One more time

(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a continuation of a series on local players and coaches who were selected to participate in the Arkansas High School Coaches Association activities.)

Heading into this week's Arkansas High School Coaches Association all-star activities, Ashley Cyr didn't exactly know what to expect.

Cyr, who led the Conway volleyball team to an 18-7 record and a 7A-Central Conference championship, knew it would be her final high school match. However, she was pleasantly surprised how entertaining the experience could be.

"It's really exciting," Cyr said. "It's really fun here. It's not what I was expecting.

"I was expecting having to work for eight hours a day, but we get to do a lot of fun stuff. I really enjoy it."

Cyr, who was named the 2008 Log Cabin Democrat's Faulkner County Volleyball Player of the Year, will be a member of the East squad in tonight's all-star match at Barnhill Arena on the campus of the University of Arkansas. In 102 games, she recorded 297 kills (2.91 per game), 351 digs (3.44 per game), 35 aces, 12 blocks, 12 block assists and a 95 percent passing average.

Those statistics, though, aren't surprising to Lady Cats coach Laura Crow.

"She can attack the ball really well," Crow said. "She's very athletic and just a skilled volleyball player."

But tonight may mark one of the final times for Cyr to be have the label of player, as she will wrap up her high school career and most likely be through with serious volleyball. There's still the Fatchmo Volley's Junior Olympic schedule on the horizon for the summer.

Instead, Cyr will turn more to the coaching side, as she plans on helping with Fatchmo in the spring. Before then and any other possible teaching opportunities, Cyr is gaining pointers along the way.

"I've got great coaches (during practice for the all-star match), and they're helping a lot," Cyr said. "They always show me things I've never heard of, and I can pass that along when I help with clinics. ... I hope to one day have my own training center to help teach others."

That no doubt takes a strong work ethic. As far as Crow is concerned, that's nothing Cyr really has to worry about.

"She does such a good job of working hard," Crow said. "She's just a great leader. I'm just proud of her, and she's been a joy to coach."

From a coaching standpoint, that joy carries over to this week as well.

"Anytime we have someone from Conway who (gets selected for the all-star activities) and represent us among the best in the state, it's always special," Crow said.

Being one of the best is something that helped Cyr land a spot on the all-star team. Her serves and attacking ability helped make her an imposing force to the opposition.

"Ashley's always been a threat," Crow said. "Other teams try to stay away from her."

But for now, Cyr wants those she played against during the season to stay close. It's an experience Cyr said will serve as a highlight for many years, even if there are a few feelings of nervousness at first.

"It's probably going to be a little overwhelming," Cyr said. "I'm just really looking forward to it."