Pocahontas County High School senior Cassidy Rao and junior Fredricah Gardner were both recently recognized for their achievements in athletics and academics.

Rao, 17, daughter of Kim and Chris Rao, was given honorable mention on the All-State Volleyball team.

“I love the team sports, and I love the girls,” Rao said. “I miss it so much now that the season is over. I love the games; it’s so much fun.”

Rao and Gardner both played volleyball this year and said the coaches led them to have a great season.

“I want to thank Kenny Lehman and Jessica Hayes for an awesome season,” Rao said. “If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have had a team.”

Gardner, 16, daughter of Fredrick Gardner and Cynthia Guerri, won the WVSSAC Academic Achievement Award. She received a $1,000 scholarship.

Along with volleyball, Gardner participates in golf, weightlifting and track.

“It feels really good,” she said of the multiple sports. “I like physically challenging myself. This year was my first team sport, with volleyball, and I loved it. I don’t see why I’ve never done it before.”

Both girls are unsure if they will continue participating in athletics in college, but they said it is important to students to consider getting involved in high school sports.

“I think you need something to look forward to,” Rao said. “I looked forward to the games and the bus rides.”
“And practice,” Gardner added. “It gave us something to do after school besides homework.”

Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com