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TFS Legend: Addy McCoy — Queen of Aces
The legend status had been solidified. It happened for Addy McCoy on her final set of serves in the 2022 GHSA State Championship match, when Tallulah Falls beat Mt. Bethel to claim the title. Her back-to-back aces to complete the dream season is legendary. The things she’s accomplished on the court make her legendary. Who she is and the lasting impact of her leadership creates her legacy.
McCoy began playing volleyball in fifth grade in the Clarkesville Rec Department. Despite early struggles with it, her tenacity clearly paid dividends in her long-term success in the sport and in her relationships.
“I had little to no knowledge of the sport, but was interested in playing,” recalls McCoy. “I tried out for the TFS middle school team in sixth grade and didn't make the team. I tried out again in seventh grade and made the team that year. After my eighth-grade year, I started playing for a travel team, North Georgia Aces Volleyball in Clarkesville, and have been playing for them since. When I started playing at TFS, I started as a setter and I became a middle hitter in the eighth grade. I have been playing with many of my current teammates since middle school, which has made my time playing volleyball at TFS more memorable.”
While McCoy has dedicated several years of hard work to the sport, she knows it has given her much in return.
“This game has brought me some of my best friends in life,” states McCoy. “I've met people through my team at TFS and my travel team that I can always count on. Also, so many lifelong memories and achievements have been made that I will never take for granted. Through playing volleyball, I have developed a better sense of confidence and perseverance. I've learned that I can do anything I put my mind to as long as I work for it. I have achieved many personal and team accomplishments that have taught me the power of dedication and hard work. My time playing for Tallulah Falls has not only made me a better athlete but has built me up as a person.”
During the 2023 season, which resulted in a second straight Area Championship and only the school’s third 30-win season ever, McCoy set the single-season (146) and career aces (329) records, even leading the nation during the season in that category. She also had 312 kills (5th-most in school history) to finish with 703 career kills (3rd-most).
“Breaking records was never a personal goal of mine; however, this achievement has displayed my hard work and dedication to the team,” adds McCoy. “I am so blessed to have a team and coach who believes in me and encourages me to always do my best. I'm thankful that by having my name on the record board, I will be leaving a little piece of me behind at TFS.”
Just as her volleyball career comes to a close at Tallulah Falls, it’s only the beginning for what’s to come.
“I am pursuing to play volleyball at the next level to see where that leads me,” says McCoy. “I am keeping my options open and trusting God to take me wherever He wants me.”
No matter where she goes, she’ll again have an opportunity to make a big impact on and off the court. Regardless of the distance, TFS will be close to her heart and those memories will be readily available.
“State Championship,” exclaims McCoy on her fondest memory at TFS. “One word to describe that day — perfect. I will never forget walking into that arena and seeing the whole school cheering us on. The atmosphere was incredible, everyone on the team was so determined to win. I remember being so full of excitement and adrenaline the whole game, that led me to having a crazy 16-point serving run, which is my favorite personal achievement. I remember serving the last point of the game and all the emotions came flooding over me when we won. I have never felt more proud of my team and will cherish that day for the rest of my life.”
McCoy ends her high school career with the 703 kills (3rd), 329 aces (1st), 344 digs, and 64 blocks (4th). She was named Area Player of the Year in 2023, and is a 2-time All-Area 1st Team player. During her time on the Lady Indians team, the program has won 107 matches, a State Championship, a pair of Area Championships, made state all four times, and each going to the Sweet 16 or final. Two seasons included a #1 state ranking, and the Lady Indians defeated 24 state-ranked opponents in that span.