Division 1 bound

Denika Lightbourne has left an indelible mark on Tallulah Falls. Since her freshman year on the basketball court, she’s been that player that has turned heads. She was always destined to shine, and she’ll soon be taking her talents to NCAA Division I Dayton University as a member of the Lady Flames’ women’s basketball team.

In signing her Letter of Intent, Lightbourne became the first Tallulah Falls basketball player to go D-I. Her senior season was nothing short of sensational. She set a single-season scoring record of (523) points, topping the next four spots on the list set by Nyah Williams. Lightbourne finished second to Williams in career points (1,494) and became one of just two players (with Williams) to be a 1,000-point, 500-rebound member.

Lightbourne, a three-time First Team All-Region honoree and one-time Second Team member, finished her prep career third all-time in rebounds (634) and is the all-time leader in assists (311), blocks (52), and steals (293). She tied Williams’ mark of most points in a single game with 40 during a January 2023 game against Commerce. Lightbourne tallied six 30-point games in her final season, marking the most by any player in school history. Furthermore, she had a total of 13 career games with 25 or more points.

Tallulah Falls has helped shape the future for Lightbourne.

“Playing for TFS really made me grow as a player,” said Lightbourne. “I have experienced different types of teams, work ethics, and chemistry, and it made me realize the type of people I want to be around and the type of leader I would like to be. I am grateful for this journey because I never would’ve believed in myself as much as I do now without the help of all my coaches and teammates.”

Lightbourne often took an active role in leadership rather than vocally early on, though she enhanced the latter part during her final season at TFS.

“I would say I was more of a quiet leader,” added Lightbourne. “I would rather pull you to the side and have a conversation, but now I would consider myself more vocal and outgoing. Mainly because I’m expected to come out of that comfort zone. I try to let everyone be comfortable, learn how to take criticism, and just want to get better and remain focused while having fun.”

While Lightbourne has always been a standout since that 201920 freshman season, the players around her have helped her become the player she is now.

“This year my teammates have really pushed me,” said Lightbourne. “Although they might not think so, I owe it all to them for helping me become the player I am today.”

Lightbourne has her place atop almost every statistical category, but more importantly, is her team’s success. Since her first game at Tallulah Falls, Lightbourne has been a part of four consecutive state playoff teams, including an Elite 8 run and Region Championship in 2021-22, a Sweet 16 run in ’19-20, and two other first round appearances. In each of her four seasons, the Lady Indians were at one point state ranked, peaking as high as #6 in 2021-22. The teams have been four of the top six scoring units in school history and have won 56 games.

Sarah Jennings personifies what it means to be a legend. She will leave Tallulah Falls School as a legendary volleyball player — perhaps the best to ever suit up for the Lady Indians — but she’s an even better teammate, student, and person. The holder of six school records, she has achieved success on and off the court and leaves behind a lasting legacy that includes a state championship and a humble attitude that elevates those around her.

Since the age of 10, Jennings has finetuned her craft in the game of volleyball. Starting out some eight years ago, she’s learned more than just the skills necessary to become the greatest volleyball player in Tallulah Falls School history. While she has given the school and the sport so much, it has granted her much more in return.

“This sport has given me so many lifelong friendships and memories that I will never forget,” said Jennings. “It has given me opportunities to not only better my skill, but better myself as a person. Volleyball has always been a safe place where I can just put the world aside and pursue my passion. I will forever be grateful for this sport.”

The old adage ‘records were made to be broken’ rang true for Jennings. Though her goals were not always set on becoming the all-time leader in kills, digs, or aces, her elite level of play led to her finding those records on the way. While those categories have her name etched on the leader board, she recognized they belong to all her teammates, coaches, fans, and family.

“I am so grateful for the amazing teams that I have been a part of that have encouraged, supported, and helped me to accomplish these goals,” stated Jennings. “I would not be where I am today without my teammates, my coaches, and my family. Teamwork and trust are two very important aspects of volleyball, and without a good pass and set, I never could’ve gotten so many kills. The excitement on the court, on the bench, in the student section, and from the fans fueled me and pushed me to be my best. It means so much to me that I have been given these amazing opportunities to work hard and challenge myself and have such a successful outcome.”

Jennings’ career school records include kills (1,085), digs (1,025), and aces (283). She also holds single-match records in kills (28) and digs (28), as well as single-season kills mark of 417. She is the school’s lone Region/Area Player of the Year and is the only player in TFS history to be named 1stTeam All-Area three times.

Still, she’d exchange all the accolades and stats for what she was able to accomplish in her final season at TFS — a state championship. In the team’s historic 2022 run that included 35 wins, the first-ever Area Championship, and going 14-0 at home, Tallulah Falls earned a record eight wins over state-ranked opponents on the way to the GHSA 1A State Championship over Mt. Bethel. Few players ever get the chance to play for a title, let alone win one in their final match of their high school career. It was a storybook ending for Jennings that even she couldn’t have written going into the season.

“Teamwork and trust are two very important aspects of volleyball.”