SIGNING: Eagles' Sladick headed to Pitt CC

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 16, 2016 10:01 AM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

Hannah Sladick made a good first impression during an impromptu volleyball practice at Pitt Community College.

And Bulldogs head coach Katelynn Speas made sure Sladick didn't slip away once the session ended. She quickly offered the Wayne Christian senior an opportunity to play in Greenville next season.

Sladick didn't hesitate to say "yes."

"I've also played travel ball with a couple of girls on the team, so knowing girls that are on the team kind of helped my decision," said Sladick, who plans to pursue a degree in elementary education and transfer to a larger school.

"I think I will mesh really well with the team."

A tenacious middle blocker with a keen court sense, Sladick -- and her teammates -- enjoyed a stellar fall season.

The senior-ladened group logged a 23-win campaign that included the "double" -- winning the Coastal Plains Independent 1-A Conference regular-season and tournament titles during their first year in the league. They seized the program's first conference regular-season crown since 2009.

Wayne Christian made its second appearance -- and first in 13 years -- in the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association final four.

Sladick, undoubtedly, played a key role. She smashed a single-season and career-leading 339 kills as a middle blocker, and finished with 686 total kills -- second only to 2012 WCS graduate Brittany O'Hara.

Named the CPIC Player-of-the-Year and an all-state honoree, Sladick established the program's single-season marks for blocks (73) and in a career (199).

"It's pretty awesome receiving those awards," said Sladick. "I was surprised a little bit. (This year) I just had to step up and take that leading role as a senior and captain, and know that you have other people depending on you. The team got along really well and we all meshed together.

"(We) did our best."

Travel volleyball played a role.

Most of the Eagles relied on their experience of playing against better and stronger competition during the 10-month season that normally begins once the high school season is completed.

It proved most valuable for Sladick, who battled against 17- and 18-year-olds when she stepped onto the scene as a freshman. Seeing all levels of play heightened her court awareness.

"I know where to place shots...adjust when I have blockers or a good digger on one side of the court, I just hit to the other side," said Sladick, who plays in the Wilson Elite Volleyball Club organization. "I do need to improve (my game) all around, but definitely need work on my blocking."

Sladick expects to see time as a middle blocker during her first year at PCC. She hopes Speas moves her to outside hitter the following season, and maybe she can generate some interest from either Division I or II programs.

PCC finished 22-6 overall last season and reached the semifinals of the Region X/District P tournament. According to the Bulldogs' current roster online, eight players are expected to return in 2017.