By Taylor Cotie

After a season built on pride, grit and record-breaking accomplishments, the Greensboro College women’s volleyball program saw its historic run come to an end. The team posted an undefeated 18-0 conference record and an impressive overall record of 28-3. After pushing past the semifinals, the Pride fell to the No. 2-ranked Southern Virginia University in the USA South Conference Championship.

At the conclusion of the USA South Tournament, seniors Kelci Brooks, Taylor Cotie and Morgan Mayfield were recognized for their performances and named to the 2025 USA South All-Tournament Team.

Although the season did not end as they hoped, the Pride still secured their place in program history as the 2025 USA South Regular Season Champions. The team also broke a conference record with a 23-game winning streak, which had only been achieved by one other program in USA South history.

This year’s team leaves behind more than just record-setting performances, they leave behind a legacy. This group of 20 girls spent 94 days together. 94 days of hard work, growth and unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years to come. Among the 20 athletes on the roster, a talented group of nine seniors helped guide this team. The seniors reflected on what this season and the program meant to them.

“This past season has meant the world to me,” outside hitter Kelci Brooks shared. “It was such a bittersweet ending winning the regular season conference title and breaking many records throughout the season. While my time on the team has come to an end, I am so blessed and grateful to have had such awesome teammates, trainers and coaches.”

“This has been incredibly special for me especially with it being my senior year,” said GC’s right-side hitter Alex Carefoot. “The team and coaching staff made it easy to come in every day ready to give it my all with a smile on my face. I am so proud of us and how we pushed each other throughout the season!”

Outside hitter and USA South Player of the Year Payton Shiflet also reflected on the year.

“This season has truly been amazing,” Shiflet said. “I am so grateful I got to be a part of it. Being in the gym and accomplishing our goals with all the girls is so special.”

As for myself, my senior season was definitely one I will remember. The team worked hard all season to achieve the many goals we set and were able to reach. After months of dedication and commitment, we were able to win the regular-season conference championship title; a moment I will never forget. Although we fell short in the Conference Championship, I look back on our team’s successes with nothing but gratitude. I am forever thankful for the friendships and countless memories I have made during my four years with the program.

Coach Dan Bozarth reflected on the impact of the senior class and the legacy that they are leaving behind for the program.

“It is tough because I was only with this senior class for one season,” says Bozarth. “This group of seniors has been 100 percent committed to creating a positive culture with the GC volleyball program. They set the example every day with their leadership and work ethic. Off the court, they are great students and ambassadors for the school. They are completely engaged in the Greensboro College community. Ultimately, they are great volleyball players but even better people. Hearing them deliver their senior speeches on the last week of practice really showed how much investment they had over their careers for GC volleyball.”

To add to the team’s list of accomplishments, first-year head coach Bozarth was also honored as the USA South Coach of the Year, a recognition well-deserved.

Reflecting on the season and what winning the regular-season conference title means for the program, Bozarth shared his thoughts.

“I think winning the regular-season conference title is a validation of all the hard work this team put in to achieve that goal,” he said. “I think it is incredibly challenging to win a regular season title, especially in the USA South. This team was not only able to accomplish their goal of winning the championship but did so with an undefeated record. Any team can get hot and win the conference tournament, but to grind out a conference championship over 18 games is truly a great accomplishment.”

To have such a historic season, a team needs to be more than just talented, they need to be connected. This group showed their trust and love for one another every time they stepped foot on the court.

When asked what he feels truly sets this team apart from other groups, Bozarth said, “I think what sets this team apart is how much they seem to care for each other. I think they were genuinely excited to see each other every day. I think the sign of a great culture is when you are apart, you are just counting down the days until you can all get back together. That was the vibe I got from the team over the summer, and that carried on throughout the season. We ended each practice with ‘hug a teammate,’ and you could feel the love this team had for each other.”

As the nine seniors move on and the younger players prepare to continue the legacy, the 2025 Greensboro College Volleyball season will be remembered not only for its historic records but also for the culture.