WHAT PEOPLE SAY
TESTIMONIALS
THE SPOTLIGHTS ON YOU!
Individuals who have worked tirelessly to better themselves using the strategies, tools, and skills they have learned and implementing them into their everyday life, both on and off the court, often demonstrate remarkable dedication and resilience. Whether it’s in sports or any other aspect of life, such commitment and application of knowledge can lead to significant personal growth and achievement.
HONORABLE MENTIONS ‘2021’
“Payton made the South Carolina War Eagles Volleyball Club!! She would have not gotten here without you, and I truly thank you!!”
Peyton came to Grayhounds Coached but not taught, good at bad habits, unsure of herself with a great bit of insecurities in both her game and life! With much support from family and Coach Ray refusing to allow her to quit on herself, she gave in and with hard work and sacrifice it paid off! I am super proud of Peyton and this is encouragement and a reminder to all those who think about giving up….. DON’T!!!
“Grayhounds and Coach Ray has helped me with my confidence and reaching my personal goals. I love how he’s really tough but pushes me in a positive way. I like how I get to play and practice with girls who have committed to college and those striving to make the highest teams!” The best way to describe this young lady is, a Quiet Storm! She may not be the loudest but her game speaks volumes. Once she finds her voice and let’s that inner beast out, the attention and looks from coaches will be ridiculous. If Savannah “Savvy” Boyd continues at the rate she’s going, she will easily make Grayhounds Player of The Month in the near future.
PLAYERS OF THE MONTH ‘2021’
saiah 40:29 – “He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless”
“Grayhounds has helped me develop into a better overall athlete. I can now play every position on the court”
Jordyn began her volleyball journey at the tender age of 3. Jordyn is a two sport athlete (volleyball and basketball). At age 11, in just the 6th grade, Jordyn made the 14 National volleyball team at Carolina Juniors Volleyball Club (CJV). At the age of 12, in the 7th grade, she made the 16 National volleyball club at Queens City Volleyball Academy (QCVA). When Jordyn is not training with her club team, she trains and works out with The Grayhounds; on the college court. Jordyn’s vertical is already at 10-feet and standing reaching is 7′ 11″. She is determined to be like her older sister Raven and receive a full ride scholarship offer by the time she’s in the 8th grade. UNC Charlotte and University of Florida already have their eyes on her!
2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”
“Grayhounds has helped me increase my stamina, vertical and conditioning. I’m a better overall athlete as a result”
Raven began her volleyball journey at age 7. By 13, she made the 18’s National team at Club Storm and received her first full ride scholarship offer. Raven is a three sport athlete (volleyball, basketball, and track). As a sophomore, Raven was inducted into the 10-foot Club for outstanding athletes who jump 10 feet and over. She is ranked Top 5 outside hitter for 3A in volleyball, was selected All Region, All State, All Conference 2019-2020 and Player of the Year 2021. Raven is most known in the Volleyball world for standing up for her faith and refusing to accept several top Division 1 offers for her belief. In addition, she is a stellar student with a 4.2 GPA and the potential of graduating with an Associate Degree.
Congrats Raven, for committing to Winston Salem State University class of 2021
Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“Working with Grayhound Group, Coach Ray, and Coach Lewis has ultimately turned me into a collegiate volleyball player. They pushed me not only physically but mentally as well. The athletic training made me more effective and confident on the court. My coaches definitely recognized my increase in strength and athleticism. It also elevated my skills that wouldn’t have been possible without the sessions. With attention to technicality as well as the personal hands on training; it made me enjoy every session and want to come back.”
Olivia and Coach Ray’s daughter practically grew up together so you may here them refer to each other as cousins, is quiet, laid back and loves to talk politics. On the court however, Olivia is fierce, focused and there’s nothing laid back about her game. She is a beautiful soul both on and off the court and any program is blessed to have her on their roster.
