First of all, I would like to say how proud I am of this Lady Red Hawks team and how they have come together this year to dominate in conference play…going 16-0 to win our programs 6^th consecutive Region X Regular Season Conference Championship!  We have had a lot of injuries this year that we have had to work through, but our sophomore leadership has been strong and consistent and paved the way for a successful winning season. 

 

So, at this time, I would like to recognize our sophomore and present them with a small token of our appreciation for all they have done and accomplished during their seasons at Catawba Valley. 

 

 

Madison Pogue – Team Captain

#14

Daughter of Shawn Pogue

Statesville, NC

West Iredell High School

 

 

Madison Pogue brings leadership and tenacity to our offense.  She controls the court and keeps everyone organized.  She is truly our volleyball "quarterback"!  Madi has set numerous records for CVCC from the setter position and we couldn't be prouder of all that she has accomplished!  Madi ranked 6^th in the nation last year in service aces with 96 total aces and was 12^th in the nation in aces per set with .73.  The trend has continued this year and Madi is currently ranked 6^th again in total aces with 81 so far for this fall and .69 aces per set for a ranking of 9^th in the nation.  She also made headlines last season in the assists category with 1,244 total assists which ranked her 15^th in the NJCAA rankings. This fall she has added 888 more assists, ranking her 22^nd this season for a grand total of 2,132 assists thus far in her CVCC career.   Madi's aggressive approach to the setting position led her to a season total of 1.42 kills per set with 188 for the 2013 season and she has continued to abuse defenses adding 161 kills this year for a Catawba Valley career total of 349 kills…as a setter!!!  In addition to be being a volleyball powerhouse, Madison boasts a 3.8 GPA and will graduate in the spring with an Associate in Arts degree.  Pogue has several volleyball offers on the table and will decide soon where to continue her volleyball and academic career.  We love you Madi and are going to miss you!  I couldn't be prouder of the beautiful lady you are and I know you are going to do amazing things in your future!

 

Aimee Cloninger – Team Captain

#17

Daughter of Jerome and Kim Cloninger

China Grove, NC

Jesse C Carson High School

 

NJCAA Division II All- American nominee Aimee Cloninger returned to the Red Hawk line-up this fall and made national headlines again this season.  Aimee is a leader on the floor and is often our "go to girl" on offense.  We can always count on her during tough moments during the match to pull us through.  She won't admit it, but Aimee LOVES playing this game for her favorite coach ever!...  She is one of the toughest competitors I have ever met!  Aimee won Region X Player of the Year honors and was also named District P Tournament Most Valuable Player for the fall 2013 season.  Aimee boasts national rankings in several categories including service aces with 95 aces during last season which ranked her 7^th in the nation.  This season, Aimee is currently ranked 10^th nationally with 69 total aces.  Last fall, Aimee had a number 11 ranking in aces per set with .75 and she continues the trend with .61 aces per set for the 2014 season.  In addition, Aimee finished 21^st in the standings for points per set with 4.2 for the 2013 year and has added to those totals this year to a current ranking of 16^th in the nation at 4.3 points per set.  So, to get to the point, Aimee is a scoring machine and she dominates the court!  She boasts 3.58 kills per set this season for a 15^th NJCAA ranking to give a grand total of 812 kills in her Catawba Valley career!  Last fall she scored 528 total points and before tonight's game had 495 for this season for an amazing career 1023 points scored!!!  Aimee will graduate this spring with an Associate in Arts degree and plans to continue playing volleyball and advancing her education next fall.  Aimee, you will be missed more than you know!  I love ya and am so proud of you!

 

Anna Henderson – Team Captain

#8

Daughter of Donna Henderson

Newton, NC

Christian Family Academy

 

Anna Henderson has been such a dominating player for us over the past two seasons.  Her presence in the middle of our offense is an undeniable asset that has proved to be practically unstoppable.  Anna finished the 2013 season ranked 7^th in the nation in hitting percentage with a .397 and gained in that category this fall to a current 6^th in the nation ranking with a .401 hitting percentage!  Simply put….she gets the job done!!!  Anna finished 16^th in the nation last fall in block assists with 115 and rounded out the blocking category with 145 total blocks.  Again, Anna has improved those numbers this season for 152 total blocks before tonight's match which brings her to a CVCC career total of 397 blocks!  She is averaging 1.3 blocks per set!  Anna also has 308 kills for the year for a grand Red Hawks total of 597 kills!  With a 3.7 GPA to go along with her athletic prowess, it is no surprise that Anna has offers from several Division 1 Universities, including UNC Charlotte and UNC Greensboro as well as numerous Division 2 schools.  Anna plans to make her school decision soon and will graduate with an Associate in Arts degree this spring.  Anna, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out, and you will definitely be missed…on and off the court!  I can't wait to see you play next fall!  Love you Anna!

