Bev Ball Classic showcases regional volleyball talent in Abilene

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – The Bev Ball Classic has officially kicked off its 17th annual volleyball tournament in Abilene, with games taking place across three local high schools.

The Bev Ball Classic is a well-regarded tournament that brings together top varsity volleyball athletes from across the region for a weekend of competitive play. The event is named in honor of Beverly Ball, a beloved coach known for her unwavering dedication to student-athletes and her lasting impact across multiple sports programs.

Gracie Caperton, a senior libero for Clyde High School, shared her thoughts on the tournament and her performance during the opening matches.

“I don’t know the stats for today, but as a team, we’ve played pretty well, and personally, I think I’ve played pretty well too,” Caperton said.

Caperton also reflected on where her love for the sport began and how the Clyde community has fueled her passion over the years.

“I fell in love with volleyball when I was in 5th grade because of the people around me and the connections I made through it. Volleyball is just an amazing family and team sport. All the girls I’ve played with have been incredible—I love them like sisters. That’s what’s kept me going all these years,” she said.

Looking ahead, Caperton shared that she plans to study finance after high school — likely at either Texas Christian University or Abilene Christian University. While she’s still deciding whether to continue playing volleyball at the collegiate level, her passion for the sport remains strong.

Clyde Head Coach Courtney Freeman praised her team’s performance and the leadership shown by her seniors throughout the tournament.

“We have a good senior group—I call them my ‘super six.’ They lead the team and pull us up when we’re down. I’ve got a strong group of leaders this year,” Freeman said.

The tournament continues at Abilene High School, Cooper High School, and Wylie High School through August 16.