Marty Gordon
Braelynn Williams, a volleyball player from Christiansburg High School, has signed a national letter of intent to continue her playing career at UVA-Wise.
“I chose UVA Wise mostly because of the team and coach,” Williams said Wednesday after her signing in front of family, friends, coaches and fellow players. “I felt welcomed and right at home from the minute I got to experience the UVA-Wise culture. I also picked the school because of the insanely nice facilities. I cannot wait to play in the Convocation Center [at the school].”
This season, she has been a part of a varsity squad that has won 20 regular season matches and is playing in the state Class 3 playoffs. Despite an injury that kept her on the sideline, Williams has 80 kills, 13 blocks and 14 digs.
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is a public liberal arts college in Wise, Va. It is part of the University of Virginia, though separately accredited, and was established in 1954 as Clinch Valley College of the University of Virginia.
The current enrollment is 1,844 students.
The school’s athletic teams are called the Cavaliers (formerly known as the “Highland Cavaliers” before 2017). The college is a member of the NCAA Division II ranks, primarily competing in the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) since the 2019–20 academic year.
The UVA-Wise volleyball team is currently 9-15 this season and is coached by Alyssa Hanley, who is in her second season on the sidelines.
Williams has high hopes for her play on the court.
“My goal for on the court is to better the team,” Williams said. “I hope to add in any area that is needed. My goal is to expand my volleyball knowledge and skills while at Wise. I hope to make a difference by being a part of the UVA Wise volleyball team.”
She hopes to major in elementary education while at Wise.
