New Brockton student seeks opportunity on volleyball court

The fact boys volleyball is not a recognized sport in the Alabama High School Athletic Association hasn't stopped Isaac Flowers from chasing his dream.

A junior at New Brockton, Flowers is determined to play men's volleyball in the college ranks after he graduates from high school.

New Brockton High School volleyball coach Jennifer Graham and the Lady Gamecocks volleyball players are determined to help him achieve his goal, just as he has helped them reach theirs.

"He's worked with the girls team for over two years now," Graham said. "He never misses practice. He's there, just like the expectations are for them. A lot of times, he's the next guy. If we need 6-on-6, he steps in a lot of times. That makes the volleyball team better. With his athletic level (and) them having to go against him, that's an amazing player they're against."

During his time as a manager for the Lady Gamecocks, Flowers has practiced with the team and soaked up the game.

"I just work with the girls all of the time," he said. "I hit at them and just help them out whenever they need me. I learn quickly, and I pay attention as much as I can."

Both of Flowers' sisters, Alize and Ebony — who is a sophomore at NBHS — have played high school volleyball and helped their brother get his start on the court. Since then, Flowers has maintained his focus on the game.

"It's just really all I have to focus on," he said. "It gives me adrenaline. I can't really play with other (boys) so I just play with the girls. It just really challenges me to maybe one day be able to play on a team with all guys."

New Brockton has experienced a measure of success — area championships and trips to the state volleyball tournament — since Flowers has become part of the team.

"At the same time, it's really helped him get a big interest in volleyball," Graham said. "He played basketball and there's different sports here, but this is just what he loves. If he could play 6 hours in the gym, he would. I would have to kick him out, because he just enjoys playing."

Playing volleyball in college is the goal the junior strives for most.

"It's really important. It's my main priority. It's what I really want to do," Flowers said. "I'm putting everything behind for volleyball. All of my time is (spent) here trying to get better and help out."

The time Flowers has spent in the New Brockton gym has helped the volleyball team improve, and honed his skills on the court.

"It's just great to watch him grow," Graham said. "I think he definitely can play at the next level. We're going to help him try to do that, the girls and I."

Part of the process to help Flowers become a college volleyball player has already begun.

He is registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse, compiling test scores and developing a skills tape to send to coaches.

"He's just got great ball control, and he floats in the air. Half of the girls (are) jealous because he floats. You can't always teach that, and he has a natural ability," Graham said. "He had a lot of those skills, you could tell, coming into practice with us. Now, we're just kind of polishing a lot of different things so he can find where he fits best."

Flowers has found out some things about himself while he has been a part of Graham's team.

"(It's taught me) hard work," he said. "She pushes me a lot to just try my hardest no matter what happens. It's pushed me a lot, and I just learned things about myself I really didn't know. I just push myself really hard. I feel like I can learn the things I need to know, because I try hard enough."

The disadvantages Flowers may face with a 5-foot, 10-inch frame and without a boys volleyball team in high school are made up, Graham said, in his versatility.

"(Height) can be a disadvantage, but at the same time his jump is so aggressive and just explosive. In volleyball, that's sometimes what it takes," she said. "There's libero spots. There's setters," she said. "He has all of those skills. It's just where we can find a team he can fit best at a position they need at the time is what's going to help him."

Another factor in Flowers' favor is his willingness to travel to find the best place for a college volleyball career and a pharmacology degree.

"He's excited about really going anywhere, just looking at different states and seeing different places," Graham said. "He's willing to travel. We're just trying to help him out. This is his adventure, but with some guidance, knowing some coaches and getting his name out there."

Flowers has another year at New Brockton before the next chapter of his volleyball career can begin, but Graham and the Lady Gamecocks want to do what they can to make sure it gets written.

"He's good-natured. He's fun to be around. The girls love him," Graham said. "He's a good kid to be around. We just want to see him be successful, because he deserves it."