The Ponte Vedra Sharks have had some memorable volleyball players come through its program in recent years, and now Chelsea Sutton will be considered among them after she recently became the school record holder for career blocks.
The senior middle blocker has more than 200 blocks during her varsity career and is committed to play college ball at the University of Tennessee.
According to Sutton, she is fortunate to have many memories that will quickly come to the forefront of her mind when she looks back at her high school career, and the block record will definitely be among the top five.
“I know the tradition and standard that the Ponte Vedra program has created, and I’m just thrilled that I am now able to be a part of that,” Sutton said. “It has been an honor to be a part of this team and this group of girls.”
Blocking has always been an aspect of her game that has come naturally.
“Ever since I started playing, my coaches have always told me that I have a normal knack for blocking, and I’m sure my height has a little something to do with that,” Sutton chuckled. “Usually if you’re tall, they put you in the middle.”
At 6-foot-4-inches, Sutton presents an opposing obstacle at the net and served as a great defender for the Sharks over the years.
However, despite being known for her tenacious nature as a blocker, her offensive game is what she has continually worked on in recent years and is perhaps what she is most proud of, as she now has more than 500 kills, which is high for the middle blocker position.
“My offense has really come along, and it’s something I really look to continue to improve as I get to college,” Sutton said.
One of the neat things about the last two seasons is that Sutton has had the opportunity to play alongside her twin sister Morgan, which has made the experience even more memorable, and the laughs multiplied.
“She knows how to get me and the whole team laughing, and we all appreciate her for that,” Sutton said. “It is great to have her presence, especially when things get tight on the court. I’m thankful to have her by my side.”
Sutton began playing competitive volleyball in eighth grade after she tried out but did not make the school team in sixth or seventh grade.
“I used to live in Massachusetts, and I actually played soccer growing up and I really thought that would end up being my sport,” Sutton said. “But I guess you would say, I finally started putting my height to good use.”
According to Sutton, it was the fast-paced nature of volleyball that wound up winning her over and her passion for the sport has only continued to grow in the years that have followed.
“There’s so many plays that you can run, which makes for such a variety,” Sutton said. “No matter how much you know, there’s always something to learn in this sport.”
