Serving History: Five Women Set the Tone as Pioneers of Inaugural Volleyball Team at Carroll Community College

Westminster, MD─ At Carroll Community College, the buzz around campus wasn’t just about midterms or weekend plans; it was about the women’s volleyball team. For years, the college had fielded other athletic teams, but this season was different—it was the second season for women’s volleyball, and the stakes were high.

On August 23, 2023, the Carroll Community College Lynx women’s volleyball team took to the court at the Coppermine Pantherplex, making history as the first ever match played for the program. There were five student-athletes on that team who stuck around to play a second year at Carroll, as the quintet represents the first ever graduating class for women’s volleyball.

The team, known as the Carroll Community College Lynx, was a melting pot of diverse backgrounds and stories. Led by their determined captain Karley Badorf, the team had worked tirelessly to improve since their rocky inaugural season finishing with a 7-9 overall record.  Each player had their reasons for joining; some sought scholarships, others simply loved the game, but they all shared a common goal: to make history.

While that first match of the inaugural season was a four-set loss to Cecil, the electric atmosphere at the match set the tone for what has become a wildly popular and successful program.  Outside hitter Karley Badorf was named to the All-Region 20 second team as she led the team in points scored. Right side hitter Lauren Guariglia led the team in blocks, setter Abigail Morley led the team in assists, libero Sophia DiMaggio led the team in digs and serves received, and outside hitter Grace Bowman showed off her versatility in helping the team all over the court.

As the season progressed, the Lynx learned lessons, improved their game, and earned respect. They formed a bond that transcended the court, becoming a family united by evening practices, shared meals, and laughter. Coach Teri Leatherwood was a guiding force, emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and the importance of academics.

“I am so grateful for these five sophomores,” said women’s volleyball head coach Teri Leatherwood. “They took a leap and trusted me as a coach on a new endeavor to start a brand-new program.  The program has been a great success, and they should be proud for putting Carroll volleyball on the map.  I could not have done it without them.”

Fast forward to a year later as that same five helped lead the Lynx to a 9-8 record and earned a spot in the playoffs for the first time in program history. The team entertained large crowds at every home match, with exciting games including the dramatic five-set win over the College of Southern Maryland to avenge a loss to the Hawks in 2023.

“The volleyball team has already accomplished some remarkable achievements in just two years, in large part thanks to these five extraordinary women that make-up the first ever sophomore class,” said director of athletics Mark Winkel. “These five student-athletes embody the spirit of what it means to be a student first. They work hard every day, they play for the team, and they embraced the task of passing down their qualities to the freshmen class. Their contributions to the program will never be forgotten.”

In addition to their skills on the volleyball court they served as role models and incredible leaders  as student-athletes with Badorf and Bowman earning NJCAA All-Academic first team honors while Morley was on the third team for the national honors.

This season, Badorf has elevated her game to become one of the best players in the region, as she was in the top six for points scored as well as digs. She recorded the first ever 20/20 game for the Lynx with 20 kills and 20 digs against Garrett College. Her fellow teammates have all stepped up to do their part to surpass expectations of the second-year program as their names are all over the statistical leaders of the team.

“Playing with the team for the last two years was helpful in creating more chemistry and a stronger bond on and off the court,” said Badorf. “We all pushed each other to do our best to create a cohesive, competitive, but relaxed environment. I was so blessed to be able to play with the current team for both years and grow in our abilities together.”

While the five Lynx volleyball players have donned the royal blue for the last time, they have all helped create a program and a culture that looks to be sustainable for the foreseeable future. They quite literally wrote the record books at Carroll and will be Lynx legends for life. Together, they had served history, and they are ready to keep making waves.

PHOTO 1 CAPTION – Carroll Community College Lynx inaugural women’s volleyball team players (from left to right):  Abigail Morley, Grace Bowman, Lauren Guariglia, Karley Badorf, and Sophia DiMaggio.

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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.