FALLSBURG — On September 29, 2023, the Fallsburg Central School District celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1993 Section IX Class C Volleyball championship team. They welcomed back sisters and former teammates, Zuequal Harrison-Bailey and Muun Queen Malone (née Harrison), to share their experience on the team.

After entering the 1993 playoffs as a fourth seed team, Fallsburg pulled off a significant upset against first seed O’Neill in the first round. Then they went on to defeat second seed Burke Catholic 3-1 in the final round—marking the team’s first and only sectional championship since being promoted to Class C. Even with their playoff run coming to an end in the regional finals, their unexpected success will live on in perpetuity.  

Zuequal Harrison-Bailey, who was a senior and team captain during the 1993 season, earned a full scholarship to play volleyball at Virginia Union University. Upon graduation, she became the volleyball coach at her alma mater—winning Coach of the Year and appearing in three conference championship games. She currently resides in Richmond, Virginia and manages a non-profit organization that provides guidance for school children.

Muun Queen Malone, a junior during the 1993 season, earned the position of team captain after Zuequal’s departure. Upon graduation, she attended Hampton University to pursue a career in nursing. She resides in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently a nurse practitioner and lecturer at Kennesaw State University. 

Prior to the evening’s varsity volleyball match against Liberty, Ms. Harrison-Bailey and Ms. Malone were introduced by their former coach, Michael Weiner, and Superintendent, Dr. Ivan Katz. They reflected on their own journey after high school and provided words of encouragement to the members of the volleyball team.

“What I want to say to you today is find out exactly what you want,” said Ms. Harrison-Bailey, “and give it one-hundred percent every single day.”