Women’s Volleyball Media Guide
#4 Ashley Almond
Position: Setter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’4”
High School: North Gaston High School
Hometown: Dallas, NC
Ashley helped lead North Gaston High School to conference championships in 2008 and 2009. In 2011 she was name all-conference while helping her team to a 12-2 record. Ashley played club volleyball with the Gaston Volleyball Club. Her parents are Frank and Lisa Almond and she has one sister, Casey. Ashley is looking to obtain her Associates in Science while at CVCC.
Coach’s Take—“Ashley is a smart, athletic player whose quickness on the floor allows her to get to balls anywhere on the court. She is a hard worker and all-around consistent player whose setting abilities and aggressive serve will bring depth to the offense.”
#8 Jennifer Beatty
Position: Outside Hitter
Year: Sophomore
Height: 5’8”
High School: Warner Christian Academy
Hometown: Daytona Beach, FL
Jennifer comes from Warner Christian Academy in Daytona Beach, FL. She helped lead her team to state championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011. She played one year at Valdosta State before transferring to CVCC. Her parents are Mitch and Jill Beatty and she has one sister, Alexis Jo. She is interested in majoring in business in college. Her hobbies include sewing, museum visits and putt-putt golf.
Coach’s Take—“Jenn is a strong athlete whose presence on the floor will be a dominating factor in every match. Her quick and powerful swing will bring excitement to the game. Her experience and leadership are invaluable assets to this year’s young team.”
#7 Cecilia Brandon
Position: Middle Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 6’0”
High School: Owen High School
Hometown: Black Mountain, NC
Cecilia helped lead her team to a conference championship in 2010. Her High School named her Junior Varsity MVP during her freshman and sophomore campaigns and followed it up by being named varsity MVP during her junior and senior year. She played club volleyball for the Biltmore Volleyball Academy. Her parents are Kevin and Arlene Brandon and she has one sister, Allie. She hopes to major in communications and become the next Vanna White. Her hobbies include tanning, shopping, dancing, playing ball and hanging with her girlfriends.
Coach’s Take–“Ceci is a very talented athlete who plays with a lot of intensity, passion, and enthusiasm. Ceci’s intensity on the court is contagious and her dominating swing brings excitement to the game.”
#3 Kelsey Costner
Position: Setter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’9”
High School: Jimmy C. Draughn High School
Hometown: Valdese, NC
Kelsey played volleyball at Jimmy C. Draughn High School. There she was awarded the Anchor of the Year award. She played with the Curke County Volleyball Club and the Biltmore Volleyball Academy. Her parents are Bobby and Gretchen Costner. She hopes to study education while in school.
#5 Savannah Dellinger
Position: Outside Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’9”
High School: Avery High School
Hometown: Avery, NC
Savannah played for Avery High School. She was named All-Conference Honorable Mention her freshman year, All-Conference her sophomore year and team MVP and All-Conference for both junior and senior years. She played club volleyball with Synergy Platinum. Her parents are Tommy and Michelle Dellinger. She has one brother, Thomas and one sister, Reagan. Savannah is interested in majoring in Nursing.
Coach’s Take–“Savannah is a well-rounded athlete and will make a huge impact in our conference this year. I am certain that Savannah’s success from the high school and club level will translate into great things for her at Catawba Valley”.
#14 Avery Gardner
Position: Outside Hitter/Libero
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’8”
High School: Porter Ridge High School
Hometown: Indian Trail, NC
Avery played for Porter Ridge High School, was awarded the Coaches Award, and named MVP and All-Conference. Avery played for the Carolina Union Volleyball Club. Her parents are Mike and Gina Gardner and she has one brother, William. Avery is interested in criminal justice technology while in school. Her hobbies include riding horses, going to the beach, four-wheeling and fishing.
Coach’s Take—“Avery is a smart, athletic player whose versatility will be a huge asset at this level of play. Avery’s defensive game is among the best and she can also contribute as an outside hitter if needed. She is a consistent team player who will make an immediate impact for the Lady Bucs.”
#13 Megan Gouge
Position: Middle Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 6’2”
High School: McDowell High School
Hometown: Old Fort, NC
Megan played for McDowell High School and was named All-Conference twice and All-Conference honorable mention. She was also named co-offensive player. She played club volleyball for Carolina Select. Her parents are Doug and Jane Gouge and she has two brothers, Jared and Darin. She is interested in studying photography in school. Her hobbies include photography, reading, watching old movies, and hanging with friends.
