Leesburg, Va. — Loudoun County High School senior Chandler Vaughan has made a commitment to continue her volleyball career at the University of Central Missouri starting in the 2020-2021 school year.
“Being a senior, you have a lot of lasts, meaning my last high school team and club team,” the 5-foot-10 Vaughan said. “But knowing I have my Jennies team keeps me happy and eager for my future even though I’m leaving all these amazing teammates and teams behind.”
[adrotate banner=”38″]While she’ll turn in her blue and gold for cardinal and black next fall, Loudoun County will always hold a special place in Vaughan’s heart. Growing up cheering for the Raiders, Vaughan followed in her sister’s footsteps, becoming a Loudoun County setter. Over her career at Loudoun County, Vaughan helped the Raiders to four straight VHSL 4A State championships.
“Playing for Loudoun County volleyball is like a dream,” said Vaughan, who was named first team All-LoCo in 2019. “Loudoun County volleyball is extremely competitive and I enjoy that. Every game you are given the best game by your opponent, making you and your team play even harder and smarter. I wouldn’t trade my experience at Loudoun County for anything. Those girls are my family and my best friends.”
More than 800 miles separate Loudoun County High School and the University of Central Missouri, a fact that was not lost on Vaughan.
“I don’t have family who live out there, but as soon as I visited, it felt like my home away from home,” Vaughan said. “Central Missouri is about 16 hours away from Leesburg, which is scary knowing I won’t be close to my family, but they are always one phone call away.”
When deciding on where to continue her academic and athletic ventures, Vaughan was looking to travel to some place new with a cybersecurity or information technology program. Those items along with the team camaraderie are ultimately what led the Leesburg-native to Central Missouri.
“A major part of my commitment was meeting the coaches and especially the girls on the team,” Vaughan said. “Having those girls be so welcoming, especially since I’m all the way from Virginia, really meant a lot, because I know I will always have them and won’t feel lost or alone at all.”
I wouldn’t trade my experience at Loudoun County for anything. Those girls are my family and my best friends.
—Loudoun County senior Chandler Vaughan
Led by head coach Flip Piontek, the Division II Jennies finished their 2019 season with a 23-10, including a 15-5 mark in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Vaughan hopes to bring her East Coast experience and sense of humor to the Midwest.
“I believe I will bring an East Coast-style of play, as well as competitiveness. I am so excited to learn the Midwest-style of play, and I am willing to learn anything to be apart of the Jennies team,” said Vaughan, who will be the first Jennie from the East Coast since 2014. “Also, I think everything is funny, and I crack a bunch of jokes, hoping to make everyone around laugh especially myself.”