GREENSBORO – There are so many triumphant stories about the 2024 North Carolina A&T volleyball season that it is hard to figure out where to begin.

Do you start with the head coach who lost 47 percent of his offense from the 2023 season, including the second all-time leader in kills in program history? You could start with him replacing a fabulous freshman who transfers with another fabulous freshman who dominates the conference's weekly award accolades. There is also senior Hannah Howell, who had a career year in 2024.  

Of course, one could always go with a team that was picked to finish 11th in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) preseason poll but is preparing to play in the 2024 CAA Volleyball Championship Tournament on Thursday against Hofstra at 3 p.m. from the TU Arena on the campus of Towson University. Wherever the story begins, it has been a banner for A&T volleyball.

On Wednesday, the conference released its postseason honors, with freshman Tyne Ross earning CAA Rookie of the Year, first-team all-conference, and all-rookie team recognition. Head coach Hal Clifton was named CAA Coach of the Year, becoming the first A&T head coach in A&T Athletics history to earn a coach of the year honor from the CAA.

In addition, Hannah Howell secured second-team All-CAA honors.

"I am so happy for Hannah and Tyne," said Clifton. "It's so nice to see these two young ladies rewarded for their efforts this season."

It was no small effort to replace Naiya Sawtelle and Kaili Doctor. Sawtelle is A&T's second all-time leader in kills, and Doctor was last season's CAA rookie of the year, who transferred to Eastern Michigan.

Clifton also had to replace a two-year starter at setter in Chiara Napoli, who transferred to Chattanooga. But Howell stepped in and had a career year. The Aggies signed Ross, setter Leonor Polezzi, and freshman right side Luca Radnai during the offseason, and sophomore middle blocker Mikala Sampson came into her own this season.

Add senior leadership from Howell, Maya Johnson, Madison Sanabria, Laurel Rogers, Ceci Carter, and the Aggies had the recipe for a 17-9 season that included a 12-6 mark in the CAA. The Aggies are in the CAA tournament for the first time.

"There are so many good coaches in this league, and it could have gone to any of them," Clifton said. "In my eyes, this award is so much more than just me. So many people touch our program to make it what it is. So much credit goes to my assistants, the players, the athletic trainer, the strength coach, administrative support, and others who impact this group.

It has been a fun ride, and I am so proud of what we accomplished this season. We will continue to work hard for our university and alumni. Aggies are always doing and never done."

Clifton can now boast of having the CAA's best rookie two seasons straight after Doctor won it in 2023. Ross started the season like a boss, breaking the program record for most kills by a rookie in her collegiate debut with 15 in a win over North Carolina Central University. It was a sign of things to come. Ross captured five rookie of the week honors in 2024 and added a CAA co-offensive player of the week honor to her credits.

Ross leads the CAA in kills per set (4.39) and points per set (4.84). She ranks second in attacks per set (11.35), third in total kills (404), third in total attacks (1,044), and fourth in total points (445.5). She ranks 26th in the nation in kills per set and 35th in points per set. Ross posted six double-doubles and had a season-best 27 kills against the No. 1 seed at the CAA tournament, the College of Charleston.

"Tyne had a phenomenal freshman year," Clifton said. "The best part of Tyne's game is her attitude. The way she learns and grows as a player is incredible. She is also driven to be the best. Her attacking skills are impressive, but the effort she puts in day in and day out makes her who she is."

Howell had a superb senior season, where she recorded a career-best in kills (312), hitting percentage (.209), service aces (27), total attacks (936), and total points (352.0). She ranks fourth in the league in kills per set (3.35) and fourth in attacks per set (10.06).

On September 28 this season, Howell secured a career-high 22 kills in a four-set loss to Northeastern. Six weeks later, she secured 22 kills again in a five-set win at home over Elon. Howell had five double-doubles on the season and has 13 for her career.

"Hannah really amped up her senior with an excellent all-around game. She ranked fourth in the conference in points pretty much all season. That combines her kills, aces, and blocks. But she also had a great year defensively and in serve receive. Her leadership on the floor and in the gym helped guide our team."

No matter where the story of the 2024 season begins. It's a good one.

First Team All-CAA