SANFORD, N.C. - Coach Chandler Patterson Ellis begins her first season as Central Carolina Community College volleyball coach - and she is excited about the season ahead.

"As a first-year coach, I could not pick a better team to begin this career with. I think that they are a wonderful group of young ladies that have great attitudes and work ethics," said Coach Ellis.

Coach Ellis said of the 2024 CCCC team: "I think one strength that we have this year is our team chemistry. With a few players returning, we had a good foundation to build on and all new players have fit in seamlessly. Another strength we have working for us is their hunger to learn and get better at their sport. They are often asking to get in the gym early or stay late to continue working. This drive is exactly what a coach wants to see in their players."

Members of this year's CCCC volleyball squad, including name and hometown, are: McKensie Boyte (Carthage), Brianna Brown (Sanford), Kailey Edwards (Sanford), Parker Howard (Sanford), Abby Johnson (Bear Creek), Johnna Lawrence (Sanford), Carley Marcum (Sanford), Ashlee Rains (Silk Hope), and Camryn Seagroves (Siloam).

"I think that our team's willingness to learn and adapt will be a big help for this season. Learning from your mistakes as well as your successes, then implementing that, is a crucial part of developing as a player and team," said Coach Ellis.

"I am excited that the girls are such a great group of individuals, and also excited to see how they continue to grow as players throughout the season."

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The schedule:

Aug. 22 - at Patrick & Henry CC (6 p.m.); 27 - Wake Tech CC (6 p.m.).

Sept. 3 - Louisburg College (6 p.m.); 7 - Pitt CC & Rockingham CC - tri-match (10 a.m.); 10 - Lenoir CC (6 p.m.); 14 - at Lenoir CC - tri-match (1 p.m.); 19 - at Caldwell CC & Technical Institute (6 p.m.); 24 - Sandhills CC (6 p.m.).

Oct. 3 - at Sandhills CC (6 p.m.); 8 - at Wake Tech CC (6 p.m.); 10 - at Rockingham CC (6 p.m.); 15 - Patrick & Henry CC (6 p.m.); 17 - Caldwell CC & Technical Institute (6 p.m.).