Averett Bound: North Lenoir’s Alyssa Hatcher Signs to Continue Her Volleyball Career
LA GRANGE — Alyssa Hatcher’s journey from North Lenoir standout to future collegiate athlete officially became reality Tuesday, as the senior signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Averett University.
A four-year starter and two-sport star for the Hawks, Hatcher has been a staple of North Lenoir athletics since her freshman year — leading not only with her performance, but also her character, versatility, and relentless work ethic.
“She has played many different roles for us in our program,” North Lenoir volleyball head coach Heather Carson said. “She’s been a setter, an outside hitter, she’s basically done whatever we’ve asked her to do. All she’s ever cared about was what was best for our team.”
That selflessness came alongside dominance. Last season, Hatcher was named East Central Conference 2A Player of the Year, a fitting honor for an athlete who has impacted every inch of the floor over her high school career. But her talents don’t stop at volleyball.
On the softball field, Hatcher is equally impressive. A career .449 hitter with 45 RBIs, 7 doubles, 7 triples, and 3 home runs in just 38 games — all while striking out only 11 times in 140 plate appearances — she’s one of the most complete athletes North Lenoir has seen in recent years.
Now five games into her senior softball season, Hatcher has never experienced a losing record in any sport she’s played in.
“It’s been fun to watch,” said her father, Bobby Hatcher, a former North Lenoir baseball player himself. “There’ve been ups and downs, but overall it’s been fun. She’s gotten used to winning.”
The journey didn’t start in high school. Alyssa began playing sports at just 5 years old with T-ball. By age 7, her dad realized something was different.
“She started talking about switch-hitting at 7 years old, practiced it, and actually started doing it,” he said. “And she was good at it. That’s when I knew.”
Now, as a senior preparing for the next chapter, Alyssa reflects on what got her here — and the people who helped her along the way.
“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to see what Averett has in store for me, and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates,” she said. “I’ve been working pretty hard. I started volleyball at 7 — it’s been a journey.”
And while her physical tools stand out, those closest to her say it's what’s inside that sets her apart.
“She’s a good leader on the court,” said Coach Lee Avery, Hatcher’s former AAU volleyball coach. “She has a great head for the game, and a great head for anything she puts her mind to. I know she’s going to do well.”
That includes in the classroom, where Hatcher has maintained a weighted GPA over 4.5, all while juggling varsity sports and a heavy recruiting schedule.
“I am so proud. She has put in a lot of work, we put in a lot of work — a lot of traveling hours,” Amber Hatcher, Alyssa’s mother, said. “Anyone that has done the recruiting process, it’s no joke — going to camps, emailing coaches, traveling — and on top of all that, she has stayed on top of her grades.”
And for Alyssa, that support system — especially her parents — has been everything.
“My dad has taught me a lot about how to be a good teammate and athlete,” she said. “And my mom has helped me so much with the recruiting process and everything else. I’m very grateful for them.”
Hatcher also made sure to thank the teammates and coaches who helped shape her into the athlete she is today.
“I want to thank my teammates for supporting me, and my coaches for always seeing the best in me,” she said.
Coach Carson agrees — the best is still ahead.
“Averett got a good one,” Carson said. “We’re excited to see what she does in the future.”
As for her father, watching Tuesday’s signing brought a sense of pride and joy — and the chance to continue watching his daughter play the game she loves.
“That’s been her goal — to play at the next level,” Bobby Hatcher said. “I’d be proud of her no matter what, but it feels good knowing I get to keep watching her play. Go Hawks.”
