By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Clara Vorel’s Dominance at the Net Sets the Tone for South Effingham’s Title Hopes
Clara Vorel
South Effingham's Clara Vorel (No. 17) goes up to block the shot of Brunswick's Anna Weese during a 2024. (Mark Lastinger / Effingham Herald.)

GUYTON, Ga. — A misplaced basketball rested alone in the bleachers of the South Effingham High School gym, not far from where Clara Vorel sat after volleyball practice.

But the 6-foot-3 senior showed little interest in that ball. Vorel likes playing in the middle — but only on the volleyball court.

“(Basketball coaches) have tried (to convince me to play), but I’m a volleyball girl. I’m going to stick with volleyball,” said Vorel, who seems to have answered the “why not basketball” question a time or two in her life.

Her volleyball acumen suggests she’s made the right decision. A middle blocker, Vorel has been one of the best in the area. She was named Region Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and Subregion Player of the Year last season as a junior.

In three years, she has racked up 690 kills and 232 blocks. Last season, her .515 hitting percentage ranked second in Georgia, according to MaxPreps.

Volleyball
South Effingham middle blocker Clara Vorel, who committed last year to Towson University, will be a key to the Mustangs' volleyball fortunes this season. (Donald Heath/Effingham Herald)


Leading a Resurgence

SEHS won only four matches in 2021, the year before Vorel entered high school. The Mustangs — who begin mandatory practice on Monday, July 28 — have recorded 20 or more wins in every season since.

“Obviously, this is a big year for her,” South head coach Haywood Ellison said. “We have experience coming back, and she’s the lead player. Luckily for us, she’s not the only player. Definitely our offense is focused around her. She blocks. She hits. For us, when we need a score, we go to her.”

Ellison expects Vorel’s presence in the middle to draw double teams, opening opportunities for outside hitters Morgan Stringer and Anna Kate Taylor, who return with 131 and 94 kills, respectively.

Vorel was instrumental in the Mustangs’ run to the Elite Eight at state two years ago. She tied a career high with 15 kills in a stunning 3-1 upset of Region 6 champion Veterans — a 30-win team — in the second round.

Last year, however, South failed to make the state tournament.

“I have the feeling it’s going to be a really good season,” Vorel said. “It’s not about getting back (to the Elite Eight). It’ll be about building and working together. I wouldn’t say last year was a rough year. Everyone else was good, too. I think there was more equal competition across the board.

“This year is looking good. We just came back from a camp at Central Florida. This team works well together.”

An Early Commitment to Towson

While many standout seniors wrestle with college decisions, Vorel committed to Towson University before her junior year.

She plans to pursue a degree in education, building on hands-on experience she’s already gained through student-teaching.

Towson’s volleyball team competes in NCAA Division I’s Coastal Athletic Association and has posted a 103-19 record with two NCAA tournament appearances over the past four years.

“(Making an early college decision) wasn’t just something I wanted to get over with. They offered me and it felt right,” she said. “They have a great environment and a good education program. Nothing was holding me back.”

South Effingham (21-16 last year) opens the 2025 volleyball season on Aug. 7 in Statesboro with a tri-match against Lakeside and Statesboro.