CELEBRATING OUR TALENT
Grayhound AthleteS of the Month
THE SPOTLIGHTS ON YOU!
These individuals have worked tirelessly to better themselves using the strategies, tools, and skills they have learned and implementing them into their everyday life, both on and off the court. They often demonstrate remarkable dedication and resilience whether it’s in sports or any other aspect of life, such commitment and application of knowledge can lead to significant personal growth and achievement.
2025 ATHLETES OF THE MONTH
Position: Outside/Right Side
School: Piedmont Middle IB
Favorite Quote: “If you can’t feel it, you can’t fix it.”
Why GTA: At GTA, I’m able to learn new and advanced things that I didn’t know before. Also, because Coach Ray allows me to believe in myself, I know that I’m good enough to play with older girls
Position: DS/PIN
School: Central Cabarrus High School
Quote: “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” or “Energy flows where attention goes.”
I train with GTA because it’s one of the only places where I notice growth in my performance and personal character. The atmosphere is consistently challenging and fun, I’ve met amazing girls, trainers, and I always get useful reps. Coach Ray and his team not only care about the game, but also care about the people they train and help.
School: Cox Mill High School 2025
Favorite quote: “God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day” Psalms 46:5
Why GTA: Grayhounds is the reason I am where I am today. The constant motivation has pushed me to continue to work hard and be a better all around player and person
Position: OPP/DS
School: Bradford Preparatory; Class of 2026
Favorite quote: “Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.”
Why GTA: Grayhounds has not only helped me improve physically but also mentally. Coach Ray is a coach like no other who has an immense passion for volleyball and helping others grow. My confidence and positivity on the court has grown so much over the past few months and I owe it to Coach Ray. He has also helped me improve my skills so much faster than I ever would’ve expected because of his intense drills and amazing feedback. I recommend Grayhounds to any volleyball player who is dedicated and wants to improve. I am able to look at my film from the present and past and be able to say that I have improved so much and I am continuing to improve because of Coach Ray and this program!
Positions: OH, DS
School: North Lincoln Middle; Class of 2029
Favorite quote: “Talent is nothing without hard work!”
Why GTA: “Grayhounds has been a game-changer for me, not just physically, but mentally as well. The amount of growth I’ve experienced in just two months is what would’ve taken six anywhere else. Coach Ray pushes me to my highest potential , helping me build real mental toughness along the way. I’m incredibly blessed and grateful to have found the Grayhounds Group. It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made!”
Positions: OH, DS
School: Concord Academy; Class of 2026
Favorite quote: Psalm 73:26
Why GTA: “I love training with Coach Ray! He has helped me be more aware and confident in my technique. He and his staff have taught me how to have mental toughness as well as being more disciplined with my consistency. I feel like I am a greater version of myself than before.”
Positions: DS, Libero
School: West Cabarrus High School; Class of 2025
Favorite quote: “Nothing can dim your light.”
Why GTA: “Grayhounds has been the extra push that I have been needing. It has brought out a new confidence in myself and my abilities that I have never had before. It had taken my training to a whole new level and taught me new techniques that I had never seen before! I love the energy that I see, not just through the coaching but through the athletes getting coached. It is the “tough-love” coaching that takes this program to the next level, helping me reach and set new goals I never thought were possible!”
Positions: MH, OH, DS
School: Hickory Grove Christian School; Class of 2025
Favorite quote: “You don’t fail when you mess up, you fail when you don’t try!” (author: Coach Ray)
Why GTA: “Grayhounds has helped me grow and develop on and off the court. It has helped my mental health and my skills excel. Everyone part of this organization cares about the success and growth of each player, and they give their all in their coaching. They expect nothing but excellence and effort. The goal of the organization is not just to help players grow in volleyball to perfect their skills to be prepared for the higher levels of volleyball, it’s also to care for their players and make sure that they are able to help maintain a good Mindset to succeed with or without Volleyball. I’d recommend anyone who really wants to succeed and grow to come and join Grayhound if they are determined and dedicated. I’m so thankful for Coach Ray and this program; it feels like family. He cares about my physical and mental health and encourages me to continue to work hard because he believes in my abilities.
Positions: RS, DS
School: Langtree Charter; Class of 2029
Favorite quote: All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23
Why GTA: “Meeting Coach Ray has been a game changer. Coach Ray is a great teacher and I am constantly learning something new every time I train with him. Not only teaching skills but training my mind to build my mental toughness. I hope to play college volleyball one day and with Coach Ray pushing me to do my best, I believe I can do it.”
Positions: Pin, DS
School: Hickory Grove Christian School; Class of 2025
Favorite quote: “If you can’t Feel It, you can’t Fix It” (author: Coach Ray)
Why GTA: “ From the moment I walked in, I felt the energy and commitment. Coach Gray is genuinely passionate about helping each player grow, improving their skills, and becoming a better version of themselves. He continues to shape my confidence and my growth, and reminds me to always be better than before.”