Senior at Cox Mill
High school Class of 2021
Opp/MB47.7% for the season
Cox Mill varsity player of game
State Farm Insurance Western Region Sportsmanship Award
Queen City Volleyball Academy 2 seasons
CJV 1 season
Congrats Olivia, for committing to Hood College class of 2021
Hebrews 11:1 – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
“Training with Grayhounds has helped me believe in myself more, it has helped me get stronger physically and mentally, and training with you helped me be more clear and more focused on what I want, as for the future..”
Janelle “Nelly” is by far one of the hardest working, most dedicated and most consistent clients Grayhounds has EVER had; male and female, college and Pro! She trains 5 days a week with Grayhounds and 1 on her own, in addition to Club Volleyball and school ball. Janelle looks for opportunities to better herself, challenges her coaches to push her and is not afraid to try new things. What’s so impressive, is her work ethic and never wanting to be complacent. Good is never good enough for this young lady and Coaches are always at their best because she requires them to know what they are talking about. Nelly gets the Grayhounds Most Improved and Most Dedicated award!
Senior at Clover High School
Player of the month
Volleyball All Tournament Player
Player of the Month for September 2020
Student of the Month for October 2021
Congratulations Janelle, for committing to Western Carolina University
“It can be one day or day one”
“I’ve been playing volleyball since 2015 and training with Coach Ray since 2016. Training with Coach has aided me in many different ways, not just on the court but off the court too!I began as an outside hitter and though undersized, training has helped my vertical, timing, approach and blocking. I’ve been a varsity hitter since freshman year, All conference all 4 years, Conference Player of the Year sophomore through senior year. I play club volleyball and have been on the Elite team for 4 years as libero and backup outside hitter. I’ve trained with Coach through it all! His support has strengthened my mental game as well! Coach Ray has helped me develop mental toughness which allows me to miss a pass or kill and shake it off and be ready for the next one. He’s given me the best hands on athletic training I’ve ever experienced and pushed me to be my best. Coach Ray has made a very large impact on who I am as a player but most importantly who I am as a person.”
Anaiah is hands down the most versatile athlete Grayhounds has had the pleasure of training. She can play any position and does not shy away from any challenge. She is both physically and mentally tough and ready for any challenge at the next level.
Senior at Mountain Island Charter.
Congrats Anaiah, for committing to Eastern Carolina University class of 2021
“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do”- Derek Jeter
“Working with Coach Ray/Grayhounds really created the athlete I am today. I started working with Coach Ray the end of my 8th Grade year. I didn’t know who this loud energetic man was but I liked him a lot. He pushed me physically and mentally. The fact that he saw the potential in me and wanted me to continue working with him is crazy. I thought I would play volleyball to just stay active, but now I’m getting recruited by schools and playing on a national volleyball team. Going to Grayhounds trainings over the years is what really grew my love for volleyball. I made a lot of friends and my skill level grew super fast. I will always be grateful for Coach Ray and Grayhounds for the training and the personal relationships I got with the coaches and players. It’s not just growing your skill level it’s gaining another family and I’m very happy I got that.”
Ryleigh makes the recruitment process easy both because she’s an amazing athlete but equally smart. At just a junior, Ryleigh is doing things my College clients can not. She learns fast, is super motivated and asks the right questions. Grayhounds has spoken with countless coaches/schools on her behalf and the list just keeps growing. Watch out class of 2022!
All conference team for Sophomore & Junior year
Defensive MVP 2019
Congratulations Ryleigh, for committing to West Virginia State University!!
Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
“Training with Coach Ray helped me build up my stamina, helped me jump higher, helped me put on more muscle mass and become toned also built up my mental toughness. My Junior year we won the SPC championship. My senior year I was the captain of the team. Received interest from Division 2 and Division 3 Schools.”
You will find few that will work harder than Chris. He is driven, focused and motivated by competition and often times that competition is with himself. He stays hungry and is willing to do what it takes to get to the next level. While the competition slept, Chris was up at 6am on school days, would go to class and do it all over again after school. Any school he chooses to further his athletic and academic future will be fortunate!