Coach’s Take—“Megan will bring a strong presence to the net with her great blocking abilities and will strengthen a solid front row attack. Megan is a smart student athlete who will make her presence known on the court.”
#11 Lacy Goodson<
Position: Setter
Year: Sophomore
Height: 5’6”
High School: North Lincoln High School
Hometown: North Lincolnton, NC
Lacy helped her high school win conference championships all four years and the sectional championships during the 2011 season. She was named All-Conference all four years she played and for her senior year was All-Region and All-Conference Player of the Year. She played for the Carolina Select Volleyball Club. Her parents are Chad and Glenda Goodson and she has two brothers, Andrew and Jon. She is interested in studying business while in school.
Coach’s Take—“Lacy has incredible skills as a setter. She is extremely comfortable on the court and really takes control of the offense. The Lady Buccaneers will look to Lacy’s experience, dedication and leadership to guide them to another championship season.”
#15 Hannah Lewis
Position: Outside Hitter/
Libero
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’7”
High School: McDowell High School
Hometown: Old Fort, NC
Hannah played for McDowell High School and was named All-Conference (3 years), MVP (3 years), the Captain Award (2 years) and co-offensive and defensive player. Her parents are Jerry and Wendy Lewis and she has one brother, Trent. She is interested in studying general education and dental hygiene while in school. Her hobby is hanging out with friends and family.
Coach’s Take— “Hannah is a smart, athletic player whose versatility, court awareness and experience will be a huge asset to the team. She is a leader on and off the court. I anticipate a dominating rookie year for Hannah.”
#9 Melinda Morgan
Position: Right Side Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’11”
High School: Polk County High School
Hometown: Saluda, NC
Melinda played volleyball and basketball at Polk County. There she was named All-Conference and received the Most Improved, and Best Offense awards. She also received the Polk County Community Foundation Award. Her parents are Tony Morgan and Phyllis Arrington. She has one brother, Ross and two sisters, Ruth and Lena. She is interested in studying nursing while in school. Her hobbies include riding horses and going to church.
Coach’s Take—“Melinda is a sweet, caring young lady who always puts the team first. She is great on the block and is a very smart player. Melinda is a hard worker and will be a great resource as she continues to develop her game.”
#12 Kailey Russell
Position: Middle Hitter
Year: Sophomore
Height: 6’0”
High School: Polk County High School
Hometown: Green Creek, NC
Kailey helped lead last year’s CVCC Bucs to the regional semifinals. She was named MVP for the 2012 spring season and was placed all the NJCAA All-Academic Team. In high school she played volleyball were she was named All-Conference. She also played basketball and soccer and was awarded the coaches award in basketball. She also received the Polk County Community Foundation Award. Her parents are Keith and Tammy Russell and she has one sister, Kelsey. She is interested in studying education and missions while in school. Her hobbies include church and family.
Coach’s Take—“Kailey is quick on the block and an aggressive attacker who moves to the ball well. She is a team player who will continue to make her presence known on the court. Kailey’s leadership on and off the court will be instrumental to our success this season.”
#6 Leah Wells
Position: Right Side Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’9”
High School: North Iredell High School
Hometown: Statesville, NC
Leah helped her high school to a State Runner-Up in 2010 and 2011. She also participated in swimming and track where she went to track regional three times and swimming regional once. She played club volleyball for the I.C. Stars. Her parents are Billy and Denise Wells and she has two sisters, Anna and Rachel.
Coach’s Take—“Leah is a tremendous addition to our line-up for this fall. She is so quick and smart and crushes the ball with excellent precision! Leah is an intelligent player who uses her athleticism and her court awareness to take advantage of the opponent.”
#10 Kara Wright
Position: Right Side Hitter
Year: Freshman
Height: 5’7”
High School: Cramerton Christian Academy
Hometown: Gastonia, NC
Kara helped her team to finish 5th in state and was named team MVP and First Team All-Conference and All-State. Kara was also awarded the Perfect Attendance Award. Her parents are Aaron and Kelly Wright and she has one sister, Ashtyn. She is interested in studying dental hygiene while in school. Her hobbies include dirt track and hanging out with friends.
Coach’s Take—“Kara is an athletic, versatile player. Her flexibility on the court allows her to contribute greatly to our program. Kara’s willingness to play any position will allow her to make an impact on the floor as she continues to develop.”