BOONEVILLE, Miss. - One returning sophomore and an incoming transfer will represent the Northeast Mississippi Community College volleyball program as its leaders on the court.
Sophie Johnson and Reese Moore were elected by their colleagues as the Lady Tigers' captains for the upcoming 2025 campaign.
"I just think they're going to be great," said Northeast head coach Brenda Mayes. "When they're on the court, they're giving 100-percent. They're always there in case their teammates need anything. They're going to be great floor leaders."
Johnson was an every day starter for the Lady Tigers during her freshman year at setter. She accounted for well more than half of the total assists on the team with 543 for an average of 5.4 per set.
The Caledonia native recorded double-digit assists in 25 of the 31 contests that she played in. Johnson posted a season-high 40 assists in Northeast's thrilling five set victory over Meridian Community College.
Johnson registered three double-doubles as well, including a 19-assist and career-best 13-dig performance versus Coastal Alabama Community College at Brewton in just her second match with the Lady Tigers.
She approached a triple-double in a win against Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) University's junior varsity squad with 22 assists, eight digs and seven kills. Johnson had the third most aces for Northeast one year ago with 30.
"It feels amazing. This team means so much to me and Northeast does as well," Johnson said. "I'm so excited about this new group of girls. We're very close as a team even outside of volleyball."
Moore was an award-winning multi-sport standout at nearby Tishomingo County High School. She accumulated more than 1,000 points in basketball and 1,000 kills in volleyball throughout her prep career.
She was named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Class 4A All-State volleyball team twice as an upperclassman. Moore was also an all-area selection by both the Daily Corinthian and the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal as a senior.
Her statistics that year included 485 kills, 140 digs and 65 service aces. Moore, who joins the Lady Tigers from Freed-Hardeman, participated in the annual Northeast Mississippi Volleyball Coaches Association (NEMVCA) All-Star Game as well.
"It just gives me a bunch of confidence knowing that your teammates really trust you and they want you to be their leader," said Moore. "I'm really excited to play volleyball again. I'm looking forward to it a lot."
Northeast begins its new season from August 22-23 with four matches at the Mississippi/Alabama Crossover. The Lady Tigers open their home slate with a doubleheader on Monday, August 25.