October 5, 2024

Gabby Titus, a standout player for the Williamstown Braves, has been making waves in the high school volleyball scene with her exceptional skills and impressive statistics. As a senior, Gabby has consistently demonstrated her prowess on the court, contributing significantly to her team’s success. With a remarkable average of 3.5 kills per set and a hitting percentage of .320, she has established herself as a formidable offensive force. Her ability to deliver powerful and precise attacks has made her a key player in crucial matches, often turning the tide in favor of the Braves.

In addition to her offensive capabilities, Gabby excels in other aspects of the game, showcasing her versatility and all-around talent. She averages 2.8 digs per set, reflecting her strong defensive skills and ability to read the game effectively. Her quick reflexes and agility allow her to cover the court efficiently, making crucial saves and keeping rallies alive. Gabby’s serving skills are equally impressive, with an average of 0.5 aces per set, adding another dimension to her game and putting pressure on the opponents right from the service line.

Gabby’s leadership on and off the court has also been instrumental in the Braves’ success. She was a part of the Braves 37-0 state championship team as a freshman. As a team captain, she leads by example, motivating her teammates with her work ethic and dedication. Her commitment to the sport and her team is evident in her consistent performance and her ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Gabby Titus is not just a star player; she is a role model for aspiring volleyball players, embodying the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence.

Here is our interview with Ms. Titus…

Hi Gabby… Your freshman team at Williamstown is known as one of the best in NJ history with an undefeated record and the last of the NJ Tournament of Champion winners. How tough is it in the seasons after that type of success to maintain your excellence on the floor?

It is tough coming from an undefeated season and then having to deal with a few losses in the next season.  Keeping that same mindset we had my freshman year is what needs to stick. One loss on your record does not make you a bad team, you have to move forward and learn from it. 

Tell us about your club experience at Synergy?

Going into a new club for the first time in years was pretty exciting and scary, but I am so thankful I was able to find an amazing club like Synergy.  It brought me new friends, coaches, and just an overall great experience.

Tell us about your family?

My family are my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. I give it all to my mom and dad because they have always been there for me, even in the toughest times. My mom and my dad will always be my number one supporters. My little sister is also one of my best friends. She started playing volleyball because I was playing. I adore my family and want nothing but the best for them.

Who is your role model?

My role model is definitely my mom. My mom is the strongest woman I know and has a very successful life. She works hard and puts her heart into everything she does. If there is a goal in mind, she won’t stop until she achieves that goal. I look up to my mom so much and am inspired to be like her in the future. 

What inspired you to start playing volleyball?

In sixth grade a group of my friends decided it would be a fun idea to try out for our middle school volleyball team so I did too. My older cousins were also playing at that time so I already knew a bit about the game and thought it would be a fun experience. Ever since then I have fallen in love with the sport.

You are recognized as one of the hardest hitters on the NJ girls’ volleyball landscape. Do you do anything special to build strength and power in your workouts?

I will always stand by keeping the body healthy will give you the best results. Being active constantly and eating quality food will make your body stronger than ever. I like the work on my hitting against a wall or a bleacher every time before I touch a volleyball. I think it really helps my arm swing speed and my technique I have when hitting the ball.  

Tell us about your trip to the AAU Nationals in Florida last club season?

It was my first time going to  AAU Nationals last club season so it was awesome I got to experience that. I had a lot of fun and the environment felt so powerful. There was a lot of good volleyball there and lots of talented players. My team played very well in nationals and I’m so thankful to share that experience with them.

Tell us about your coach Chris Sheppard?

I have known Coach Shep for a good amount of time now considering my older cousins played for him in previous years. Coach Shep was my club coach for two years in my club season during middle school and has now been my high school coach for all four years. He is by far the best coach I have had throughout my whole volleyball career. He has built and made me the player I am today. He knows the game well and pushes me to be the best version of myself everyday at practice.  

Williamstown has only lost one set all season and already has big wins against Vianney, Southern, Morristown, Union Catholic, Hunterdon Central, North Hunterdon, Westfield, and Kingsway. The upcoming schedule is stacked with top opponents including ND, Old Bridge, Southern, and a monster matchup against Princeton on 10/19? Can Dubtown be stopped this season?

I am very confident in all of my teammates that we will pull through with another winning season this year. The team’s chemistry has been skyrocketing every day we are with each other and I think we have such a powerful team we are unstoppable. We have a tough schedule and we play some good teams, but I think we are better in all aspects. 

Tell us about this year’s Brave team.

This year’s 2024 Braves Volleyball team is really coming together. As Coach Shep likes to say “special season”, and I totally agree. We have all been playing together for years and I think we really have a special bond that makes this team so strong. This is the season everyone has been waiting for and I’m excited to see where it goes.

Do you aspire to play volleyball at the collegiate level? What’s up next after high school?

I am planning to play in college after high school. I have been mainly looking at Division II schools and plan to major in nursing. I am not committed yet but that decision will be made shortly.