Cox Mill High
Congrats Chris for committing to Sandhills College class of 2021
Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
“Working with Coach Ray not only made me a better athlete physically but also made me a better athlete mentally. I was able to gain my confidence back after I had lost it. Coach Ray’s workouts and lessons allowed me to see volleyball differently with techniques that bettered me on the court. Coach Ray treats every athlete as if he or she is his own. I could tell that Coach Ray truly believed in me and wanted the best for me which helped me to work harder in the long run. I am so grateful for the opportunity to train with Coach Ray!”
Emma comes from a super supportive, loving and athletic family who quickly welcomed the Grayhounds philosophy and Emma excelled first physically then mentally. We are so proud of Emma for putting God first and staying more focused on the outcomes then the process!
2019 Conference Championship
West Rowan High School
Twin City Volleyball Academy
Congrats Emma, for committing to Chowan University class of 2021
“No one ever made a difference being like everyone else”
“Coach Ray has always been the person in my corner cheering me on and believing in me during the hardest times. He pushes me and has definitely shaped me into a better player mentally and physically.”
Nyla is a well rounded, all around athlete that can do whatever she puts her mind to on the volleyball court. In one season, Nyla played every single position except Middle Blocker and did very well in them all! Nyla is focused, driven and motivated by naysayers. Her IQ and knowledge of the game puts her as Grayhounds up and coming player to watch for 2022! She is even more gifted in the classroom, holding a GPA over 4.0 with some of the top schools in the Nation already seeking her academically.
Lake Norman Charter High School
Coaches award freshman year and junior year
Defensive Player of the Year 2021
All-Conference 3A
Nehemiah 8:10 – “The joy of the Lord is my strength”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “ For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”
What Coach Ray and Grayhounds has done for me:
-Taught me how to have an athletes mindset.
-Helping me with self confidence.
-Taking me from not knowing how to play to being on a national team.
-Training me over the summer in the garage gym.
-Pushing me and challenging me every work out.
-Gives me drills to do at home.
-Makes time for me in Grayhounds practice and private lessons.
-Taught me volleyball and mental skills to benefit my game.
Thank you Coach Ray!!
I have yet to train an athlete that spends more time in the gym than Addie. Many come close but Addie takes the cake and eats it too! She is driven, knows what she wants, is eager to learn and is so hard on herself that she pushes the Coaches to challenge her. Addie is something special. She loves God, loves her family, loves volleyball and is not afraid to boast about all 3! Grayhounds is pleased to have this amazing athlete for a few more years before college and excited to see her growth and development both on and off the court!
Cannon School JV volleyball (starting outside)
CJV 16 National Adam (outside)
“Hard work will take you places where talent can’t”
“Coach Ray has not only helped me improve my vertical, strength, and speed, but has been a friend and supporter during my journey these past 2 years. My game massively improved after working with him and has allowed me to perform at my highest level.”
Sarah is an amazing example of hard work, great work ethic and dedication. Rare will you find another like her! She puts 110% in every workout and her resilience is second to none. I am pleased to have met her, humbled to have trained her and honored that of all the amazing trainers and programs in the Greater Charlotte Area, she chose Grayhounds! She is such an amazing spirit and I can’t wait to see her at Birmingham Southern and beyond! “You go girl!!!”
OH/DS
4A All State 2020
4A All Region 2020
North South All Star Team selection
Indian Land High School
Congrats Sarah, for committing to Birmingham Southern College class of 2021
Mathew 6:33 – “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
“Training with Coach Ray has been such a blessing for me! I’ve gotten stronger, faster, and more flexible. Each training session is a huge challenge. If there’s one thing I can count on when it comes to his training sessions, it’s that I will be pushed to my limits! You not only grow and get better physically, but you also gain a mental edge while training with Coach Ray. That mental edge will help all of us athletes excel and dominate in our respective sports. Each session I’m gaining so much confidence in my ability! Coach Ray is also an amazing encourager! He gives good feedback and only wants the best for his athletes. I wouldn’t want to train with anyone else!”
