Knights Claim 2025 NCISAA 4A Volleyball State Championship

By Grier Herring, Shield Editor 

From the first serve to the final point, the NRCA varsity girls volleyball team proved what it means to be state champions.  

On Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, the team traveled to Matthews, North Carolina, to face Charlotte Latin High School on Carmel Christian’s court in the NCISAA 4A tournament finals in hopes of gaining the program’s 10th state championship title in 11 years. For the players, it was more than just a win—it was the outcome of hard work and the belief they could finish on top. “We came into the game prepared and confident,” said Brook Watkins, one of the senior captains.  

The Knights defeated the Hawks 3-1 (25-19, 25-27, 25-21, 25-21). 

NRCA, seeded No. 2 in the 4A playoffs, started the match hot, coming from behind to win the first set and carrying that energy into the second. During the second set, the momentum shifted, and Charlotte Latin, the No. 1 seed, walked away with the win. Watkins said that a controversial call that overturned a set-winning point for the Knights was a challenge, “but honestly, what I’m most proud of is how we didn’t let that get us down. We came out in the third and fourth set, [and] we locked in and focused because we knew we were the better team.” That determination and dedication paid off as they came from behind to win both the third and fourth sets, pushing through every point and ultimately winning the championship victory that the team longed for all season. 

In a schoolwide announcement, Head Coach Chris Murray praised individual performances: “Powering the offense, Jenna Stefansky and Lilly Flythe crushed 19 kills each, with Brook Watkins dishing out 30 assists and Katherine Lightbourn adding 20. On defense, Louisa Walsh dominated with 10 blocks, backed by Madison Muto’s 4. Kyla Artlip kept plays alive with 21 digs, followed by Brea Lindstrom’s 8. Serving ace Camille Donofrio and teammates Liv Weathers, Carrington Lynn, Adeline Delahunty, and Lindsey Kirk sealed the title!” 

This team’s success wasn’t just about skill and grit—it was about team chemistry. “It was such a fun mix of young players and veterans,” Watkins said. Watkins and Camille Donofrio were the only seniors and had the opportunity to help lead the team to victory as captains. Watkins said, “Everyone bought into the purpose of our team, and that’s what helped us succeed in the end.” Throughout the season, their unity was shown both on and off the court. Whether it was encouraging each other through on-court celebrations or connecting off the court, the players created a bond that went beyond volleyball. 

Watkins offered a glimpse into the team’s behind-the-scenes intensity. “The hardest games that we play are the ones we play in practice,” she said. The teammates worked to push each other in practice to make each other better players and people. “It makes the games easier because of how hard we practice,” Watkins said. The team’s drive in those daily practices helped prepare them for the championship match. Every serve, every block, and every dive in practice built the trust and persistence that carried them through the toughest moments of the season. 

For seniors wrapping up their last high school season, the win was a storybook ending. “That final point of the match when we all dog piled and I could finally realize that we finished the goal of winning a state championship and ending my senior year on top,” was a moment Watkins said she’d remember forever.  It wasn’t simply the final match of the season, but it was an addition to the legacy of the team. 

The lessons they learned as part of the NRCA volleyball dynasty shaped these athletes far beyond the court. “Instead of focusing on my own performances in practice and game, I started focusing on how I can help the rest of the team and what I can leave them for next year from my experiences,” Watkins said. That mindset helps define the team’s culture as the program grows in faith and encouragement. She explained, “This program has helped me grow as a stronger Christian every year, and I’m so thankful for all the memories I’ve made with these amazing teammates and coaches.”  

The state championship win was an ideal ending to a season built on trust and teamwork. As the players held their trophy high and the crowd cheered, it was clear that this win was not just for one game, but it was a celebration of everything they had built together.