Name: Danielle Knight Education: McMichael High School Greensboro College Coaching Experience: Junior Olympic Volleyball (Pannix Volleyball Club 2010-17, Piedmont Volleyball Club 2015- 2016) Interview with GDS Volleyball Coach, Danielle Knight and willing to learn and work hard, and I know we will be successful with that mindset. Describe your vision for the volleyball program: My vision for the volleyball program is building a strong foundation of aggressive players with a hunger for getting better with each practice and game. I see the program growing in numbers and building on good solid fundamentals. A fun fact that people don’t know about you: I played one year of tennis at Greensboro College. I had never played before and was really bad, but I just wanted to be on the practice team to get better. I wound up loving it and getting better and worked my way up into fourth in the lineup and second in doubles. Family: I have been married for 4 years to my husband David. We’ve been together for almost 10 years. Anything else you would like to share with the GDS community? I am just so proud of all of my volleyball players and coaches. We have worked really hard to grow and be successful, and we wouldn’t be where we are without everyone’s fantastic efforts. n Our first Game Day Grill of the school year was held Friday, September 15. The grill was hot, and the smell of burgers filled the air! The GDS community - students, parents, staff and faculty - came together to support our athletes as all teams competed against Wesleyan Christian Academy. The Bengal Boosters are busy throughout the year promoting and encouraging GDS’s many athletic teams! n Day Job: Sales Administrator at Xdin, Inc. (Engineering Consulting Firm) Favorite part of coaching volleyball? I love getting to work with so many different girls and helping them grow as athletes and individuals. I love to see them get better and grow their love for the game. What drew you to GDS? GDS has a well-known reputation for being a great school, so it was an easy decision for me. I was very grateful to be considered for the position and felt that I had a lot of support going into the program. I loved Greensboro College because of the small family-like atmosphere, and I felt that GDS would replicate this feeling. Favorite thing about this year’s team? I love this year’s team because they have a comeback story. They are young Family Fun Night took place on August 24 and was a great opportunity to welcome GDS families back for the new school year. Throughout the evening, both middle school and varsity teams battled it out against Caldwell Academy in soccer, volleyball, and tennis. Local food trucks helped contribute to the friendship and fun. This is an excellent way for families with students of all ages to enjoy the games. n Recent Events This fall, the Athletics Department helped host two all school events during home athletic games: Family Fun Night sponsored by the Admission and Advancement Offices and Game Day Grill sponsored by the Bengal Boosters. Ed Billingslea speaks with Mia Neal‘21 and Zelda Neal. 18 | Winter 2017