Former Marvin Ridge volleyball players eager to take Bulldogs to bigger heights on the court

By: Michael Wayne O’Neill

Sports Editor

WINGATE – Katie Jamerson and Maggie Young found themselves on the volleyball court at Marvin Ridge High School (Waxhaw, N.C.) and clicked instantly as best friends off the court.

The two have known each other since their days on the Mavericks’ 2018 state championship team and their bond is “undeniable” than their volleyball chemistry.

“We began getting close outside of volleyball after our first preseason tournament at Myrtle Beach,” Jamerson said. “Me and Maggie were rooming together at this time and we were able to bond and get to know each other.”

Together, Jamerson and Young led the Mavericks to Union County’s first-ever state title in volleyball and a state record and school record 44 wins in 2018. This was their only high school volleyball season together before Young graduated the following year and went off to Wingate University.

Jamerson followed Young’s footsteps after committing to an offer from Wingate. Their friendship and chemistry continued.

The two experienced more fame as Bulldogs in 2022 after leading Wingate to a school-record 32 wins and an appearance in the NCAA national title series in Seattle. Young (215 kills, 10 assists, 54 digs) earned All-American accolades, while Jamerson contributed 11 digs, 40 aces, and 2 kills.

When Jamerson found out about Young coming back for one more season, she was thrilled. Jamerson feeds off of Young’s leadership, teammate comradery, and athletic skills.

“There are no words that can explain my excitement about playing another year with Maggie,” Jamerson said, “Maggie gets better every year, and that is something that is so exciting about her coming back.”

Jamerson and Young are also relishing the knowledge of first-year head coach Lauren Tekavec, a former assistant under legendary coach Shelton Collier.

“Coach (Tekavec) has done a great job of continuing the Wingate volleyball culture, along with bringing her personality and experience as well,” Jamerson said, “Even though these past 2 weeks, we have been able to see so much growth in this team and a lot of that is thanks to her.”

The Bulldogs will begin the 2023 season at the Embry-Riddle volleyball tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Friday, Sept. 1. They will play Drury, Embry-Riddle, Augusta, and Emmanuel in the weekend tournament.

Jamerson and Young are optimistic about leaving the volleyball program better than they found it.

“We have to get through one game at a time, and we don’t get too ahead of ourselves by looking into SAC championships and regionals,” Jamerson said, “We focus on the next game, set, and point respectively.”