YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. | The Young Harris College volleyball program has officially released its 2025 schedule, marking the beginning of a new chapter under first-year head coach Ginny Howard. With a reloaded roster, a renewed sense of purpose, and a coaching staff full of energy and vision, the Mountain Lions are ready to raise the bar in the Enchanted Valley. 

"We're incredibly excited to kick off the 2025 season here at Young Harris," said Howard. "This team has worked hard in the off-season to lay a strong foundation, and we're ready to put that preparation into action. This group is hungry, focused, and driven to compete." 

Fans will get their first look at the 2025 squad during the annual Purple/White Scrimmage on Thursday, August 28th at 6:00 p.m. inside the Harp Recreation and Commencement Center. The intrasquad match will serve as the final tune-up before the Mountain Lions hit the road to open the season. 

The regular season begins in Milledgeville, Georgia, where Young Harris will compete in the Bobcat Classic hosted by Georgia College & State University. The Mountain Lions open play on Friday, September 5th against Rollins College, followed by a primetime matchup against the host Bobcats at 7:00 p.m. Day two of the tournament features a morning clash with Albany State University and a late afternoon showdown with Emory & Henry University on Saturday, September 6th. 

After a brief break, the Mountain Lions head to Greenwood, South Carolina for the Redderson Invitational, hosted by Lander University. The tournament begins on Thursday, September 11th with a matchup against the host Bearcats. On Friday, September 12th, Young Harris will play a doubleheader against Saint Anselm College and Winston-Salem State University, before wrapping up the weekend with a Saturday morning match against Chowan University (non-conference). 

The home opener promises to be electric, as Young Harris hosts Emmanuel University on Tuesday, September 16th in the first-ever Roar War matchup. The rivalry, officially launched earlier this year, will add extra intensity to an already pivotal early-season contest. 

Three days later, the Mountain Lions remain at home to welcome Ferrum College on Friday, September 19th at 6:30 p.m., marking the Panthers' first season as a member of Conference Carolinas. 

A challenging road stretch follows, with three straight conference matches away from home: Southern Wesleyan (Sept. 24), Lees-McRae (Sept. 26), and King University (Sept. 27). 

Young Harris returns to The Harp on Tuesday, September 30th for a non-conference rematch with Shorter University, a team the Mountain Lions defeated in a thrilling five-set battle last season. 

The team then hits the road again for back-to-back matches in North Carolina: Chowan University (Oct. 3) and Mount Olive (Oct. 4). 

A three-match home stand follows, beginning with Erskine College on Wednesday, October 8th, Belmont Abbey College on Friday, October 10th at 6:00 p.m., and Converse University on Saturday, October 11th. 

The Mountain Lions travel to Rome, Georgia for a rematch with Shorter on Tuesday, October 14th, before heading to Franklin Springs for the second leg of the Roar War against Emmanuel on Saturday, October 18th. 

Young Harris then enjoys another three-match home stretch, hosting Southern Wesleyan (Oct. 22), UNC Pembroke (Oct. 24), and Francis Marion (Oct. 25) in what could be a pivotal weekend in the conference standings. 

The final road swing begins with a trip to Barton College on Saturday, November 1st, followed by a visit to Erskine College on Wednesday, November 5th. 

The Mountain Lions will celebrate Senior Day on Saturday, November 8th against North Greenville University, before closing out the regular season on the road at Converse University on Tuesday, November 11th. 

Coach Howard is confident in the group's ability to grow and compete throughout the season. "Leading a team with so many new faces is both exciting and full of opportunity," she said. "It allows us to reset the culture, define who we want to be, and build a shared identity from the ground up." 

Among the returners, junior setter Lyza Thigpen will once again be a key figure after surpassing 1,000 career assists last season. "Coach Ginny and Coach Dani are such a blessing for this program," Thigpen said. "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." 

Senior Abby Schirm, who led the team in kills last season, returns as the program's only four-year player and will serve as a cornerstone of leadership. "Abby is stepping into a major leadership role," said Howard. "I can't wait to see how she continues to guide the team on and off the court." 

The coaching staff also welcomes back Kallee McKinney, a YHC alum now serving as an assistant coach. "Her energy, enthusiasm, and deep passion for the game make her an incredible addition to our staff," said Howard. "Having Kallee back also represents something even bigger, a bridge to our alumni." 

As the Mountain Lions prepare for a demanding schedule, the focus remains on building something sustainable. "Our focus this season is to build a strong, lasting culture of success, one that goes beyond the scoreboard," said Howard. "We're committed to winning on the court, excelling in the classroom, and making a positive impact in our community." 

With a new coaching staff, a united locker room, and a hunger to compete, the 2025 Young Harris College volleyball team is ready to turn the page and write a new chapter in the Enchanted Valley.