Warriors' Newsome signs with LCC

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on April 24, 2013 1:47 PM

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Lenoir Community College got a second chance to make a first impression on Eastern Wayne volleyball standout Allyson Newsome.

In the end, both sides got what they wanted as Newsome signed her letter of intent on Tuesday afternoon to play for the Lancers next season.

"I was pretty set that I did not want to go to Lenoir," Newsome said. "My brother went to Lenoir and did not have a good experience, and I did not want the same thing to happen to me."

One phone call from LCC head volleyball coach Shelly Barnes changed Newsome's mind.

"My friend helped me make a video of my volleyball highlights and we sent it to a few schools including LCC," Newsome said. "Within an hour or so, coach called me and that kind of got the ball rolling."

Barnes, who is entering her second season at LCC, convinced Newsome to take a second look at what the Lancers had to offer.

It was a near-perfect fit.

"Allyson is a player that is very versatile and is willing to be coached," Barnes said. "More importantly, she is a good person with a strong set of values and a family that is there to support her."

Barnes expects Newsome to compete for playing time when practice begins Aug. 1.

"We only have two returning starters so the opportunity is there," Barnes said. "It's up to Allyson what she makes of it, but she has a chance to contribute right away."

Newsome, who also stars on the softball team at Eastern Wayne, has spent the past three seasons improving her game under Warriors' head coach Tony Parrish. Newsome has played both middle hitter and outside hitter in Parrish's system.

"Today goes to show what happens when you work hard," Parrish said. "Allyson has worked hard both during the school season and over the summer. She has earned the chance to play at the next level."

Newsome plans to pursue a degree in early childhood development and hopes to become an elementary school teacher.