North Lenoir’s Brooklyn Payne Signs With Lenoir Community College Volleyball, Graduating a Year Early
LA GRANGE — North Lenoir’s Brooklyn Payne isn’t just graduating high school early—she’s taking her volleyball career to the collegiate level.
On Wednesday, Payne signed to continue her academic and athletic journey at Lenoir Community College, wrapping up her time at North Lenoir a year ahead of schedule. The junior standout has been taking all her current courses through LCC’s online platform, easing the transition as she prepares to join the Lancers full-time this fall.
"We are incredibly, incredibly proud to announce that Brooklyn has officially signed to continue her athletic career at LCC,” said North Lenoir head coach Heather Carson. “Her dedication, work ethic, and love for the game has been evident every time she's stepped on the court. Brooklyn has always been eager to help her teammates, and we cannot wait to see all the amazing things she'll accomplish as a member of the LCC volleyball team."
Payne said her decision was the result of years of determination and countless hours invested in the sport she loves.
“Honestly, when I was little, I always had a dream of playing in college,” Payne said. “I’m really proud of myself for going through with it and following my dream. This next chapter is something I’m incredibly excited about.”
That journey didn’t come without hurdles. Payne noted how COVID-19 disrupted her opportunity to play during middle school, particularly during her seventh-grade year. Still, she found her stride at 14 years old with Carolina Performance Volleyball Club, a turning point that helped fuel her passion and development.
“That club means everything to me,” she said. “That’s where I really fell in love with volleyball and started pushing myself.”
Despite the non-traditional path of graduating early, Payne says she feels prepared for the jump.
“I’m already taking all my classes through LCC online, so it won’t be a big adjustment academically,” she said. “But I’ll definitely miss my friends.”
She also took time to thank those who helped her along the way.
“I’d like to thank my mom first—she started coaching volleyball because of me and even became an assistant coach,” Payne said. “Coach Jorja Tuten and Coach Carson have also meant a lot to me. When things were hard, Coach Carson brought that sense of home and calm that I needed.”
Brooklyn’s mother, who’s been a front-row supporter throughout her journey, couldn’t hide her pride.
“Like every parent, I am beyond proud of everything she’s done—on the court and in the classroom,” she said. “She’s got amazing time management skills, she’s taking tough classes, and she’s preparing for a challenging field. She’s just amazed me every step of the way.”
Her final message for her daughter was simple but full of heart: “Keep reaching for the stars, never settle for less, and find happiness in every moment along the way.”
Payne will suit up for the Lancers next season as one of the youngest athletes on the roster, and the North Lenoir community will be watching closely as her journey continues just a few miles down the road.
