Bullock signs: Senior setter to play for Roane State
Anderson County multi-sport athlete Jaylynn Bullock has signed to play volley- ball and continue her studies at Roane State in the fall. Family and teammates gather to celebrate the occasion in the Anderson County High School Library. Pictured are: (front, from left) Emily (mom), Emerie (sister), Jaylynn, and Brad (dad) Bullock. (Back row, from left): Coaches Randi Sewell, Dail Cantrell and Head Coach Jayme Smith. (photo:Tony Cox )
Bullock, a senior at Anderson County High School, recently signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball at Roane State Community College.
A two-sport athlete for the Lady Mavericks, excelling in both basketball and volleyball, chose to play for the Lady Raiders because she was wanted and it was assistant volleyball coach Dail Cantrell, who told Bullock that her services were wanted at Roane State.
“At the beginning of the season, Coach Dail came to me and asked me how serious I was about playing college volleyball,” Bullock said. “God has blessed me with this opportunity.”
Bullock, a standout setter for coach Jayme Smith and the Lady Mavericks, was also an all-district point guard for coach Mitch Couples and the Lady Mavericks’ basketball team, chose to play volleyball despite having a passion for basketball.
“This season, I really loved basketball,” she said. “The passion for basketball kind of came and went. I’ve had injuries and basketball was hard on my body, and I prayed about it and I’m at peace with the decision I’ve made and the sport that I chose to continue.
“My parents are really excited that I’m staying close to home. My mom played at Roane State.”
For Smith, it was a day of mixed emotions.
“I love this because you’re going on to something bigger and better, but I hate this because I’m losing you,” Smith told Bullock at the ceremony. “Just know that we’re proud of you and that our door will always be open to you.”
Bullock will major in nursing and pursue a career as a NICU nurse.