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Cherryville, NC (WNN)- Wednesday evening, October 8, 2025, was a night to remember as fans and players in Nixon Gym in Cherryville, NC, watched history being made as Coach Leigh Kiser coached her Lady Ironmen volleyball team to a career victory of 200. Many coaches only dream of coaching 200 games or matches, much less winning that many. This remarkable feat was made even more special as it was achieved in front of the home team on Senior Night. She has poured her heart and soul into this program for sixteen years, coaching the Lady Ironmen, and on this special night, it was rewarded. The 3-1 non-conference victory came over the North Gaston Wildcats, closing out the home careers of eight seniors who were recognized before the start of the match.
These eight young ladies played their final home regular-season match in Nixon Gym. They have one more road match on October 9 at rival Bessemer City. We bid farewell and career well done to: #3 Kate Bookout, #4 Logan McCorkle, #10 Beonka Adams, #18 Raylei Gidney, #21 Jenna Anthony, #22 Emily Allen, # 24 Kennedy Weathers, and #40 Camryn Shirley—hats off to these ladies for their fine careers. A few of them are approaching their own career milestones. Thank you for your loyalty to the team and for the memories.
Click here to see the full senior night gallery!
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Click the arrow to see the seniors - CHS Volleyball Senior Night Banner - October 8th, 2025
#4 Logan McCorkle receiving her gift basket for senior night - October 8th, 2025
#10 Beonka Adams heading to the senior night lineup with her parents - October 8th, 2025
#18 Raylei Gidney being hugged by Coach Kiser on senior night - October 9th, 2025
#21 Jenna Anthony with her parents in the senior night lineup - October 8th, 2025
#22 Emily Allen walking out with her parents on senior night - October 8th, 2025
#24 Kennedy Weathers with Coach Kiser on senior night - October 8th, 2025
#40 Camryn Shirley heading out with her parents on senior night - October 8th, 2025
#3 Kate Bookout being hugged by Coach Kiser for senior week - October 8th, 2025
After the match, Coach Kiser wasted no time in attributing her success in part to her supporting cast of current and former assistants and players. “Over my 16 years, I have had some great assistants and players, and all the credit goes to them. I’m excited to get the 200 at home, in front of the home crowd, and on senior night, too. I’ve never thought about setting any type of record, but it is a testament to the program that we have and are continuing to build at CHS.”
Leigh Kiser is a graduate of Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. She taught in several school systems before ending her teaching career last year at Cherryville High School. She has coached the Lady Ironmen volleyball team for the past 16 seasons. Her current team is 13-8 overall and 7-8 in conference play. This team, however, has proven to be much better than their record suggests. These girls have played against some of the best teams, including much larger schools, and have gone toe-to-toe with them, taking many sets down to the wire. That drive and belief in oneself is a clear reflection of what their coach has instilled in them. This team is comprised of many great players, some of whom have set career highs this season, while others have reached their own career milestones and are close to achieving even more.
Coach Kiser keeps her players encouraged with a line of high fives after a good play - October 9th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Any team can have talented players, but it takes a good or great coach to bring out the best in those players, not only as athletes, but also off the court. Players are only willing to give their all for a coach they love and respect. It can be difficult for a coach at times to walk that fine line of being liked, yet keeping their players disciplined enough to maintain focus and a winning attitude. If a coach is too soft, players lose respect and become lazy. If they are too harsh, players become upset and will shut down. As I said, it is a fine line and balance must be maintained. Coach Leigh Kiser seems to have found that balance.
It is evident these young ladies believe in themselves and their coach. They have fun playing, yet are focused enough to get the job done. This is a clear reminder of great coaching. The smiles on the faces of the seniors as they gathered around Coach Kiser is true testament that they love their coach and celebrate this night with her. They will close out the regular season on the road at county and conference rival, Bessemer City, on October 9.
The players gathered around Coach Kiser to discuss strategy going forward in the game - October 8th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
At the high school level, coaches are there for the love of the sport and kids, not for the money. A team will clearly mirror their coach in most cases. It takes a special breed to give so much of their free time to develop these young players, not only as athletes, but as students and citizens as well. These special people will influence their players’ lives well into the future. Often, a coach serves as a confidant, mentor, and even a friend to their players, all while maintaining necessary boundaries. It is not an easy role and not always recognized or rewarded. Coach Leigh Kiser has earned her recognition and the respect of players, fans, and peers. Coach, we at Wise News Network, Cherryville High School, and the citizens of Cherryville salute you on a job well done!
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