There is no better way to describe Brandon “Big B” then Beast Mode! B is not the first but definitely the most talented NFL prospect Grayhounds has had the privilege of training to date. Big B is a gentle giant but don’t you dare try to get in his way or tell him he can’t do something. That only makes him go harder. Good luck and congrats B!
Center/Guard Livingstone College
Potential Division II All American and NFL prospect
“Coach Ray and Grayhounds Sunday clinics have helped me improve my all-around skills I get to play against some of the best players around as well as older players so it’s a challenge for me. He invites local college players to come to his clinics and when we scrimmage it’s always so much fun because of the challenge. I have connected with so many new volleyball friends because of his Sunday clinic and I am forever grateful for that.”
Logan is a rare athlete with tremendous strength, courage and athleticism to name a few! She has no fear and is always up for a challenge. She constantly pushes herself mentally and physically and is being heavily looked at and actively recruited by more colleges than I can list. Logan is an inspiration to many younger athletes and is always willing to help and try something new.
CJV 16 Elite- Rightside Hitter
Leads club team in kills and blocks
ACVA Phenom List 2020-2021
Hopewell Highschool Varsity Volleyball
6-rotational outside
All Conference first team
2022 Division I recruit (undecided)
Romans 12:12 – “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
“Working with Coach Ray has made me a better athlete in every way. Training with Coach has increased my stamina and also helped my diet tremendously. Coach has supported me, even when I wanted to quit. He always motivated me and kept me on my toes. The Sunday training clinics have helped me enhance all of my skills because I am pushed past my limits. It makes me a better athlete at the end. I am truly grateful for getting to train with Coach Ray and The Grayhounds.”
Hannah has come a long way since day 1 of training. She has transformed her Brain, Body and Behavior to becoming the athlete she is today. Her transformation, however, did not come without sacrifice that Hanna still makes on a weekly basis. Hannah is dedicated and commited to doing whatever it takes and has literally worked her way into this month’s Grayhound of the month.
Outside and right side hitter
Hickory ridge JV (starting right side)
15 CJV semi-national
Psalm 37:4 – “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
“Coach Ray has helped push me as an athlete and given me the tips I needed to perform at my desired level.”
You will not find a more pleasant, coachable and positive athlete than Joy. She is an absolute pleasure to have on the court and in the classroom. Don’t let the quiet disposition fool you, this girl got game! Joy is calculated and has an amazing mind with the ability to change a negative situation positive with just her presence and her soft demeanor. Joy knows how to manage her time well and was able to achieve superior grades while playing Volleyball and Stanford is lucky to have such an amazing spirit attend their school. Remember her name because you will be hearing it real soon on a larger stage!
Charlotte Post Top Senior
National Honor Society Vice President
MVP of 2018 volleyball season
2nd place Lads to Leaders Debate Winner
All County Honors Orchestra
North Meck IB Nominee & Winner-Excellence in Science Award
Excellence in French Award-IB Diploma Candidate
Ranked within the top 10 students in her graduating class
Congrats Joy, for committing to Stanford University class of 2021
“Starting workouts with coach Ray really helped me stay focused on my goal and be the best volleyball player I can be. I truly believe that on a volleyball team, everyone gets to contribute to the success. However, there are moments where you have the ability to contribute to get the win. Recently, I was honored by being named Student Athlete of the Year. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy, but I was more happy about our team going undefeated!”
Ari comes from a huge athletic family, with the Grayhounds having the esteemed privilege to have trained all 3 of The Lopez girls and played Volleyball with their Dad. Show me anywhere Volleyball is being played in Charlotte and you will see Ari. She is a beast indoor, on grass and in sand. Ari loves the challenge and always plays up an age bracket because of her tremendous skills and work ethic. Ari plays every position equally well and though just in the 8th grade, she easily fits in and often outshines many of her high school peers!
“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”
“Prior to working with Grayhounds, I thought training was easy because I had never been pushed to that level before. After learning my lesson with Coach Ray, I humbled myself but now ask for the hardest workout he’s got, stopped getting comfortable and started putting in the hard work that most people run from!”
