Columbia, MD - As the fall sports season kicks into high gear, there is one program the HCC community should take note of this coming season: Volleyball!

Howard Community College's women's volleyball team is coming in hot to 2025, eager to erase a tough 3-13 season they endured last year. Despite the result, the Dragons laid a foundation that they are ready to build off of.

"We went headfirst into the recruiting pool trying to find girls that would still commit to the program despite our record from last year," said head coach Jailyn Ivey. "Being transparent and upfront about how things went last year helped us build a lot of trust with our new recruits."

Clearly the building has paid off. The Dragons have looked excellent in their preseason bouts, and in a region as competitive as Region 20, they will need all the momentum they can muster.

Howard has three excellent returners on the squad from last year's team. Arianna Layne (Bridgetown, Barbados/Combermere School) and Abigail Leis (Ellicott City, MD/Mt. Hebron) led the Dragons in kills, while Cheyenne Ellis (Eldersburg, MD/Century) returns to serve as the Dragons top setter. Howard also brings back libero Stefamae Baraquilla, who played two years ago but took last season off.

"Stefamae is an amazing player," said Coach Ivey. "She shows up, she shows out, and that girl can pass a ball!"

The Dragons bring in a stacked freshmen class eager to make their mark. Zyon Austin (Odenton, MD/Meade) brings good passing, strategic attacks, and plenty of energy to the defensive side. Middle blocker Toriana Curry (Baltimore, MD/Carver Center) has looked like an all-Region player in preseason, while Cailyn Harvey (Elkridge, MD/Oakland Mills) is turning into an excellent defensive addition. Gracie Close (Elkridge, MD/Long Reach), while traditionally a right side hitter, can play any position on the court, and transfer Deborath Acosta () adds another level of attack.

"I'm really excited about this season," said Coach Ivey. "Our players are meshing together really well and the team chemistry we've had is amazing."

The Dragons have one more thing to be excited about this season. For the first time since 2023, they will be playing games at home in the brand new Kahlert Foundation Complex!

The first game for the Dragons will tip off tonight at 7:00 PM against Carroll Community College!