ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- As the Elizabeth City State University volleyball team prepares to open its 2025 campaign tomorrow, anticipation is high for a season marked by new leadership and fresh opportunities. With first-year head coach Rasha Gladney at the helm and a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers on the roster, the Vikings are set to embark on a journey that blends growth, competition, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the court.
 
ECSU Competition at Fairmont State Volleyball Classic
Elizabeth City State will compete in the Fairmont State Volleyball Classic with four matches over two days. The Vikings open play on Friday, September 5, at 11 a.m. against host Fairmont State before taking the court again that afternoon at 3 p.m. versus Slippery Rock. The action continues Saturday with a 10 a.m. matchup against Palm Beach Atlantic, followed by a 4 p.m. finale against UVA Wise. The tournament presents ECSU with a full slate of competition, giving Coach Gladney's squad an early opportunity to test themselves against a variety of opponents while continuing to build rhythm and consistency.

All-Time Series vs Competition at Fairmont State Volleyball Classic
Elizabeth City State and Fairmont State have met just twice in program history, with the all-time series tied at 1-1. The Vikings claimed the inaugural meeting in 2008 with a decisive 3-0 sweep at the Shepherd University Tournament. Fifteen years later, the two teams squared off again in 2023, where ECSU pushed Fairmont in all three sets but ultimately fell 25-20, 25-20, 25-22. With both matches played at neutral sites, the series has been marked by competitive play despite the long gap between meetings.

Elizabeth City State and Slippery Rock have met twice in program history, with The Rock holding a 2-0 advantage in the all-time series. The first meeting came in 2007 at the Shepherd University Tournament, where ECSU fell in straight sets. The two programs met again last season at the Fairmont State Classic, where the Vikings pushed Slippery Rock to a tight 27-25 third set before ultimately dropping another 3-0 decision. This year's matchup provides ECSU another chance to close the gap and seek its first victory in the series.

ECSU will be facing both Palm Beach Atlantic and UVA Wise for the first time in program history, adding two fresh matchups to the Vikings' all-time record book.
 
Introducing Coach Gladney
Rasha Gladney enters her first season as the new head coach of the women's volleyball program at Elizabeth City State University. Gladney brings extensive experience at both the collegiate and club levels, having served most recently as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Alabama A&M University, where she helped guide the Bulldogs to eight wins and assisted outside hitter Fatima Ramirez in earning Second Team All-SWAC honors. She also has a strong background in high school and club volleyball, including roles at Duncanville High School and MadFrog Volleyball Club, where all of her teams qualified for the USA Volleyball Girls National Junior National Championships and her athletes achieved 100% collegiate recruitment. Gladney holds a Bachelor of Education (2017) and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction (2019) from Missouri Baptist University, and she is committed to building a program centered on accountability, growth, and excellence both on and off the court.

"I was drawn to ECSU because of its small, close-knit community and the welcoming atmosphere across campus, said Rasha Gladney. "It felt like the kind of environment where I could truly build connections and grow both personally and professionally."
Coach Gladney added "I'm excited about building a strong community within my team creating a space where we can push each other, set a high competitive standard, and grow together on and off the court. This group has so much potential. I've already seen glimpses of greatness, and I can't wait to keep building on that foundation. The ceiling is so high for this team, and it's an honor to help them chase that growth."
 
ECSU Athletes to Watch
Christen Brisbane – Freshman Outside Hitter/Opposite (OPP)
A 5'9" freshman from Annapolis, Maryland, Brisbane joins ECSU after a standout high school career at Annapolis High School. She played for the Annapolis Volleyball Club and is known for her versatility, having played both outside hitter and libero positions. Brisbane's strong fundamentals and adaptability make her a promising addition to the Vikings lineup. 

Kendall Washington – Sophomore Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist (OH/DS)
Standing at 5'7", Washington hails from Aldie, Virginia, and is a graduate of Lightridge High School. She brings a well-rounded skill set to the team, contributing both in the front and back rows. Washington's experience and versatility will be valuable assets for ECSU this season.

Clarke Blakemore – Senior Middle Blocker (MB)
Blakemore, a 5'9" senior from Fountain City, Tennessee, has been a dominant force at the net throughout her career. She led Central High School to its first regional appearance since 1982 and earned District 3-3A Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2021. Blakemore's leadership and defensive prowess are expected to anchor the Vikings' front line.

Serenity Lunnermon – Senior Setter
Lunnermon, a 5'8" senior from Fayetteville, North Carolina, played for E.E. Smith High School. She has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense, showcasing strong court awareness and playmaking abilities. Lunnermon's experience and leadership will be crucial in running ECSU's offense this season.

Andrea Rose – Senior Middle Blocker (MB)
A 5'9" senior from Bronx, New York, Rose brings significant experience to the Vikings' front line. She has previously competed at St. Andrews University, where she contributed to the team's success. Rose's defensive skills and blocking ability will be key components of ECSU's strategy this season.