HICKORY, N.C. — Catawba Valley Community College volleyball standout Sabrina Pinard has committed to continue her athletic and academic career at UNC Asheville.

"I'm so excited to continue my education and most of all be able to play the sport I love at UNC Asheville," Pinard said.

The 6-foot-2 sophomore was a two-year starter at right side for the Red Hawks, finishing her final season at CVCC with a .282 hitting percentage with 1.8 kills and .67 blocks per set. She helped Catawba Valley clinch its sixth-straight Region X regular-season championship this past fall.

 During her freshman season, Pinard played in 48 matches and helped CVCC reach the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II National tournament, where the Red Hawks finished a program-best fourth in the country. Pinard finished the 2016 season with 164 kills, 43 digs and 57 blocks.

Also a standout in the classroom, Pinard has placed on the Athletic President's list at CVCC (3.75 GPA or higher) two years in a row.

 "I am so proud of Sabrina and all that she has accomplished during her last two years at the Valley," said Catawba Valley head volleyball coach Shannon Hudson. "She has excelled on the court and in the classroom and has grown into a dominant leader who is respected and admired by her peers. It has been a privilege to watch her personal growth, and I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to coach Sabrina. I know she will be able to contribute right away at UNC Asheville, and I think it's a great fit for her."