4th Annual Jessica Ramsey Memorial Volleyball Tournament tips off Saturday at LCC

On Saturday, August 12th, Lenoir Community College will host the 4th Annual Jessica Ramsey Memorial Volleyball Tournament at Bobby Dawson Court inside the gymnasium on campus.

Eight high school varsity girls volleyball teams will be competing all day at a chance to take home the tournament championship.

Admission for the tournament is $7 and the proceeds will go to the Jessica Ramsey Memorial Scholarship fund.

Ramsey, a former South Lenoir High School junior, was found on Feb. 5, 2018 with a gunshot wound to her head at the family home on Bryce Hardison Road in Deep Run. Ramsey succumbed to her injuries and died two days later.

Her stepfather, Lathan Thurman, was eventually convicted of involuntary manslaughter on March 3, 2021, receiving a suspended sentence and probation, according to North Carolina Department of Public Safety.

Ramsey was adored by many and her love for volleyball and her Blue Devils.

South Lenoir Head Volleyball Coach Madison Harvey, whose Lady Devils will be competing in the tournament for the 4th straight year, states she doesn’t foresee the Devils not participating as long as the tournament is held.

“As long as I’m the head coach and the tournament is being held, South Lenoir Lady Devils will be entered in,” said Harvey. “She was my cousin, I mean, we pulled her jersey number. We will not allow any of our volleyball players to wear the number 14, and that is to honor her and her legacy.”

The tournament marks the unofficial beginning of volleyball season for area teams.

“The teams that participate, all play at a high level, and we want that,” Harvey said. “The competition level gets better every year.”

The 2022 reigning conference champion Lady Devils know the importance of this game, not only because of Ramsey’s legacy, but the games prepare them for the vigorous conference schedule.

“Our conference is brutal and besides them, the teams participating are some of the better teams we will face this season,” said Harvey. “The first games, they get a little frustrated, but I tell them they are playing the best competition early so they will be ready come conference play.”

Event organizer and LCC Athletic Director Shelly Barnes is proud of what this tournament has become and the recognition and comfort it has brought to the Ramsey family.

“This event was meant to help raise money for a scholarship in Jessica’s memory,” said Barnes. “That was the original idea and we are in our fourth year.”

The tournament has been a huge success, to the point Barnes has had to turn schools away. “We want it to be a very competitive event, and it has been so far. We are just thrilled with the turnout each year and are honored to be the host for the event again.

The first game will begin at 9am at Bobby Dawson Court and will last as long as it takes. Admission is $7 per person and parking is free.

Teams planning to participate are:

South Lenoir High School

Farmville Central High School

Perquimans High School

South Johnston High School

Arendell Parrot Academy

Neuse Charter High School

Richlands High School

Harnett Central High School