SANFORD - Central Carolina Community College Volleyball Coach Bill Carter is looking forward to a strong season in 2018.

"I have been a little concerned about having all new players this year, but after getting under way with practice and watching them compete in the Blue & Yellow scrimmage, I am very encouraged about our potential," said Coach Carter. "I am very excited to see what the 2018 Cougar volleyball team will be able to accomplish and hope the fans will come out in support."

The Cougars compete in the competitive National Junior College Athletic Association Region 10 Division III Conference.

Alexis Mackenzie will serve as assistant coach, Will Carter will work with strength/conditioning, and Emma Cowfer is team manager. "I am very pleased with the youth, ability, and passion of the 2018 Cougar volleyball coaching staff. It is great to have so much talent and energy from our coaching staff, which should propel our players to more success," said Coach Carter.

Here is a list of this year's CCCC volleyball squad, including name, position, and hometown, and a comment on each player from Coach Carter.

Kylie Javens
Libero
Robbins, N.C. (North Moore High School)
Coach Carter: "Kylie will lead the Cougar defense in digging and passing with her consistent and aggressive approach to the back row."

Carrie Johnson
Defensive Specialist/Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Dudley High School)
Coach Carter: "Carrie is an amazing athlete who is improving everyday and we will need her to be able to play all hitting positions to support the Cougar attack."

Khalicia Lee
Left Side Hitter
Ayden, N.C. (Greene Central High School)
Coach Carter: "Khalicia is taking charge for the Cougars and I look to her to play a captain's role. I am impressed with her all-around ability."

Naia Mellette
Right Side Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Holly Springs High School)
Coach Carter: "Naia has high level club experience and will pack a punch from the right side."

Taylor Raines
Left Side Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Grace Christian High School)
Coach Carter: "Taylor has surprising elevation on her attack and I really like her defensive ability and passing."

Abby Sean
Setter
Asheboro, N.C. (Penn Foster High School)
Coach Carter: "Abby is a speedster with incredible setting skill who initiates the Cougar attack."

Cheira Squalls
Middle Hitter
Sanford, N.C. (Southern Lee High School)
Coach Carter: "Cheira has great skill and control in the middle with surprising passing and serving ability."

Daylene Thompson
Middle Hitter
Wilmington, N.C. (Laney High School)

Coach Carter: "Daylene will bring power to middle with her attacking and blocking."

***

The schedule:

Aug. 22 - Marshalltown CC, Iowa (7 p.m.); Aug. 24 - Louisburg College (7 p.m.); Aug. 28 - Wake Tech CC (7 p.m.); Aug. 30 - at Pitt CC (6 p.m.)

Sept. 4 - Pitt CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 6 - at Wake Tech CC (6 p.m.); Sept. 11 - Rockingham CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 12 - Patrick Henry CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 18 - Sandhills CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 20 - at Vance-Granville CC (6 p.m.); Sept. 25 - Guilford Tech CC (7 p.m.); Sept. 27 - at Rockingham CC (6 p.m.).

Oct. 2 - at Sandhills CC (6 p.m.); Oct. 4 - Vance-Granville CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 8 - Fayetteville Tech CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 10 - at Patrick Henry CC (6 p.m.); Oct. 16 - at Fayetteville Tech CC (6 p.m.); Oct. 18 - at Guilford Tech CC (7 p.m.); Oct. 19-20 - at Tarheel Conference Tournament; Oct. 27 - District NJCAA Playoffs.

Nov. 3 - NJCAA Div. III National Championships.