HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba Valley Community College freshman setter Sophie Brennan signed to continue her academic and volleyball career at Winston-Salem State University during a special ceremony held at the Tarlton Complex on Monday afternoon.

Brennan — the first-ever Red Hawk volleyball player from Oregon — becomes the 28th CVCC volleyball player to sign with a four-year institution.

"I'm thankful for CVCC and what they've prepared me for," Brennan said. "High school is different than college so me being here for the first year really has helped me kind of transition to the new faster, quicker tempo. It's definitely been crazy, and it's helped me grow as a person and as a player. It took a lot of hard work, and it's paying off. There's still a ton of growth and experience waiting for me in the future."

In 14 matches as a freshman for the Red Hawks this past fall, Brennan tallied 41 assists and 20 digs. She was part of a CVCC volleyball team that went 36-10 this past fall, winning its 11th Region 10 championship (seventh in a row) and eighth district title.

The Red Hawks also won three matches at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) DII national tournament for the first time in program histor.y

"We had ups and downs, but in the end, we all came together as a team," Brennan said of the 2018-19 CVCC volleyball team. "Our coaches really helped push us to our limit. That's what made us better as individuals and as a team."

Brennan is just the second Red Hawk to sign to continue their volleyball at Winston-Salem State, joining former CVCC standout Francesca Edgerton — who was the program's first-ever four-year signee.

"I am so proud of Sophie, and I am excited to see her continue to play at the next level," said CVCC volleyball head coach Shannon Hudson. "I think Winston-Salem State is a great fit for her, and I know she will be an invaluable asset to the Rams program."