I’m not certain if there’s a word to explain how insanely hard Edafe works. He does not quit! I’ve seen him come to training hurt, throw up from working hard and jump right back into training like nothing happened. His aspirations are to play Pro and I have no doubt that if anyone gives him the chance, he will impress them as he has The Grayhounds! ETSU men’s soccer D1
Charlotte Eagles USL2
Defender/Forward
“Hard work will always beat talent. No pain, no gain!”
“Grayhounds taught me mental toughness and strategies on how to push through workouts that I didn’t know I could overcome. I gained confidence in my ability and learned the importance of consistency.”
Oreva is one of the nicest, most caring and humble athletes you will ever meet…until you have to play against her. Oreva knows what it means to get the job done! She wants the Set when the game is close, she wants to be in when her team is down, she is not afraid of any challenge and that is something that can not be taught. Oreva is hungry for more, eager to learn and Virginia Tech is fortunate to have her.
4 year high school varsity starter
All state
Congrats Oreva, for committing to Virginia Tech class of 2021
“Do or do not, there is no try”
“Grayhounds has taught me to always work my hardest in every drill because even the ones that might seem “childish” or “basic” always have a purpose. Every rep matters to becoming a better player. Grayhounds taught me to always be disciplined with everything I do, on and off the court. When a coach makes a correction, they are doing it to better you. It is up to you to have discipline to apply it to your game.”
Brooke both thinks and plays well beyond her years. She comes from an athletic family, so it’s not all that surprising but what stands out most about Brooke is that she is so humble and still doesn’t really know just how good she is! Every year since she’s played, she’s played at least one year above her age level. Grayhounds is proud to acknowledge Brooke as August player of the month!
Played Club for 5 Years
On Varsity as a Freshman
First Team All Conference
“No days off”
“Every training session I’ve ever done with Grayhounds over the years, I’ve left feeling like I grew physically and mentally. Coach Ray is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had because he goes hard for his girls!”
Let’s get right to the point…Raven Bailey is a BEAST!!! She has evolved as a player and was so serious about her training that she would drive almost 2 hours one-way to train. She can play almost any position and her ability to read the game has grown insurmountably. We are proud to announce Raven as August player of the month and can’t wait to see which school she chooses of the many that are after her. Stay tuned!
MVP
Most kills in Conference Sophomore Year
Sixth in Digs Sophomore Year
Second in Digs Junior Year
First Team All Conference
Contender for All Region
“You are the greatest project you will ever work on. “
“Grayhounds has helped me lose weight to become a faster middle “
Taylor is a quiet humble young woman of few words, but her game speaks for her! Taylor has come a long way, with the greatest growth seen in the area of Mental Toughness. Taylor has developed a hunger for the game and where she would previously shy away from a challenge, she’s now one of the first to accept it! Congrats Taylor and The Grayhounds can’t wait to see what you do at the next level. Sky’s the limit. Keep rising!!!
All Conference for 3 years of high School
Congrats Taylor, for Committing to Eastern Connecticut State!
Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ which strengths me”
“Grayhounds is strengthening me physically as well as helping me developed mental toughness which translates on the court and gives me more confidence to use my skills to go after my goals of helping my team win the state title and one day playing in college!”
I will never forget the day I stepped into West Virginia State University gym to meet a team of athlete’s and campers as athletic and diverse as they were/are! Among the most talented of Campers that day, was Gabby Elliot. A standout undersized but powerful 5’8″ young lady who could jump out the gym and play any position. She asked questions, talked with Coaches for tips after every drill and outworked even some of the college players. Gabby is special and will be talked about and heavily recruited by her Junior year. Stay tuned!!! No. 1 Freshman in West Virginia State Double A
No. 1 in Kills Cardinal Conference
No. 1 Freshman in Double A with 213 in 17 appearances
No. 1 Freshman in Blocks Double A
No. 1 Freshman in Digs/passes Double A
No. 1 Freshman in Aces Double A
No. 2 Outside Hitter overall Double A
No. 2 in hitting percentage Cardinal Conference
Invited to play overseas AIST VOLLEYBALL
“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.”
