Campus News

The No. 20 nationally ranked Calhoun Community College Warhawks volleyball team captured history this past weekend in Montgomery, claiming both the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) and NJCAA Region 22 Championships for the first time in school history.

The Warhawks delivered a flawless 5–0 run through the tournament, showcasing resilience, unity, and championship-level execution. The weekend culminated in a thrilling 3–1 victory over Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in Sunday’s title match.

“These young ladies have worked hard for this moment all season,” said Head Volleyball Coach Jamiee Freeman, who was named ACCC/Region 22 Coach of the Year. “They’ve trusted each other, bought into the process, and refused to back down no matter the score. Seeing them come together like this and finish as champions is an incredible feeling,” she adds.

The Warhawks’ dominance began in pool play with a pair of commanding sweeps over Bishop State and Wallace State on Thursday, followed by a dramatic five-set comeback against Lurleen B. Wallace to close out pool play on Saturday morning. That evening, the team’s poise carried them through a hard-fought semifinal against Snead State, sweeping the Parsons 3–0 to advance to Sunday’s championship match.

In the final showdown, the Saints struck first, taking the opening set 25–21, but Calhoun responded with precision and focus to win the next three sets 25–19, 25–17, and 26–24.

The championship run was highlighted by multiple individual player honors: Laney Kelley was named Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Maddie Schwabe was named ACCC North Setter of the Year, and Avery Boyd earned Tournament MVP. Maddie Schwabe, Lucy Means, and Alana Allison were all named to the All-Tournament Team, reflecting the depth and balance of the Warhawk roster.

Freeman’s impact on the program has been transformational since her arrival at the college in 2022. A 2008 graduate of Sparkman High School and four-year starter at Georgia State University, Freeman’s coaching career spans more than a decade, including successful stints at Wallace State Community College, where she led the team to two conference championships. Her return to north Alabama to lead Calhoun’s program has quickly established the Warhawks as a rising powerhouse in collegiate volleyball.

AJ Daugherty, Calhoun’s Director of Athletics, praised Freeman’s leadership and the team’s drive. “Coach Freeman has built a culture rooted in hard work, accountability, and belief,” said Daugherty. “This championship isn’t just a win for our volleyball program; it’s a statement about what Calhoun Athletics is becoming. We’re proud of how our student-athletes represent the college and we look forward to seeing the community come out to support them on Saturday.”

With their ACCC/Region 22 title secured, the Warhawks (30–3) will now host the NJCAA Gulf South District Championship against Jones College (30–4) on Saturday, November 8, at the Kelley Gymnasium on Calhoun’s Decatur campus.

Fans are encouraged to fill the stands in support of the Warhawks as they compete for a spot in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For more information about Calhoun’s athletics programs, visit www.calhounathletics.com.