After year as club team, Gaston College beach volleyball ready to return in 2025-26 school year

After back-to-back top 10 finishes in the National Junior College Athletic Association beach volleyball championships, Gaston College spent the 2024-25 season competing as a club team.

Now in her second year as head coach, Annelle Grealis is eager to put the Rhinos' program back on track.

"Last year it felt like diving right into something completely new," said Grealis, who became the program's second head coach in September 2024. "It wasn't frustrating- it was more of an exciting challenge and a fresh start. This year I'm excited because everyone is beginning from the same page, and we'll be building a strong foundation."

An instructor in Gaston College's Early High School program, Grealis has scheduled 10 matches for spring 2026 and held tryouts at the school's on-campus venue to grow the roster.

Only one player, Raelyn Miller-Lawrence, returns from last year's squad. Still, Grealis is hopeful of having more than 10 on the roster.

"We have nine players on the roster right now, which gives us a strong foundation," she said. "I'm determined to keep building and hopefully get to 10, maybe even 12."

The Rhinos will also play one fall match - an October meeting with perennial Region 10 power Sandhills Community College.

Once February arrives, the Rhinos will begin Region 10 play along with several non-conference matchups.

Beyond matches and offseason workouts, Grealis hopes to raise the program's profile in the community.

"A big goal for me is to build the program for the community," she said. "We want the girls to visit local high schools, support their teams, and help raise awareness about our program. I'm really looking forward to seeing the impact this can have both for our team and for the community."