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Senior sets standard for PBHS

The Inter-Mountain photos by Tony Baisi Philip Barbour senior Maddi Carpenter has put up an astounding 4,114 set assists, and says she always has been willing to work hard in the sport she loves.

BELINGTON — Hailing from Chestnut Flats Road just outside of Belington, Philip Barbour senior Maddi Carpenter has been a key member of three consecutive Class AA volleyball state champion squads for the Lady Colts.

Carpenter has put up an astounding 4,114 set assists to be the school’s career leader in such a vital role as the PB floor general.

In addition to being a PBHS varsity blue-chipper in volleyball, Carpenter also has garnered two letters in basketball and swimming. She says that volleyball is her favorite sport, and she also has been involved in student council and FBLA to a substantial degree over her four years at the Colts’ Corral. She also said that her interest in crafting herself into one of the state’s best setters was sparked when she was a Lady Hawk at Belington Middle.

“I had the opportunity to set in middle school, and loved it,” Carpenter said. “I put in time every off season, played club volleyball and worked out. Volleyball is easily my favorite sport and what I’m passionate about. I do every sport with the intent of being the best at it because you can always improve, that’s my mindset.

“My sisters and coaches all pushed me along,” she continued. “I knew I had the opportunity to play varsity, and I was willing to work as hard as I needed to in order to succeed.”

“Maddi has beautiful hands and did an amazing job setting for four years,” PBHS head coach Heather Halfin said. “What many do not realize is that she is an awesome hitter, too. She has a lot of power and accuracy.

“She stepped into a thankless role and did so beautifully because that is what her team needed,” Halfin added. “She is selfless and although not real loud, very encouraging. The setting spot is one that takes a lot of confidence to be successful at, and Maddi did an amazing job!”

Carpenter has displayed leadership skills similar to her uncle, Brian Bibey, who was the Philip Barbour High School student body president as a senior during the 1989-90 school year. Carpenter served as her class’s president for student council her freshman, sophomore and junior terms, and is finishing out her continued role as senior class president for those set to graduate in 2018.

Teaming up with Belington native Skylar Ketchem, Carpenter was part of a Barbour County duo that took top honors in West Virginia during the Future Business Leaders of America competitions, vaulting the Colts to California for a run at the national meet.

“My partner Skylar Ketchem and I won states with our Business Financial Plan presentation,” Carpenter said. “We were then able to go to Anaheim, California to compete at nationals.”

As commencement ceremonies at the Barbour County Fairgrounds draw closer, Carpenter said she has rounded her higher learning destination considerations down to WVU and West Virginia Wesleyan College.

“I’m not quite sure what my exact plans are yet,” she said. “I think I have it narrowed down to WVU or Wesleyan. If I attend Wesleyan, I will 100 percent play volleyball. If I attend WVU, my goal is to potentially walk on. I plan on going to college, and then pursue a career in the medical field.

“I am proud and honored to be a Colt,” Carpenter added. “This county may be small, but that might be the best part. Locals come out and support without question. No matter the distance, time or weather, you can always count on the community to come out and support you.

“Spending four years as a Lady Colt has been a blessing,” she said. “I’ve created history with my sisters alongside me, and the help of my girls on the volleyball team. Philip Barbour’s reputation has soared thanks to the efforts of the students and the community, and I believe it will continue to set new expectations every year. I’ll never forget where I came from and who has helped me along the way.”

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