photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State senior middle hitter Anniston Clark, left, and freshman outside hitter Bryna Clark prepare for the serve in a 3-0 City Showdown win over Lawrence on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, in Lawrence.

It was important for Free State’s Anniston Clark to earn a win over Lawrence in her final high school season. But what made Thursday’s win memorable was doing it alongside her sister, Bryna.

Anniston and Bryna only have one year together at Free State, and with their age difference, this season is the only time that they’ve been able to play volleyball together in an organized manner. So the sisters are making the most of their time, knowing that the shared moments on the court are all the more important.

“It’s been really special so far,” Anniston said. “Anytime I’m really struggling, I really try to look toward her. Even in this game, I was struggling a bit and she knows what to say to me, obviously, that’s my sister.”

There have been a lot of good memories together this year. It has been a lot of fun for the two Clarks to play together, but what has made it even better is just how successful the year has been. The Clarks are playing well, and the Firebirds are winning a lot of games.

The Free State volleyball team has built chemistry over the years. But there’s a whole other level of chemistry between the Clark sisters. It has helped Bryna make an early impact in her Free State career, and it has helped Anniston have the strong finish to her Firebird career that she wanted.

Anniston got into volleyball as a kid because of an older cousin. Then, Bryna “followed big sis” and jumped into the sport. It’s become a big part of their lives from club volleyball to now playing together in high school. Even if this is the first time they’ve been on an organized team together, the Clarks have spent countless hours in open gyms playing with each other throughout the years.

“We’ve grown up together playing this sport, and I think that shows up on the court,” Anniston said.

Anniston says she sees a lot of similar characteristics in how they play. The mannerisms they have and how they celebrate are the same. Bryna admits that there’s a lot of Anniston influence on her, and that extends onto the court.

“She’s just my biggest role model, and it’s amazing that I can share the court with her,” Bryna said.

The Clarks both have high volleyball IQs from having spent so many years playing the sport through clubs and now high school. They’re not alone either in that regard, which has helped Free State win so much this season. Knowing that their time is limited on the court has just made each moment more memorable, and they know they have to make the most of it.

The Firebirds have a lot of goals for this season. Getting the City Showdown win is always one of the top priorities, and now that it’s in the win column, the Firebirds can turn their attention to a playoff push. They’ve been dominant in Sunflower League play and the victory over Lawrence provides a momentum boost to push the Firebirds through the remainder of the regular season.

“I’m really excited we came out of here with a win, and I’m excited I got to play with my sister,” Bryna said. “It’s just an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for the next three years.”

Next year, the Clarks won’t even be in the same state. Anniston will be off to Lipscomb University in Nashville, where she will continue her volleyball career.

“It’s very sentimental, but I’m super excited to see all the accomplishments she’ll have in the future,” Bryna said. “It really helps me strive to be like her and be a role model.”

And while Anniston will be gone next summer, she’s happy knowing the program she’s spent so much time in is with someone who has the passion and skill of someone like Bryna.

“I see so much raw potential,” Anniston said. “I can’t wait to leave this team off in good hands with her.”