Volleyball with Coach Allison Burchett / Student Perspective with Cody Rivera

In the first half of the show, host Gary Darby sits down with Allison Burchett, head coach of the Northwest Mississippi Community College volleyball team. Burchett reflects on the team's historic 2024 season, which included their first-ever MACCC championship and a 16-match win streak. She discusses the culture of hard work and team unity that drove their success, and previews the 2025 season with a mix of experienced sophomores and nine new freshmen. Coach Burchett also talks about the team’s upcoming exhibition matches, additions to the MACCC volleyball schedule, academic excellence among her student-athletes, and the growth of women’s volleyball across the state.

In the second half of the program, Darby visits with Cody Rivera, a returning Northwest student and orientation leader. Originally from Minnesota and now based in Southaven, Cody shares his journey as a first-generation college student and how Northwest has shaped his academic and personal growth. Majoring in biomedical pre-professional studies, Cody also discusses the value of Phi Theta Kappa, his involvement in campus theater, and how support from faculty and campus organizations has helped him thrive. He offers advice for new students and emphasizes how getting involved on campus transforms the community college experience.

Keywords: Northwest Mississippi Community College, NWCC volleyball, Allison Burchett, MACCC volleyball champions, college athletics Mississippi, student-athlete academics, volleyball exhibition matches, Cody Rivera, first-generation college student, trauma surgeon path, biomedical pre-professional, Phi Theta Kappa, NWCC orientation leader, campus involvement, community college theater, student success stories, northwestms.edu