CLARKSDALE, Miss. — The Coahoma Community College women's volleyball team officially concluded its historic inaugural season on Wednesday, Oct. 21, wrapping up a 15-match regular-season campaign on the road against Northwest Mississippi Community College.
While the Tigers finished their first competitive season with a 0-15 record, the 2026 campaign was a crucial first step for the newly established program. Competing in the rigorous Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference, the young roster gained invaluable collegiate experience against established regional powerhouses, setting a baseline for future growth.
"I am most proud of the resilience, growth, and commitment this team demonstrated while helping establish the foundation of Coahoma volleyball," head coach Nadia Crawford said. "We started from the ground up, facing challenges that came with building a new program, including limited experience and learning what it takes to compete at the collegiate level. In year one, our focus was about more than wins and losses; it was about establishing a culture of accountability, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. We may still be building, but this team has helped establish a standard and a foundation that future generations of Coahoma volleyball players can continue to build upon."
Throughout the 15-match schedule, the team combined for 58 total kills, 24 service aces, 257 digs, and 19 total blocks. Hannah Parker (#1) anchored the offense, leading the team with 15 kills while contributing 17.0 total points. Neliah Bell (#3) provided a reliable secondary attacking option, finishing the season with 12 kills and a team-high 23.0 total points. Erin Cook (#5) added significant production at the net, recording 11 kills and 18.0 total points while leading the team with 6.0 total blocks.
Setter Caliyah Raphael (#13) served as the primary distributor for the offense, tallying a team-high 28 assists while also recording five kills, five service aces, and 44 digs. Defensively, Miyah Nickey (#2) and Samone Burdine (#9) shared the team lead in back-row defense, scooping up 47 digs each, while Nickey and Bell shared the team lead with six service aces a piece.
"At the beginning of the season, these young ladies were very quiet, but as the season progressed, I saw them become more vocal and comfortable with one another," Crawford noted regarding her core playmakers. "This offseason, my focus will be on continuing to build their confidence, sharpen their skills, and bring out that competitive 'dawg' in each of them. I am excited about the growth that lies ahead and look forward to seeing what this group will accomplish, especially with the additions joining us in 2027."
The conclusion of the 2026 schedule marks the transition into the program's first official collegiate offseason, which will focus heavily on strength and conditioning.
"I want to ensure that we are physically conditioned to maintain our intensity and endurance through five-set matches, while also developing the strength and aggressiveness needed to compete at the net," Crawford said. "I want us to step onto the court with confidence, compete with a different level of intensity, and surprise the conference with our growth, talent, and ability to compete."
Looking ahead to 2027, Crawford is actively seeking student-athletes eager to leave a lasting legacy in Clarksdale.
"Joining a newly established program that is still finding its footing may not seem like the most appealing opportunity, but it gives you the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself," Crawford pitched to prospective recruits. "Instead of stepping into a program where everything is already established, you have the opportunity to help create the culture, set the standard, and establish a legacy that future generations will carry on. Coahoma Volleyball will build something unforgettable, and we would love for you to be a part of that story."
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon.
