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Addison Abernathy was one of three Gaston College beach volleyball players to compete in the NJCAA national championships.
Addison Abernathy was one of three Gaston College beach volleyball players to compete in the NJCAA national championships.
Posted: Jul 20, 2026

Top moments of 2025-26: No. 4 - Volleyball makes appearance in NJCAA national championships

For the third time in four years, Gaston College was represented in the National Junior College Athletic Association beach volleyball national championships.

This time, the Rhinos weren't in the team competition.

Instead, they were part of the NJCAA's inaugural pairs competition in Huntsville, Ala.

Representing Gaston College were freshmen Addison Abernethy, Addie Key and Valeria Rodriguez.

The Rodriguez/Key pairing had recorded a team-high two pairing wins and several competitive games during their 10 regular season matches.

Seeded 16th out of the 16 teams in the pairs competition, they won another match and advanced into the Gold bracket - where they eventually finished eighth with Abernethy/Rodriguez playing in one of the matches.

It means Gaston College has record 10th (2023) and seventh place (2024) finishes in their first two NJCAA team championships.

The Rhinos will enter the 2026-27 school year seeking to make a return to the team championships.