MURFREESBORO, N.C. - Second year Chowan volleyball head coach, Kellan Hollingsworth, has much to prove this year as he and his band of Hawks are set to embark on the 2025 season. The volleyball roster will trickle in this week to prepare for the upcoming competition they will face both in and out of Conference Carolinas.
A year ago the Hawks had a rookie collegiate head coach and a roster dominated by talented but new faces. This year will be different for both Hollingsworth and his returners after having made it through a tough 2024 playing season and full spring season together.
"Now that we are no longer a new team of new faces, we have a great group returning. Having that experience is going to be one of our biggest strengths. That experience allows us to have the confidence to trust the players around you," said Hollingsworth of his returning squad.
The Returners
Last season, the team showed flashes of brilliance, with moments of extreme teamwork and perseverance. With most of the 2024 contingent featuring freshmen a year ago, those players have a year of collegiate experience under their belts. A solid group of seniors in Diana Rodriguez, Lyniah Lee, Jadyn Brown, and Nia Baskin, combined with slew of returning underclassmen talent, the Hawks are poised to make waves on the court this season.
Rodriguez sits at 2nd in all-time career digs with 1,474 career ups and in her final season wearing the CU Blue and White could surpass Cindy Ehrich's (2012-2015) four-year mark of 1,818 digs. Four-year players Lee and Baskin return with front line experience and a consistent leadership pattern since their first seasons on the court. Lee will be a steady presence on the pins after tallying 81 kills a season ago while Baskin returns to sure up the middle blocker position. After transferring in the Spring of 2024, Jadyn Brown returns as a libero and defensive specialist but has the talent to hit when needed. Brown totaled 215 digs a year ago, helping to firm up the Hawks backline defense.
The Hawks return a lone junior in Gabriella Figueroa. After a year on campus the middle blocker had a standout spring season and looks to make a name for herself at the net. A combination of strength and game knowledge from her previous junior college experience will translate well for the Hawks this season.
Hollingsworth said of Figueroa, "Her talent, speed, and experience is going to make a huge difference on the court this season."
Ten sophomores headline the largest group of returning players for the Hawks, marking the largest class to return in recent program history. Leading the pack are Rosa Lynn Collier, Jada Caruthers, Anna Holcombe, Makeda Edwards, Alexandra Liggeri, Madison Kilgore, Alyssa Thompson, Kori Rippen, Kiara Lopez, and Hanna Virts.
Playing all the way around, Holcombe was second on the team in kills after turning in an impressive 133 rookie season kill total. Holcombe tallied 227 digs and a team-high 39 aces a year ago. Caruthers had a breakout freshman season in the middle for the Hawks. Caruthers not only added an offensive threat with 92 kills but also tallied 48 season blocks to aid in the Hawks net defense. Collier returns for her sophomore season after showing how versatile of a hitter she was. Collier played both middle blocker and right side hitter, tallying 93 kills and 33 season blocks. The strong hitter should settle into a right side position this season and showcase her full talents. Makeda Edwards returns to headline a strong group of outside hitters. The Georgia native has the power and potential to put down double digit kills this season and had a strong spring season. Alexandra Liggeri split time at the setter position a year ago. Liggeri tallied 123 season assists a year ago and will be the top returning setter for the Hawks this season. Thompson, Kilgore, Rippen, Lopez, and Virts all have a season of competition under their belts after having all seen time on the floor in 2024. Each is poised and all have the skills to have a breakout sophomore season.
The Newcomers
Joining the body of returning players are seven incoming players, including transfers Alauna Wilson-Linn, Malyshia Bailey, and MiLani McGill. Wilson-Linn transferred in this past January after a season at West Virginia Wesleyan College while Bailey and McGill spent two seasons at Pitt Community College and Louisburg College respectively.
Brooke Hart comes to Chowan by way of Brooksville, Florida where she attended Hernando High School. Hart will join fellow Florida native, Liggeri, at the setter position. Florida setters have been a theme for the Hawks over the last few years with setters Morgan Tucker, Sydney Giannat also coming out of Florida. Isabella Kaplan will join the team as a setter from Gainesville, Georgia.
Madison Henderson comes in as the tallest volleyball player in program history, tapping in at 6'5'' in the middle blocker position. Henderson comes to Chowan from Mount Gilead, North Carolina. "Madison will bring the team to new heights not seen before in our gym," said Hollingsworth.
Jy'Asha Cousins comes in as another tall frame, coming in at 6'3'' from Southern Wayne High School in Mount Olive, North Carolina. Cousins will add more depth and height to the Hawks front line this season.
Ta'Jah Pittman joins the team as a manager after transferring from Louisburg College. Pittman will assist the coaching staff with all aspects of behind the scenes program management.
The Schedule
This year's schedule is a balanced load of both non-conference and Conference Carolinas play. The Hawks will open the 2025 campaign with a home exhibition against Virginia Union University on September 3rd. First service is set for 6:00pm in the Hawks Athletic Center. After participating together in the CIAA for many seasons, the Hawks maintain a friendly rivalry with the Lady Panthers.
The Hawks will hit the road for back-to-back weekend tournaments at Glenville State University (WVA) and Lander University (SC). They return home on September 16th to host the University of Mount Olive in their Conference Carolinas opener at 6:00pm. This match is the first of 10 home league matches hosted at the Hawks Athletic Center.
Chowan hosts several big draw matches, including their annual Dig Pink Cancer Awareness match on Friday, October 17th against King. Match time is at 6:00pm with several special events planned throughout the match. The Hawks, along with the CU S.A.A.C. will host a Community and Campus Halloween Costume Stroll on Friday, October 31st at 6:00pm. Senior Night is set for Tuesday, November 11th at 6:00pm against conference newcomer, Ferrum College.
Coach Hollingsworth is hoping fans will pack the gym this year to see what the Hawks volleyball team has to offer. "Volleyball is a very exciting game to see in person. All we ask is you come to a game and you will fall in love with the sport. We are looking forward to hosting Conference Carolinas rival, Barton College, a regional match we really want to win, on November 5th at 6:00pm in the Hawks Athletic Center," concluded Hollingsworth.
The schedule is challenging, filled with tough opponents that will test the team's resilience and teamwork. Entry into home matches are free. All home matches are played in the Hawks Athletic Center at 757 Union Street. Each home match will be broadcast on the Hawks Digital Network on the Conference Carolinas Digital Network. Check out the GAME DAY CENTRAL tab on the athletics website at www.gocuhawks.com as we approach the upcoming season. As well, follow the Hawks on social media all year long for updates.
