Charis Eager Leads by Example for Valwood Volleyball, Basketball

Written by: Phil Jones Photos: Courtesy of Valwood School

For Valwood student-athlete Charis Eager, try to imagine what’s next on her to-do list. If we could catch a peek, the standout volleyball and basketball player's list might read something like this: earn All-Region basketball honors – check; earn All-Region volleyball honors – check; win two volleyball state championships – check; be named homecoming queen – check.

Maybe a fifth entry would be “Win Nobel Prize”?

Valwood volleyball coach Val Gallahan says that while Charis is a great athlete and teammate, her greatest attribute may be her positive attitude toward everyone around her.

“Charis was our only senior this past season, and she was always encouraging the younger girls and all of her teammates,” Gallahan says.

Mike Patrick, who coaches Valwood’s girls basketball team, recalls the first time he met Charis, and the impression she made at the time, even though she was an opponent.

“I met Charis when she was in the 10th grade,” Patrick says. “I was coaching at another school at that time, and we were playing Valwood. I just remember how she was giving 110%, and she was encouraging her teammates, and that has always stuck with me.”

Patrick echoes Gallahan’s assertion that Charis is always eager to help the younger players on the basketball team.

“She leads by example and is always encouraging the younger girls on the team.” Patrick says. “I am sure glad I got to coach her the last two years.”

Speaking of leading by example, Eager produces on the court, whether it’s for her volleyball team or the Valiant basketball squad. Patrick says she’s currently the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging more than 12 points per game, and she’s also second in rebounds with more than 8 a game.

“She’s getting better every day,” says Patrick.

In volleyball, Charis was a member of Valwood’s region and state championship teams in 2020 and 2021, her sophomore and junior seasons. The 2022 season did not produce a state title, but it still was a great year for the Valiants and Charis in her final high school season. The Valwood volleyball squad advanced to the Elite 8 with a 24-7 overall record and took home the 25th annual Augusta Prep volleyball tournament title.

Charis finished her volleyball career at Valwood with 20 aces, 105 kills, 35 blocks, 76 digs, and 8 assists. A strong senior season saw her finish second on the team in in blocks and third in kills.

And yes, in addition to being a standout Valwood volleyball and basketball player, Eager was elected the school’s Homecoming Queen.

Charis, the daughter of John and Carrie Eager, says she loves to fish and hunt, ride horses, play beach volleyball, and – her favorite activity – play pickleball. She is a member of Crossroads Church, and plans to attend Valdosta State University in the fall and continue playing sports with her sorority.

For Charis Eager, a Valwood volleyball and basketball player with a packed schedule, what's a few more items for that to-do list?