball selection has capped a ‘season of firsts’ for Union City.
Junior setter Madie Theobald earned a place on the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class 1A All-State team today after helping the Lady Tornadoes to the state tournament last fall.
Theobald’s inclusion on the elite list is the first for a UC player in the 13-year history of the program. The noteworthy achievement capped the Twisters’ 2024 season that saw the team win a set in the state tourney for the first time in three appearances, win 10 straight games for the first time, and post a program-best 18 victories.
Union City also registered a .692 winning percentage, the highest of any team in school history.
The ever-consistent Theobald was credited with team-highs of 387 assists and 140 saves as a setter for the Lady Tornadoes. She also recorded 37 service aces, 31 digs, and 29 kills.
Theobald performed well for UC at the highest level, posting 21 assists and 13 saves – both club bests – in the state tournament against Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. She had 15 assists vs. South Greene.
“I’m so happy for my teammates and coaches because this (honor) is as much about them as it is about me,” Theobald said after being informed of her selection. “I hope it means more attention for our program as we continue to build it.
“I really enjoy the sport and working hard to get better at it. The new coaching staff implemented a lot of good things, and it’s my hope we can take another step forward next year.”
Union City head coach Jessica Graham had glowing words for Theobald’s play and character – both on and off the court.
“To say that I am excited and proud for Madie is an understatement,” said Graham, who has directed the program to two of its three state tourney appearances and become UC’s winningest head coach this past season. “She is truly deserving of this acknowledgment and is an all-around player and student who consistently demonstrates a selfless attitude on and off the court.
“Her coachability is remarkable; she embraces feedback and uses it to improve her skills continuously. That quality sets a positive example for her teammates and fosters an environment of mutual respect and collaboration within our team. She’s a friend and mentor to many of her fellow teammates, offering encouragement and support whenever needed.
“This honor for Madie marks another one of our “firsts” for the 2024 season, and I firmly believe that an honor like this will be transformative for our program. Her achievements will undoubtedly motivate our team and inspire future players to want to be a part of what we are building. She embodies the spirit of teamwork and leadership, showing respect to her coaches and a willingness to take on any challenge presented to her.”
Theobald was one of just two West Tennessee selections on the team, joining Gibson County’s Hannah Prestininzi.
TSWA ALL-STATE VOLLEYBALL
Class A
OH: Enslee Norwood, Sale Creek, Sr.
OH: Katie Pennington, East Robertson, Sr.
OH: Abbie Jo Shaffer, Summertown, Sr.
OH: Meah Thompson, Eagleville, Sr.
MH: Millie Emmerson, Summertown, Jr.
MH: Savanna Moore, CSAS, Jr.
MH: Davanie Tarlton, South Greene, Sr.
MH: Ally Weathers, Loretto, Sr.
S: Becca Heineman, Loretto, Sr.
S: Karma Higgins, Sale Creek, Jr.
S: Hannah Prestininzi, Gibson County, Sr.
S: Izzy Smith, East Robertson, So.
S: Madie Theobald, Union City, Jr.
L: Aubrey Ezell, Loretto, Sr.
L: Allye Pennington, East Robertson, So.