Marlboro Academy senior Izzy Hopkins signed a letter of intent on Dec. 7, surrounded by family, coaches, teammates, and friends to play volleyball at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst.
Hopkins said she has always dreamed of playing volleyball in college.
“I am excited,” she said. “I can’t stop smiling. It is a good feeling.”
Hopkins said she picked Sandhills because she was interested in their nursing program.
“I’ve played volleyball since I could remember,” she said. “I love the nursing program, and I met their coaches. When they came to me about signing and committing, I instantly wanted to.”
Since she was little, Hopkins always has focused on volleyball.
She has played other sports, but volleyball has always been her number one.
“I play basketball right now but also play travel volleyball, so I balance my basketball schedule and my volleyball schedule to play both,” said Hopkins, who has been at the school for three years.
Marlboro Academy Head Volleyball Coach Jeff Billington said Hopkins is a right-side hitter and is left-handed.
“I am very happy for her,” he said. “I think it will be a fantastic fit.”
He added one of the things people don’t know about Hopkins is she also plays beach volleyball.
Sandhills has a sand beach program, and Billington hoped she could play both.
Sandhills Head Coach Alicia Riggan played for Billington when he was a coach at UNC-Pembroke.
“It is kind of nice to keep it in somewhat of the family,” Billington said. “I am very happy for her and looking forward to watching her play in the fall.”