Former Northwood volleyball star Cera Powell has found a new home to continue her college career.
Last weekend, the Chargers’ alumna announced she will transfer from Virginia Tech to the University of Connecticut for her fifth and final college season in 2023. The graduate senior spent the past four seasons with the Hokies, but the blanket waiver covering the 2020 Covid season means she can come back for a fifth year.
This past fall with Virginia Tech, Powell led the team in kills (283) and was named to the All-ACC Tournament team for the third time in her career. Powell — the older sister of Northwood junior basketball star Drake Powell — spoke with the News + Record back in September about her adjustment to the Covid year and how it affected her time in Blacksburg.
“All the years are running together,” Powell said. “We didn’t really have much time with our coaches before everybody was sent home. I think this past spring season (2022) really helped me understand what the coaches are looking for and really improve my game from their perspective and my own perspective. And it’s paying off now.”
Virginia Tech finished the 2022 season with an overall record of 11-18. The Hokies closed the year on a four-match losing streak and failed to make the NCAA Tournament. UConn, meanwhile, had a record of 17-14 overall and also didn’t make the NCAA Tournament. Powell should fit in nicely into a lineup that graduates its top player in kills from the past season in Caylee Parker.
Cera is one of three Powell siblings who either plays or will play college sports. Drake, a junior, is committed to play basketball at UNC, while Dedric “Deuce” Powell, the middle child of the three, played basketball at Louisburg College in 2022-23.
Cera told the CN+R earlier in the year that she is excited to see what her younger brother can do when he finally hits the next level.
“Growing up we were all UNC fans,” she said. “Both of our parents went there and it was the closest school nearby. We went to a lot of games growing up. It’s so cool watching him be able to achieve one of his dreams. It’s so cool. He worked so hard. Ever since he was a kid, he was always the hardest worker between himself, me and our other brother Deuce. We always knew he was going to do something big.”
Sports Editor Jeremy Vernon can be reached at jeremy@chathamnr.com or on Twitter at @jbo_vernon.