Brecklyn Hammond, Alexis Rupiper and Neveah Vacha are the sophomore leaders of the Southeast Community College volleyball team this year. 

Hammond is a defensive specialist from Oxford, Rupiper is a right-side/middle blocker from Lincoln, and Vacha is the libero from Scribner. All three of them played a vital role for the Bobcats in Head Coach Carolyn Campbell's third season as head coach.

For Hammond, athletics taught her how to be disciplined and push through even when times are hard. She started playing volleyball when she was 10, and chose to play at SCC while pursuing her degree in dental hygiene. She loves the competition that volleyball provides, as well as the friendships she has found while playing. Her favorite athlete is Jordan Larson because of her leadership, hardwork, and dedication. 

"Bobcats Do More to me means putting in extra work and always finding ways to improve," Hammond said. "It means doing your best on the court, in the classroom and everyday activities."

On the court, Hammond has recorded 19 service aces and 113 digs in 24 games for the Bobcats so far this season.

Rupiper picked up volleyball at 8 years old, and has enjoyed the lifelong friends she's made while playing the sport. Being an athlete helped Rupiper find opportunities for personal growth throughout the years, and always gave her something to learn and look forward to. SCC gave Rupiper the chance to continue playing volleyball after high school, and the size of the school and welcoming faculty drew her in. She'll be getting her associates degree in business when she graduates, and plans to attend a four-year college afterward.

"Bobcats Do More means that you put in the extra work, push beyond limits, and take on responsibility or challenges that go beyond the basic requirements of your job," Rupiper said.

Rupiper has recorded 19 blocks in her sophomore season, and suited up as a second libero in several matches.

Vacha played her first game at 9 years old, and fell in love with being part of something bigger than herself. She enjoys the connections she's made, pushing each other to be better, and celebrating successes together. Volleyball taught her teamwork, accountability, and never giving up when things get hard. Vacha came to SCC because it gave her a small community similar to home where she felt supported both on and off the court. She plans to pursue her bachelor's degree in early childhood education after SCC, and she hopes to be a preschool teacher someday. 

"Bobcats Do More means going above and beyond, pushing yourself to be better, and being there for the people around you," Vacha said. "It means working hard in the classroom, off the court, and in the community. It also means being a leader, setting a good example for others, and making a positive impact wherever you go."

Vacha leads the team with 371 digs and is second on the team with 21 service aces in her sophomore season.

"To our sophomores, thank you for everything you have given to this program," Head Coach Carolyn Campbell said. "Your hard work, dedication, leadership, and commitment have helped build a strong foundation for the future of Bobcat volleyball. The time, effort, and heart you poured into this program will leave a lasting impact long after your playing days are over. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat!"