Addie's All Smiles For Guilford Volleyball

She stands arms akimbo on Guilford’s sideline with warm-ups slung nonchalantly over her shoulder, a case of water bottles in her hand, and a huge smile on her face. Her name is Addie Sellars. She is much more than an assistant athletic trainer for the Guilford volleyball team, and she does much more than just hand out water bottles and hold jerseys.

She is a friend and an inspiration.

“She taught me patience. She taught me how to be selfless,” said Courtney Kozar '11, who worked with Sellars for four years out of Lindley Habilitation Services in Greensboro as part of her time with Guilford’s Principal Problem Solvers.

“One of Addie’s goals the first year when Courtney started working with her was interacting with people her own age. She’s been interacting with us and interacting with people that are her own age,” said Guilford head coach Emily Gann.

By achieving this goal Sellars helped the Quakers’ volleyball team in her own way.

“Addie brings a special spark to our team,” said Gann. “When she walks into the gym everyone lights up.”

Sellars not only helps the team on the sidelines, she also helps them on the court. “She helps us to relax and play our game,” said Gann.

A 22-year old graduate of Grimsley High School in Greensboro, Sellars works at Ark Bark selling doggy biscuits. She’s also an avid dancer. Her favorite is the Electric Slide.

Sellars started with the Quakers simply by coming to Quaker volleyball matches and sitting on the sideline, but eventually she accepted the job of assistant athletic trainer and began to develop a relationship with the team.

Sellars is the ultimate team supporter. 

“Somebody could be having the worst game of their career and she’ll still be there with a high five and their water bottle,” said assistant athletic trainer Danielle Duffy.

She brings an enthusiasm and a sense of optimism to the sideline that does not waver, no matter the score or the situation.

“She’s our personal motivator. She passes out towels, she hands out water bottles, and she gets in the circle and dances with us,” said sophomore Taylor Whitley, who now works with Sellars after Kozar graduated last May.

Kozar, Kat Weikel '13, Sellars and Duffy

As for future seasons, Gann hopes Sellars stays involved with the Quakers. “We hope that Addie will be involved for as long as she wants to be. She’s really just a friend who comes and helps out.”

A young woman who was once a stranger to this team came in and made it better, not by making plays or by creating strategy, but with her positive attitude.


Story by Will Cloyd '12