Alison Knop played volleyball in sixth grade at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School. But when she tried out for the Macon Middle School team in seventh grade, she was cut.
Knop spent the year serving as the manager, while working on her game and joining a travel team in the offseason.
It’s not something she thinks about much now, but at the time it motivated her to get better and work hard.
This came after Knop tried – unsuccessfully – to play basketball. As one of the taller girls in her class, she then gave volleyball a shot even though nobody in her family had played the sport.
“I fell in love with it when I started and wanted to be the best I could,” Knop said of volleyball.
“I was terrible at basketball. Whelp, maybe I’m meant to do this.”
Knop played three years on varsity for Franklin. The 5-foot-10 outside hitter earned all-conference honors as a senior after being an honorable mention the year before.
She tallied 322 kills during her senior year and finished with 658 for her career.
While she certainly knows what to do with the ball when given the chance at the net, it was her overall experience with the game that her next coach appreciates.
Knop will play for coach Jessica Day at Bryan College in Tennessee.
“Her experience in multiple positions will allow us to utilize her in various ways on the court,” Day said. “She is really an all-around player that brings a wealth of knowledge of the game and we are blessed to have her.”
Knop visited the NAIA school twice in 2019, in February and October. She had previously contemplated whether she wanted to play volleyball in college. But a second visit to Bryan sealed her decision.
“When I toured Bryan and met the coach – the atmosphere – I just loved it,” Knop said. “I just knew that was where I was meant to be.”
Knop likes how it’s a small school, something she wanted after living in Franklin. She really likes the Christian aspect so she can continue practicing her faith. And the location, being only 2 1/2 hours away, was another positive factor.
‘Role model for young
athletes’
A signing ceremony took place Jan. 24 in the FHS gym lobby. Knop admits she was nervous before the big day.
“It’s very special and it’s something that I’ve been looking forward to,” she said. “It was awesome. I never thought it would come.”
The gym lobby was packed with students, faculty, coaches, family and friends.
FHS athletic director Blair King, who is an assistant principal and handles disciplinary problems, thanked everyone for coming and congratulated Knop on behalf of principal Barry Woody and assistant principal Pam Roper.
“If she didn’t play sports,” King said, “I might not have gotten to know her because she would never grace my office.”
Knop played for Bekah Brooks on JV her freshman year, and then on varsity during her junior and senior seasons.
Knop is Brooks’ first player to continue her playing career at the next level. She called her a hard worker who was always dependable on the floor. Regardless if she was having a good or bad night, Knop always had a smile on her face.
“I put that toward always being a great teammate,” Brooks said.
Assistant athletic director Ryan Haley said when athletes commit to play a sport at the next level, there are typically a few common denominators. They include:
• A good foundation with parents who raise them correctly
• Being hard workers in the classroom
• Working hard outside of the gym to get better on their own
“Just a good role model for the young athletes. We need that; we absolutely need that,” Haley said.
“You’ve been consistent. A great student I had in my class when you were a freshman. I truly appreciate what you provided Coach Brooks and her program.”
Cindy Christie coached Knop when she was in eighth grade, and was a varsity assistant the past two years. When Knop told her she was heading to Bryan to play, Christie fired up some old highlight film from Knop’s eighth-grade year.
She’s obviously grown physically, but Christie also praised Knop for her growth in other areas.
“Her passion, her volleyball IQ, and her knowledge has done nothing but skyrocket since I’ve known her in eighth grade,” Christie said.
Anna Shields, a physical education teacher who sits atop the Franklin volleyball coaching all-time wins list, wished Knop good luck.
“I enjoyed watching you here at Franklin High School,” Shields said, “but I know what you will do when you go to college and the experience you’ll have.”
Sitting on each side of Knop were her parents, Danny and Traci.
Danny said having their daughter leave for college is “bittersweet.”
“Words can’t express how proud I am of seeing you work and your determination,” he said. “And just your sacrifice for a goal – that you a long time ago – you wanted.”
Danny also said he’s so proud and very thankful God blessed him with a joy of a daughter.
Traci spoke about how her daughter initially didn’t know if she wanted to play volleyball in college. But when she put her mind to it and moved forward, it was like a light switch turning on.
“I’m very thankful of the integrity and the character that you’ve shown over the years,” Traci said. “My prayer for you is that you’ll continue to show that on and off the court.”
Chris Ciufo, minister of students and families at Cowee Baptist, spoke on behalf of Knop’s church family.
“We are extremely proud of you,” Ciufo said. “Honored to be a part of your life, honored to be able to cheer you on in the stands. Super excited for what the Lord has in store for you for this next season of life.”
Moving on
Knop’s brother, Kyle, went through the process of finding a college in which to play sports three years ago. (He initially went to Milligan College to play soccer.)
Knop learned some things thanks to his experiences, including weeding some colleges out.
“I knew what I wanted and he helped me a lot,” she said.
Because Bryan is a NAIA school, Knop was able to practice with the Lions during her visits. The team went 20-13 last season, which was the fourth with Day at the helm.
“I love their coach,” Knop said. “She’s awesome. I’m so excited to play for her.”
Knop is leaning toward teaching, likely elementary. The school also offers a minor in coaching, which Knop said she’s interested in because she wants to coach.
Knop thanked the Franklin community for making the sport so awesome.
“Volleyball games are very special here,” she said. “I’m very sad that it’s over, but I got to move on.”