Prep Volleyball --Carter signs with Piedmont International

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on March 11, 2018 3:09 AM

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PIKEVILLE --  In August 2017, during a casual bit of pre-workout banter with head coach Tangela Faulkner, Charles B. Aycock senior Hannah Carter told her coach that she needed a moment "to find her happy place."

And as one might expect, Faulkner and her volleyball troupe broke into a light fit of laughter.

Such could be said of the mood on Friday as well, as Carter gathered with an enthusiastic assemblage of family members, coaches and teammates to sign a national letter of intent to continue her volleyball career at Piedmont International University in Winston-Salem.

"I wanted to be somewhere that was like my home, but away from home," Carter said of her decision, which included scholarship offers from N.C. Central, Francis Marion, North Carolina A&T, Barton College, William Peace, Louisburg College and Bluefield (W.Va.) State.

"I like the coach, she was very personable, very outgoing, and she just really connected with me," Carter said.    

Which ironically, just so happens to be her specialty as well.

Over three varsity campaigns in Pikeville, No. 13 worked diligently to develop all facets of her game, but drew consistent acclaim and ultimately, All-ECC status for her ability to make others better in one distinct way --  via precision passing.

And Faulkner, who served as Carter's coach since the age of 13, was quick to praise her stamp on the CBA program.

"She's grown up so much," the coach said with a tearful smile. "And watching her be able to sign and go play -- which is her heart's desire -- is exciting and emotional. I'm happy for her."

As was an on-the-move, picture-popping crowd, which organized and reorganized several times over to properly photograph the occasion.  

Also on hand was her collegiate coach, Chelsea Jones, who watched the ceremony unfold with a broad, lingering smile.

"I know exactly what I'm getting and I can't be more excited about it," Jones remarked. "The team I have right now is totally bought into Hannah and what she brings, and what she will bring."

Which, beyond all else, is a willingness -- and ability --  to help others.