SL volleyball standouts commit to LCC

South Lenoir’s Noelle Corwin, sitting left, and Kenly Hardison committed to Lenoir Community College Friday to play volleyball. Standing next to them are, from left, LCC volleyball coach Lee Avery, South Lenoir head coach Lisa Smith, South Lenoir assistant coach Mishella Craine and South Lenoir principal Steve Saint-Amand. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

Lenoir Community College is getting a pair of Blue Devils on its volleyball roster next season.

Noelle Corwin and Kenly Hardison committed to LCC Friday and will look to continue their winning ways with the Lancers. South Lenoir hasn’t experienced a losing season since 2011 and coach Lisa Smith said the two played a strong role for the Blue Devils over the past few years.

“It was an honor to coach them both,” Smith said. “Noelle came out and played for us freshman and senior year, becoming a great member of the team. Kenly was a defensive specialist who can also hit — she can definitely get over the net. It’s going to be great to be able to watch them at the next level locally.”

Corwin, who plans to study cosmetology at LCC, said the school was a good fit for her.

“It’s local and it’s going to be a great stepping stone as I work toward my goals,” Corwin said. “I felt like this was the best option for me.”

Hardison plans to get into the nursing field and said family was a reason she opted to stay local.

“My baby sister was born Tuesday, so I wanted to be closer to her,” Hardison said. “I felt like this was a great place to start out and I can’t wait to start practices.”