“Coach Ray has helped to develop my skills in volleyball and helped me develop in life. He built my confidence on and off the court. Coach Ray showed me my worth as a volleyball player and that if I put the work in, I can accomplish anything I set out to do. I am so grateful to have a Coach like Coach Ray that is truly invested in his players and ensuring they succeed!”
We are really proud of you Ashlyn! Her perseverance, positive attitude and will to fight is amazing. She has been through a lot, which only made her stronger mentally and physically and forced her to become the player and person she is today! She’s not afraid to work and is extremely coachable. Salem College is lucky to have you!
National 16s and 17s setter
KMHS Athlete of the Week across all fall sports – 2020
KMHS Student Athlete award – 2018/2019, 2019/2020, 2020/2021
4.5 GPA
Ranked 6th out of 334 in class
Honor Roll every year in school
Junior Marshall
Beta Club
National Honor Society
Senior Representative
Author of a children’s play that was selected by a community theatre as part of their performance season (working to get it published) – 2021
Volunteer for Special Olympics of NC
Coordinate and lead a fundraising drive every February to benefit children in foster care system (collection of donations, coordinating delivery of donations to local DSS/churches, etc)
Congrats Ashlyn, for Committing to Salem College!
Proverbs 3:5-“Trust in the Lord with all your Heart and lean not on your own understanding!”
“Work Hard in Silence, let Success make the Noise!”
“My parents were referred to Coach Ray when I could barely serve under handed. Coach Ray has been there for me from the beginning. He has not only taught me the fundamentals of volleyball, he has helped develop my mental toughness. Coach Ray critics, corrects, and nurtures everyone the same way… with tough love. This tough love has made me the type of Student Athlete who can handle the pressure that comes along with stressful moments life and volleyball will often bring. Coach Ray has definitely helped prepare me for those moments. Coach has also shown me what fair and equal treatment looks like in this sport. I have never experienced him showing favoritism to anyone who trains with the Grayhounds. Each and every player is required to earn every opportunity within the Grayhounds program. Lastly, I would like to say Coach Ray has pushed me beyond what I thought I was capable of accomplishing. He helped me find my voice on the court and provided me the confidence I needed to get better. For those who listen and trust him, Coach Ray will bring the best out of you. My family and I will forever be grateful to Coach Ray for his time, knowledge, and willingness to help those who train with the Grayhounds.”
Hands down one of the hardest working and humble girls in the business!!! If you know Kyndal, you know this to be true! It is because of her quiet disposition, non-confrontational and positive character that she is often overlooked…but please Kyndal, never compromise who you are and I can’t wait to see where your work ethic takes you!
Accomplishments
2020- Cox Mill JV Player of the Game vs Ashbrook
2019- CUVC Regional 14(u) Player of the Tournament Mt Airy NC
Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
“Coach Ray has helped me so much through my volleyball career when it comes to serving, defense, hitting, you name it.. and he was there. I’m so grateful for all he has helped me with!”
We are so proud to see Marianna grow right before our eyes. She has literally gone from not believing she was good enough and wanting to quit Volleyball to now knowing her worth and looking for a perfect college fit for her. She plays Sand in the Summer and uses school ball as training for Club season! Hard work definitely pays off and if you don’t believe it, talk to Marianna!Maintaining straight A’s while keeping her spot on Varsity
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
“Coach Ray has helped me in my overall growth and development in volleyball. His passion for the sport of volleyball had a great impact on my love for the sport. Coach Ray introduced me to great coaches that have helped me in my volleyball development. Coach Ray continues to encourage and support me through my volleyball career!”
Look up the definition of humble, and you will see a picture of Jada! The crazy thing is, she has no clue how good she really is yet, has not yet come into her own and is nowhere near her full potential. Jada is super coachable and a pleasure to to see in action on the court. I can’t wait to see what she does this year and Grayhounds is humbled to say we had some part in her growth!
All- State
All- Region
Principal Scholar