LCC Hosts Heartfelt Jessica Ramsey Memorial Tournament; Perquimans Claims Victory
KINSTON, N.C. — The 5th Annual Jessica Ramsey Memorial Volleyball Tournament was held this past weekend at Lenoir Community College, bringing together eight high school teams in honor of the late Jessica Ramsey, a former South Lenoir Blue Devil volleyball player. The tournament featured intense competition and heartfelt tributes, with Perquimans High School ultimately emerging as champions after defeating South Johnston High School in the final match.
The tournament's participants included Perquimans High School, South Johnston High School, Neuse Charter High School, South Lenoir High School, Arendell Parrott Academy, Rosewood High School, Southern Wayne High School, and Harnett Central High School. Divided into two pools, the teams battled for a chance to advance to the championship. South Johnston and Perquimans stood out in pool play, advancing to face off for the title.
Arendell Parrott Academy coach Lee Avery, who helped establish the tournament during his tenure at LCC, emphasized the importance of the event.
“I am always happy with this event. We helped get it going when I was here and we want to see it keep going. Hopefully, we can keep being a part of it because it really is for a good cause. It is to bring back the memory of a player who would have played here and was a really good person and a joy to be around to coach.”
South Lenoir coach Madison Harvey, who is also Jessica Ramsey’s cousin, expressed the significance of the tournament for her team.
"The meaning behind the tournament is absolutely beautiful. I think they are doing a great thing. It is a necessity for us (South Lenoir) to be here.” Harvey said. “We are here every year. She would have been a graduate from our school, I feel like it is something we have to do."
In honor of Jessica Ramsey, South Lenoir plans to use her number during the upcoming season, with the blessing of Jessica’s mother, Tracy Thurman, who supports the idea. Thurman, who has been instrumental in organizing the event, expressed her gratitude for the ongoing support.
"Today went very well. The teams played great, the support from the teams has been awesome!" she said. "LCC has been wonderful for me and my family. For this event, they take whole and do everything basically. We do the concession stands and they do everything else, they are so wonderful. We have a great relationship.”
Reflecting on Jessica’s memory, Thurman shared, “She would love it. She would have absolutely loved it. She would have loved all the support, especially from all the local schools. I wished more local schools came, but we only got 8 spots and it's first come, first serve.”
Lenoir Community College athletic director Ryan Meadows, who played a key role in hosting the event, acknowledged the tournament's impact. “This was one of the first things I was made aware of when taking the job. It’s obviously for a great cause. I instantly fell in love with the idea and then I got to meet all of the organizers and the family, and it became evident how big of a deal it is. We are humbled to be able to host an event like this and hope to be able to continue for years to come.”
Looking ahead, Thurman is committed to continuing the tournament. “I plan on continuing as long as I am able and as long as they allow me. I’ve got a lot of family support, a lot of friend support, and they are great. Hopefully, this year we are going to give out our first scholarship in Jessica’s name. It is for any student that plays volleyball for LCC. We have met a lot of our goals, and I think we are ready to give our first scholarship.”
The tournament not only celebrated the sport of volleyball but also kept alive the spirit and memory of Jessica Ramsey, making a lasting impact on the community.
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