YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The 2024 season for the Young Harris College volleyball team was one of grit, growth, and transition. While the Mountain Lions finished with six wins across 22 matches, the record only tells part of the story. With eight seniors leading the way, the team showed stretches of strong play, especially in high-pressure moments, winning three of their five-set matches, including a thrilling home victory over Shorter University.

That match, played inside the Harp Recreation and Commencement Center, was a defining moment. "Beating Shorter was one of the best feelings I personally had all season," said rising junior setter Lyza Thigpen, who surpassed 1,000 career assists in just her second year. "We had been struggling to finish games, so finally winning one of those tough battles was a rush of confidence."

The Mountain Lions also pushed Southern Wesleyan to the brink in the Conference Carolinas Tournament, falling just short in a 3-2 heartbreaker. Despite the challenges, the team's resilience never wavered. "I think this team had some serious fight and grit, especially at home and in five-setters," said Nicole Klucharich, a 2024 graduate now working with the Los Angeles Dodgers. "One of my favorite memories was taking down Shorter 15-13 in the fifth set. We found a way to play calmly and with a steady rhythm. Our bench brought the energy, and I remember it making a huge difference."

Thigpen's milestone of 1,000 assists was a personal highlight, especially after overcoming an early-season injury. "Passing 1,000 assists was a goal of mine the minute I got into the YH program," she said. "I'm very lucky to have teammates who push me and support me through everything. I really could only accomplish this with them."

Following the season, Young Harris College announced a leadership change in the volleyball program. After five seasons leading the team, Coach Jenny Michael, who helped launch the program, concluded her tenure at Young Harris College. Her contributions laid the foundation for what is to come. "We're incredibly thankful for Coach Michael's contributions in bringing women's volleyball to Young Harris College," said Director of Athletics Aaron Bessey, following the December announcement. "We wish her nothing but the best moving forward."

In her place, the Mountain Lions welcomed Ginny Howard as the new head coach, a rising star in the volleyball world with a championship pedigree and a passion for player development. "I am so pumped for the upcoming season, and I am beyond excited for the chance to lead the Young Harris College volleyball program," said Coach Howard. "We worked really hard in our spring season and have already shown so much growth. I really feel like we have a ton of momentum going into the Fall. Between the returning girls and the incoming freshmen and transfers, we're going to have a group that sees great success on and off the court."

Howard is joined by Assistant Coach Dani Bishop, a decorated coach and former collegiate standout with deep ties to Georgia's volleyball community. Together, they bring a fresh energy and vision to the program. "Coach Ginny and Coach Dani are such a blessing for this program," said Thigpen. "They push us to new levels every day. This environment is going to bring such a competitive energy to the team, especially with the newcomers. I believe we can compete with some of the best in the conference and I cannot wait to get on the court in the Fall."

Despite the coaching transition, the team remained united. "We've gone through a lot as a team," Thigpen added. "Having to go through a coaching change and not a single player hitting the portal is something we pride ourselves in. It shows how much we love each other and how much we trusted that we'd work through it together."

That bond extended beyond the court. Several players participated in weekly devotionals with local supporter Nancy Church, building a foundation of faith and friendship that helped them navigate adversity. "After a rough start to the season, I credit our ability to fight through adversity to our time spent in the Word," said Klucharich. "It was a great space to get our minds away from school and volleyball and get to know each other on a deeper level."

As the team looks ahead to 2025, the excitement is palpable. "We are going to be a very young team," said Thigpen. "My biggest goal is to push the culture our graduated seniors left us with. They built this program from scratch, and I would love nothing more than to continue having a close-knit family."

She also reflected on a key lesson from last season. "Teams don't roll over just because you won a set," she said. "We need to work through every point and want it more than everyone else. I know we want to win, and I am confident that we are going to. We just have to put in the work and have the mindset that every time we step on the court, we're there to win."

Klucharich echoed that belief in the team's potential. "This group has an extraordinary level of potential," she said. "I'm cheering them on from afar and I know big things are ahead."

Nicole also shared her appreciation for the people behind the scenes. "I would love to shout out all of the people who made my last season special: athletic administration, sports information, student-workers, social media help. The work does not go unnoticed, and I am so thankful to have had the support I did my senior year."

Thigpen's favorite memory came after the final match of the season. "All the girls got close on the bus, and we just talked about how much the season made an impact on us," she said. "I know in my heart that these girls will be a part of my life forever."

As the Mountain Lions prepare to write their next chapter, one thing is certain: the future of Young Harris volleyball is bright. Fans can catch the Mountain Lions back in action this September as they kick off what promises to be an exciting 2025 season.