by Rusty Ellis
Photo by Ben Craven / Herald-Citizen
Upperman senior volleyball player Lila Cade took the next step in her athletic and academic journey on Wednesday morning, as she signed her national letter of intent to play for Cumberland University upon graduation.
For Cade, it’s an exciting day where she gets to witness the culmination of all of her hard work.
“I feel really good, I’ve had a lot of support over the years,” Cade said. “I’m just glad to finally sign and get the whole recruiting process over with…Cumberland reached out and I went and visited, and I really liked the school. It’s pretty small, but not too small, and I got to practice with the team. I felt like I would fit in well.”
Barbie Cook’s had a front-row seat to see Cade’s development from her sophomore year on, and she’s seen just how much work she’s put in to get to this point.
“Lila Cade has worked really hard,” Cook said. “Through all of it, you’ve seen her hard work, you’ve seen her in the gym when others weren’t to reach this goal in her life…she’s a humble player, she’s always willing to learn and take advice.”
As far as whether or not Cade is ready for the next level, there’s no question in Cook’s mind.
“Absolutely,” Cook said. “Cumberland University is a good school…I wanted her to go for academics and it has a focus point for what she wants to major in as well.”
Cade says that of all the things she’ll miss from Baxter, her teammates are at the top of the list.
“Just the team mostly, I’ve made a lot of memories and friendships playing here,” Cade said. “I’m also looking forward to a new start and just trying something new at a new level…I’m ready.”