Sheffield, with over 1,000 Career Digs, is the All-time Program Leader
By: Garrett Mitchell, Staff Writer | garrett@thewoodrufftimes.com
Ruthie Sheffield had no idea about the surprise she was about to receive.
Woodruff volleyball’s senior libero was just as surprised as everyone but her teammates when the Lady Wolverines’ match with Clinton was momentarily halted midway through the first set on Monday night.
Sheffield, with her first dig of the night, surpassed 1,000 in her career, making her the program’s all-time leader in that category. Ironically, the penultimate dig came on a rally in which Woodruff would lose the point, but the honor was no less meaningful for Ruthine as her teammates surrounded her on the court.
“It’s crazy, but it’s fun to think about having 1,000 digs,” said Ruthie. “It’s been a long time playing volleyball. It’s just crazy to think about. I was very shocked when everyone started cheering and running on the court because we lost the point. I’m just like, ok.”
Keeping everything a surprise until the final moment was difficult, admitted Woodruff head coach Tonja Westmoreland. She is proud of the leader and student athlete that Sheffield is.
“It makes my heart so happy because I have coached Ruthie since she was a little girl in our youth program,” Westmoreland said. “Me and Coach (Samantha) Pearson were her only middle school coaches all the way through her senior year, and she has always been tough and had that drive, a team player, and a leader.”
Westmoreland added, “It was super hard (to keep it a secret). I didn’t even tell the team until right before the game because her best friends are on the team. Only her family, coaches, and the admin of the school knew. Every player was so excited for her. Their hearts were so happy.”
Sheffield has been a starter for Woodruff volleyball since her freshman season and has been a vital part of rebuilding the program to competitive prominence. This season, everything may come full circle with a team that has already shown its talent and competitive spirit.
That was evident as Woodruff swept Clinton 3-0 in the match. The Lady Wolverines took set one 25-16, set two 25-22, and set three 25-19.
“It was a total team effort,” said Coach Westmoreland on the match win. “Every single player played amazing. We have a very deep and talented team.”
Ruthie agrees.
Sheffield would not want to share in that success with any other group of teammates, most of whom she has played with since middle school and even earlier.
“We’ve played together since we were in middle school,” said Sheffield. We have a great connection, and we are all very good athletes working together.”
All accolades aside, Ruthie was happy to get a win in the season-opener and is looking forward to what should be a great season of Woodruff volleyball. One in which she can also add to her dig total while cementing herself as one of the greats in program history.
“We had a great connection early (in the match) and kept pushing forward,” she said.
Author: gmitchell85
