Cecilia Boswell featured as Commercial Appeal’s “Athlete of the Week”

By Kate Shackelford

Friday, September 13, the Commercial Appeal recognized our very own Cecilia Boswell (11), an outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team, as “Athlete of the Week.”

When she was just ten years old, Boswell signed up to play for her church team on a whim. Noticing that Boswell was advancing much quicker than her teammates, her coach encouraged her to tryout for a club team. Soon after, Boswell found herself playing on the elite team at Memphis Juniors Volleyball Association. Seven years and 13 seasons of volleyball later, Boswell is now a starter who never steps foot off the court.

With an average of thirteen kills per game, it is obvious that her ability should not go unnoticed; however, when asked whether she was expecting this recognition, Boswell replied by saying, “I did not see it coming at all. I didn’t know I had that many kills during the game, and I didn’t realize that [scouts from the Commercial Appeal] looked out for who to nominate; I thought your coach nominated you.”  

“It makes me really happy that I was able to show people how hard I try,” Boswell reflected. “When I tell people I play volleyball, I feel like they don’t think too much of it, but volleyball is a huge part of my life.”

In 2020, she will be able to attend the Commercial Appeal Sports Awards, which is a big deal for high school athletes in Memphis. At this event, Boswell could get the attention of college coaches from around the country. In regards to playing in college, Boswell says, “I’m not sure [if I want to] yet. I have thought about [playing in college], but it just depends on who wants me and if I really feel confident about the team and the school.” 

When asked why she is such a valuable player, Coach Latoya Hamilton responded by saying, “Boswell pursues excellence in everything she does, she is a leader on and off the court, and she is always aggressive.”