This year’s upperclassmen lead the way by pushing their fellow teammates to show up and give their best every single practice. The head coach has always pushed his players to have a winner’s mentality and use every practice to get better than the day before. This group has lived up to that expectation by finding a way to rise above some of the challenging situations they've faced throughout the season. This extremely talented group of players were able to take one game at a time and get better each day. These young men finished the season undefeated (7-0). The head coach always taught his players the importance of having good character and making good grades as well; it is not all about football! This group of players has made their coach and the schools very proud of how well they have represented their families, school system, and community. #issschools #varsityfootball #gomustangs

The Raiders from North Iredell survived a back-and-forth affair with J.H. Rose to win the 2022 3A State Championship in five sets. The victory was North Iredell’s third state title and first since defeating Chapel Hill in the 2017 edition.

Months prior to the win, Coach Dave Markland wrote the following about his team:  "In 2021, the North Iredell Volleyball Team walked off the court in Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of N C State University with the Runner Up Trophy in the NCHSAA 3A State Championship Match. Nine months later, all starters from this 2021 squad began the 2022 season with a renewed commitment, dedication and determination to return to Raleigh and make amends for the loss.

Included in this group are 6 very talented and very close seniors, 5 of which began their volleyball career together at the club level prior to coming to North. Once at North, they not only made the varsity squad, but became starters as sophomores and continued to play together on one of the top club programs in the Southeast. However, this year's squad is not just about the seniors.

Currently, 2 freshmen, 2 sophomores and a junior are in the 11 player rotation North uses each match and they also compete in club ball in the off season (as do all team members at North Iredell). The tremendous amount of time and hard work these young ladies have devoted to their training over the years, coupled with their genuine love for the sport and each other will give them a chance at winning the state championship."

And Coach was right as this North Iredell team proved they had the winning combination to win the 2022 3A Volleyball State Championship!

North Iredell holds off J.H. Rose in five set thriller
North Iredell (33-0) 25 16 25 23 15
J.H. Rose (28-2) 20 25 20 25 9