Angelle Thibeaux (left) and Sarah Bolin will compete with Philander Smith University and William Carey University this season, giving Northwest five four-year signees from the 2023 squad.

Volleyball 08/21/24 08:32 AM Brian Lentz

Volleyball Sends Two More to Four-Year Level

Five members of 2023 squad now with four-year programs

SENATOBIA - A pair of former Northwest volleyball freshmen have taken their talents to the senior college level for the 2024 season.

Setter Sarah Bolin has joined the program at William Carey University, while middle hitter Angelle Thibeaux has moved on to Philander Smith University. The duo joins former Lady Rangers Jacia Hayes (Arkansas-Fort Smith), Caroline Howard (Blue Mountain Christian) and Cristen Cleveland (Lyon College) as members of the 2023 team that signed with four-year programs.

In her lone season with the Lady Rangers, Bolin was second on the team in assists (341), trailing only returning sophomore Layla Dyer (911). The Poplarville native also totaled 30 service aces, which was good for fifth on the team.

Despite seeing limited time in a reserve role, Thibeaux played 10 matches last season, finishing with seven blocks, five digs, four kills and three assists. The Broussard, La. product compiled a season-high two blocks in two different matches against Henderson State JV and Freed-Hardeman JV.

In four full seasons at the helm of the Northwest volleyball program, coach Allison Burchyett has produced nine four-year players, including Lia Ramos (William Carey University), Amelia Perkins (MUW), Chariah Mabry (Mississippi Valley State) and Alexia Davis (Miles College).

Both William Carey University and Philander Smith University compete at the NAIA level, with the Lady Crusaders serving as a member of the Southern States Athletic Conference (SSAC) and the Lady Panthers competing in the HBCU Athletic Conference (formerly the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference).