Morgan County volleyball seniors Quinn Butler and Haedyn Crumbley are headed to play at the collegiate level.
Last week, the two Spike Dogs signed the dotted line to play at their respective schools during a ceremony held at the school.
Fellow senior Chloe Burns didn’t participate but is also headed to compete at the next level.
Morgan County volleyball head coach Kathleen Goodwin was proud of all three seniors for signing.
“This group of girls has formed the core of the Morgan County Volleyball program for the past four years, winning two state titles and four region titles throughout their shared careers,” Goodwin told the Lake Oconee News. “They are excellent students as well. They’ve always represented the volleyball program so well.”
Butler is headed to play at Lander University, a Division II program in Greenwood, South Carolina.
She was named to the Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association All-State Team during her junior and senior years.
Butler, a 5-foot-10 outside hitter for the Spike Dogs, was also named to the All-Region her sophomore, junior, and senior years. She was also named the Region Player of the Year following her junior season in 2023.
Butler told the Lake Oconee News that she was excited to become a Bearcat.
“I chose Lander because right when I got on campus, it was just the perfect fit,” she said. “The small-town atmosphere and the thriving volleyball program were exactly what I was looking for. The coaches and players immediately felt like family. They also have my intended major and strong academics for my future.”
Crumbley is headed to play at Gardner-Webb University, a private school in Boiling Springs, North Carolina.
Crumbley was named to the GVCA All-State Team in her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. She was also named to the All-Region team in her freshman, sophomore, and senior seasons. Crumbley, a 5-foot-11 outsider hitter for Morgan County, earned the All-Region Player of the Year award as a sophomore and senior.
Crumbley chose Gardner-Webb because it felt like “home” when she visited campus.
“I chose Gardner Webb because when I got on campus, it reminded me of home,” she said. “The beautiful mountains, small-town feel, and Christian community made me feel like I needed to be there. The coaches and players were very welcoming, and I could see a future playing with them. Also, GW is not too far from home.”
Burns is headed to play at Amherst College, a private school in Massachusetts.
Burns contributed as much as her teammates. She earned All-Region honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
Burns acknowledged she chose Amherst because of its prestigious academic reputation and the people on campus.
“Amherst will grant me the academic rigor and opportunities I seek in my college education,” she said. “The campus is filled with kind and genuine people. The professors are devoted to the student’s learning. As a plus, I get to keep playing the sport I love.”
Goodwin has won two state championships at Morgan County in the past three years. She said Butler, Burns, and Crumbley significantly impacted the program during their time as Spike Dogs under her watch.
“Their impact on this program and its recent success cannot be understated,” Goodwin reflected. “They will be missed, but they have left a lasting legacy that we will see in future generations for many years to come.”