Gadsden State volleyball player signs with Tuskegee University

Gadsden, Ala. — Gadsden State Community College volleyball player Ziniah Hardy is transferring to Tuskegee University after playing for the Cardinals for two seasons. She had a signing event Thursday at the Beck Conference Center.

 "Playing at the university-level has always been a dream of mine since the seventh grade," she said during the event with teammates, family and friends. "I'm so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to continue my athletic and academic career at Tuskegee University. I've worked hard for this moment, and I can't wait to get to work."

 As a defensive specialist, she has had 578 digs, 43 aces, 27 kills and 25 assists during her two seasons at Gadsden State.

 "Ziniah has been our main defensive player for the past two seasons," said Coach Courtney Brothers. "She is everywhere on the court. She brings the energy on the floor as well."

 During this season, Hardy was named to the All-Tournament teams for the Alabama vs. Mississippi Crossover Tournament and the Fall Bash Tournament. She was also named the Alabama Community College Conference Player of the Week on Sept. 26 for having 10 kills, 33 attack attempts, two kills and 35 digs.

 Hardy, who was a standout player at Southside High School before she came to Gadsden State in 2022, also excels in academics. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She was named to the ACCC Commissioners Academic Honor Roll and the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic Team.

 "Ziniah will be greatly missed but we are looking forward to seeing how she excels at Tuskegee both academically and athletically," Brothers said. "We know she will represent Gadsden State well. We are very proud of her."