Decatur HS volleyball player's leaping save gets nationwide attention

An acrobatic save on the volleyball court has made a Decatur High School senior an overnight celebrity.

Videos of Autumn Finney leaping over a teammate to keep the ball in play went viral for obvious reasons. And she’s just as humble as she is athletic.

She's arguably the most famous high school volleyball player on social media right now, and Decatur High School Senior Autumn Finney owes it to her incredible play.

"I just seen Tate on the ground and the ball in the air and I'm like, ‘I’ve got to get this,” she recalled.
Without thinking I just ran. I don't know. I wasn't thinking, so I guess it just happened."

After last Friday night’s game, video of Autumn’s play has gained a lot of attention. But it wasn't until Olympic volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh tweeted about Autumn's play did the leaping save truly go viral.

"That was insane! All this news and all these interviews, they don't top Kerri Walsh Jennings giving me a shout out,” Autumn said. “She's my idol."

Walsh wasn't the only one to take notice. Autumn's coach is already getting emails from colleges.

"She plays like that every point,” said Coach Clark Oberle. “So the doors it's opened for her and the opportunities it's given her is really awesome."

"I plan to go to school first and join the Marines, anyways,” Autumn said. “So if I get a great offer, I'm not going to turn it down.”

The 17-year-old is quick to credit her teammates and says her newfound fame has been “cool.” But the coolest thing she says is the burst of confidence this has given her teammates as they head into the playoffs.

"You have to go out and expect to do great things,” she said. “If you don't expect to do great things for yourself, who's going to? I mean other people can tell you your grade all day long, but not until you believe it are things going to change."

The Eagles are tied for second as they head into the playoffs with a famous teammate and lots of people watching.