As for a special individual who sought volleyball as her favorite kind of sport growing up, Alyssa Gumble knew right away what really inspired her in wanting to follow what her mom and older sister first started. After being around her mother Rachel, who was quite the volleyball player for both Bishop Luers and the University of Saint Francis, Alyssa has a great memory of how her volleyball journey first began and the everlasting impact that she and her mom both share together.

“I was very inspired by my mom and older sister. My mom played volleyball in college and was always willing to play with me. She spent a lot of time with me in the backyard practicing. I grew to love the sport through my mom’s love for the game.” Gumble told Justin Hartsough of One Nation Sports Indiana

If there’s something that the 5-9 junior likes about her position as a starting outside hitter, she enjoys making the most out of ever play when game is on the line for her high school team. She has the opportunity to make good shot selections from the left side which allows her to be more aggressive when going for the big kill.

“I like being counted upon to score points in pressure situations. I have the freedom to choose the shot I want to hit such as line or cross. I feel like playing outside best suites my athleticism and allows me to use my vertical and quickness.” Gumble said.

As a result of last year’s success which saw the Bellmont Lady Braves complete an outstanding 34-4 (7-0) undefeated conference record, the stud sophomore became the fourth best player offensively to tally a total of 181 kills, while putting up 43 blocks, to go along with 82 digs and 8 assists after helping Bellmont reach its third consecutive state finals appearance as a program. After losing a great group of seniors from a year ago, Alyssa Gumble has been doing the best she can in order to help Bellmont have a successful 2024 campaign. Through the first five games of her junior year she has recorded 37 kills, 14 assists, 5 blocks and 43 digs as she continues to bring a source of motivation to her high school team once NE8 play officially starts.

“We are a young and inexperienced team this year. We work very hard during practice to improve each day. Our team does very well at running different routes on offense to try to find new ways to score. Both MaryKate and I are trying to lead by example. We know the team has potential and we are trying to optimize that by the time conference season starts.” Gumble explained.

On August 10th, Alyssa Gumble made a public service announcement on her Twitter account that she would be continuing her academic and athletic careers with Steve Florio’s Purdue Fort Wayne Lady Mastodons. By selecting a school close to home, it was the perfect match for an athlete like Alyssa and there is no other place she’d rather be than to represent the Summit City with flying colors. She can hardly wait to become a Mastodon next season, and is very excited about what her future holds in the next stage of life.

“I had an amazing visit to Purdue Fort Wayne. During my visit I was fortunate to be able to meet with academic advisors and the coaching staff. Everyone made me feel extremely welcomed and I knew its where I wanted to be. It has always been my dream school and I was very excited to make it official.” Gumble stated.

Her goals and dreams for this season can only mean a couple of things as she looks to come out as being a champion on the volleyball court.

“I want to win conference and advance as far in the state tournament as possible,” Gumble said.

After last night’s epic performance which saw Bellmont get back into the winning column by taking down the Concordia Cadets in four sets, your Lady Braves are back in action tomorrow night when they travel to take on an unbeaten South Adams Starfire team. First tip from the Star Dome is slated for a 7pm start time. This should be a well tested matchup for Bellmont. Hope to you in attendance!