RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) – Every year, the American Volleyball Coaches Association releases its Phenom Watch List.

It is comprised of junior high school students who have been recognized for their outstanding volleyball skills, whether through selection to an All-Region team, an All-State team, or another award.

And of the 2,203 girls nationwide named to the Phenom Watch List, two live right here in our area – Talia Johnson (junior) at Richmond Hill University and Olivia Aliotta (sophomore) at Savannah Country Day University.

“It’s really cool,” Johnson said. “I never thought I would be nominated. I just love playing volleyball and I enjoy it, so it just feels great.”

“To be honest, I’m still a little shocked because it’s a huge award,” Aliotta said. “And it means so much to everyone who receives it. I’m proud of myself and all the hard work I’ve put in to get this far.”

Even though both girls did not expect to be included in the AVCA Phenom Watch List, the news does not come as a surprise to any of their coaches.

“I’m just so proud of (Talia) because I know how much work she put in to achieve her goals and I know what she gave up in the offseason – spending time with friends and things like that,” said Kaitlin Bean, head coach of the Richmond Hill volleyball team.

“You can tell when (Olivia) is there and when she’s fully there,” said Sierra Davis, head coach of the Savannah Country Day volleyball team. “She really moves the team forward and motivates everyone. She’s the one you put on when you’re in trouble. She’s the hitter you want to put on at the end of a long rally to knock the ball away.”

Talia’s volleyball career began in fourth grade. Olivia’s began in sixth grade. But their paths crossed in the last club season and the two outside attackers got along well right away.

“I feel like we’ve really built a bond and we’re very competitive when we play against each other, so it’s really fun. I would describe our friendship as fun, mean and competitive,” Johnson said.

“I love (Talia). She has such a huge influence on me and tells me to always keep trying. She takes this sport so seriously and has such a big drive that I just want to be as good as her,” Aliotta said.

Last season, Talia was named to the First Team All-Region as a sophomore, and this season she has a good chance of making it again with a total of 121 kills in 11 games.

“Talia is definitely someone you want on your team,” Bean said. “Not only is she a great athlete and player, but she’s also a good teammate, and that’s hard to find sometimes – to have both qualities.”

Olivia has already earned Second Team All-Region honors in her freshman season, but her coach says the sky’s the limit for her this year.

“(Olivia’s) work ethic, her ability to see the court – that’s something other girls don’t get, even as they get older. It really shows that she’s a lot more mature both in terms of her volleyball IQ and her attitude on the court,” Davis said.

As for playing at the next level, Talia chose Coastal Carolina University this week, while Olivia plans to narrow down her search over the next year.

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