MERRY HILL – One of Lawrence Academy’s most decorated volleyball players will continue the sports at the collegiate level.

Thursday morning, Ashtyn Mizelle, a senior at Lawrence, committed to Peace College where the All-Roanoke-Chowan Player of the Year will continue to play on the volleyball court.

“The decision to attend Peace College has been a long and hard one,” Mizelle said. “I had several choices of schools to attend as well as some to play volleyball. I played against Coach (Kevin) Daniels during travel ball and his coaching style is very similar to that of Coach (Ed) Clouse, which I admire.

“That was definitely a positive factor in my decision,” she added.

Mizelle was cut from the junior varsity volleyball team in seventh grade, but didn’t give up. She came back to give the sport her all and was rewarded for that effort.

She is a four-time All-Tarheel Independent Conference selection and was named to the Player of the Year in the league following her senior season.

Dr. Clouse, who coached Mizelle during her prep career at Lawrence, said she was an outstanding player and person.

“Ashtyn is one of those rare athletes that has the drive to become the best they can be and will do anything the coach asks of them to make the team better, even if it means sacrificing her own stats,” Dr. Clouse said. “Three years ago, she saw me jump serve and wanted to do it. She would stay after practice for 20 to 30 minutes to hone in her technique and used that serve about 80 percent of the time.”

It is largely due to that hard work and effort that she earned the opportunity to play at the collegiate level.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play volleyball at the college level,” Mizelle said. “I am thankful to those who have helped me make this dream come true.

“Coach Clouse is a great coach and I am thankful to him for helping me become an athlete that is able to compete in the college realm,” she added. “I learned so much from him about being an athlete – both physically and mentally. He also stressed the importance of being a good student both on and off the court.”

Mizelle said her family had been supportive and had helped her as she played volleyball in high school and in travel competition.

“My mother, Angela Mizelle, has been an inspiration, supporter and friend and we have traveled many miles so I could play volleyball,” she said. “I can’t forget my brother, Grantley Mizelle, and my aunt, Jackie Copeland. They are both certified teachers and coaches who have pushed me to be the best possible, regardless of any obstacles.

“My grandparents, Jack and Edith Williford, have always seen the best in me and pushed being positive and that hard work pays off,” she added. “Last, but not least, my dad, Harold Mizelle, has worked very hard for me to have any opportunity I pursued. All together, I have a great support team and hope to make them proud while playing at Peace College.”

During her senior season at Lawrence, Mizelle had an excellent statistical season. Mizelle became the season leader in kills (250) as she surpassed the previous mark of 229. Mizelle also became the all-time aces leader in a season with 169, shattering a record of 91.

The summer before that season, she was named Best All-Around during an invitation-only tournament held in Hawaii.

“I was so proud of any of Ashtyn when I got a call from Hawaii saying she received the Director’s Award for Best All-Around in the Volleyball High School national tournament,” Dr. Clouse said. “She is a team leader and if anyone deserves to be on an All-Star team, it’s Ashtyn.”

While at Lawrence, Mizelle also played basketball, softball and soccer.

Mizelle is the daughter of Harold and Angela Mizelle of Windsor.