Five years ago, Clara Briley moved to Buford from North Gwinnett. She pursued the school for its enhanced academics, but also had plans to join the prestigious Lady Wolves’ basketball program.
At the same time, Briley started diving into the interest of volleyball with her father working at Mizuno, a well-known volleyball company. Her pursuits of basketball faded as she became burnt out from the sport, and the young Briley enjoyed elements of a new one.
“You don’t have to run back-and-forth like basketball,” Briley said. “I love hitting the ball as hard as I can, that’s my favorite part.”
Now in her junior year, many have lauded Briley as one of the top volleyball players within the county and she’s become one of the biggest pieces in Buford volleyball’s quest toward another state championship under head coach Christina Lecoeuvre.
Buford’s season began in early August with a 4-4 record and runs through tournament play in early October.
“We’re going to push this season to go all the way,” Briley said.
Briley recently pledged to the University of Cincinnati to continue her volleyball career. She doesn’t yet have an idea of her academic pursuits, but her persistent classroom success at Buford has seen its benefits.
Her favorite subject is mathematics. Her favorite teacher is boys’ soccer coach and chemistry instructor Michael Wentzler. Briley commended Wentzler for understanding a student-athlete’s mentality in balancing the sport along academics and mentoring them through it.
“It’s different here,” Briley said. “They’re more strict here and it pays off. They hold us accountable for everything we do. Our athletics are great across the board.”
Briley will graduate from Buford as a member of the Class of 2026. Teammate Stephanie Eroh said Briley is “inspiring” due to her contributions on the outside of the Buford volleyball lineup mixed with her strong personality.
