Overton Volleyball Coach Randy Smith + Star Abby Mackey Are a Winning Combination

OVERTON -- For the last four years, the names Randy Smith and Abby Mackey have been synonymous with each other.

The two joined forces prior to the 2009 volleyball season, and three district championships have followed.

“I think she’s the best Class A player in Texas,” Smith said of Mackey, the Lady Mustangs’ outstanding outside hitter. “Now, obviously I’m biased and I haven’t seen a whole lot of people out in West Texas. But she’s turned into a good leader. Obviously, she’s got the talent and got the skill to finish plays.”

Smith is impressed with how Mackey, who had 626 kills in 2011, approaches her role.

”She’s got a lot of teammates that rely on her,” Smith said. “They know where she’s at and they get her the ball. I think the thing this year that we’re trying to do is try to get her some help, and I think we’re going to be able to do that.”

As for Mackey, she’s chomping at the bit to end her high school career in style.

“I’m really excited, I’m just ready to get out there and play,” she said.

Overton has reached the regional quarterfinal round in each of the past two seasons, and both player and coach are in agreement about this year’s expectations.

“I think we can go as far as we did last year,” Mackey said. “We definitely have the talent and everyone works hard.”

Added Smith: “The bracket’s drawn up to where it looks like if everything holds to form, we’ll get Avery again and they knocked us out (last year). We definitely expect to get to that match again, but we hope to win it.”