Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - Cherryville High School volleyball coach Leigh Kiser is stepping down after 16 successful seasons. CHS Athletic Director Matt Powers announced on April 14th that Coach Kiser had officially retired from her role as volleyball coach. The decision was not as easy a one for her, however, a freak in-home accident in October 2025 resulted in a severe leg injury that required extensive healing time and rehabilitation. Coach Kiser needs to take time to concentrate on her recovery.
Kiser took over as volleyball coach in 2010 and turned the program into a success. During her 16 seasons, that success has come both on and off the court. Coach Kiser’s love for the game and her players was a winning combination. She understands her role as a coach is not only about athletics but also about mentoring these young ladies to face life’s challenges as they prepare for the future. This enabled her to earn her players’ respect, and in turn, they learned to succeed on and off the court.
Although there have been many successful seasons during her tenure, 2025 will be one of the most memorable. Several players set school records, and Kiser herself made history.
She picked up her 200th career win last season on her way to becoming the winningest volleyball coach in Gaston County history. Her career record is 203-186. During 16 seasons, 12 teams earned state playoff spots. The 2025-2026 season produced the deepest playoff run in school history, as her girls advanced to the third round. Throughout her career at Cherryville, she had 14 Lady Ironmen selected all-conference, 5 all-region, 3 all-state first-team, and 1 all-state second-team. She is also responsible for compiling the team record book and creating banners honoring the top players in several categories that hang in Nixon Gym.
She gives credit to others for helping the program reach this level of success. Coach Kiser says that it would not have been possible without the work and dedication of her former assistant coaches. Darcy Hay, Jaimie McSwain, Bailee Crisson, Brooke Henley, Shamia Borders, Allison Raines, Abby Hawkins, and Lee Shuford. The role of a coach is not easy; it takes long hours, dedication, and heart. Leigh Kiser took on the challenge and excelled. In their official announcement, Cherryville Ironmen Athletics thanked Coach Kiser for the lasting impact she made on so many lives, going way beyond the game.
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