 

Tiffany Brooks

#3

Daughter of Deanna and Mike Brooks

Kannapolis, NC

South Rowan High School

 

Tiffany Brooks' or T-Brooks as she is affectionately called is one of the most athletic players I have ever coached!  Her speed and aggressive mentality make her an invaluable asset on the court.  She has literally changed the way our Catawba Valley middles run the offense.  She continually works to be available on every ball and refuses to give up on a play.  Her hustle and tenacity are contagious and she motivates other players to work harder be an available option on offense!  As a 5'8" middle, T-Brooks dominates and refuses to let her size be a drawback.  The stats speak for themselves…Tiffany finished the 2013 season with a .243 hitting percentage and 47 block assists and raised the bar higher this year to boast a .285 hitting percentage on 165 kills for a Red Hawks career total of 367 kills!  Tiffany plans to stay at CVCC next fall to pursue a Dental Hygiene degree.  We will definitely miss you on the court T-Brooks, but are so excited for all that your future holds!  Love ya!

 

#4

Daughter of Donny and Alice Ruff

Polk County, NC

Polk County High School

 

Katie Ruff is such a hard-working, consistent player who always gives 100%.  In fact, in her career at CVCC, Katie has never missed a game or a practice…including morning workouts!  Her commitment speaks of her personality and work ethic and how no matter what, she will give her all on the court!  Katie Ruff dominated last fall in the aces category finishing 30^th nationally with 61 total aces for the year.  She also boasts a 2013 hitting percentage of .288.  With numerous injuries to the team this year, Katie has used her versatility as a player to serve many roles including defensive specialist, right-side hitter and serving specialist.  Katie also works hard in the classroom with a 3.2 GPA and will graduate in the spring with an Associate in Arts degree.  She plans to transfer next fall to finish her 4 year degree.  Katie, thank you for your persistent hard work and determination.  I love ya and wish you the best!  We will miss you!

 

#9

Daughter of Rick and Renee Detter

Taylorsville, NC

Alexander Central High School

 

Lyndsey Detter is such a joy to coach!  I have loved having her on our Red Hawks team and am continually impressed with her drive and will to compete.  Lyndsey is a true team player who puts her teammates above herself and is quick to encourage and lift up a player who is down.  She is a quiet leader who provides stability and heart during practices and matches.  Lyndsey has been our serving specialist for two years and has pulled us out of some tough spots with her aggressive floater.  Lyndsey had 32 aces for the 2013 year and has added to those numbers with 39 aces to date for this season.  Lyndsey boasts a 3.9 GPA and will graduate this spring with an Associates in Arts degree.  She plans to continue her education at Appalachian State in the fall where she will major in Secondary Education with a concentration in History.  Lyndsey, what a beautiful heart you have for others….never lose that!  You are loved and appreciated and will be missed next fall!

 

Sophomores, thank you for the opportunity to be a part of your lives for these past two years.  I love you and have enjoyed getting to be your coach.  I have had a blast spending time with each of you and sharing in this game of volleyball that we love, but if all I have taught you is volleyball, then I have failed in teaching you what matters most in this life.  I want you to know, that above all, I want my love for Christ to shine through in everything that I do, and I want you to know that He has an amazing plan for your life.  Proverbs 3: 5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  This is my prayer for each of you.  I love you!

 

To each of you parents, thank you for all of the support you have shown our program, providing meals, snacks and support. You all have made the last two years extra special! Most of all thank you for raising such wonderful girls who excel not only on the court but also off the court.

Thanks again sophomores for your leadership this season and for setting the standards high for our freshman class! I am proud of you and know that God has special plans for each of your lives.

 

 

Finally,

 

As defending Conference and District Champions, the Catawba Valley Red Hawks look to the Region X/ District P tournament with high anticipation!  NJCAA Polls had the Red Hawks ranked as high as 11th in the nation this season and the team is determined to surpass expectations next weekend.  With a National Title in sight, the 2014 Lady Red Hawks are excited for the challenge. 

 

Go Red Hawks!