As volleyball’s growth continues in Franklin County, scholarship opportunities are increasing as well.  For the second straight year, a Franklin County volleyball player has landed a scholarship.

Red Bay’s Madeline Ledbetter will continue her career on the court at Northeast Mississippi Community College this fall. She will be part of the school’s inaugural team under coach Brenda Mayes.

“I have loved being a part of Red Bay’s volleyball history, and now I have an opportunity to be a part of something special at Northeast,” said Ledbetter, a 5-foot-11 middle blocker. “I just feel so fortunate to have a chance to keep playing a game that I love.”

Ledbetter amassed some impressive stats in her junior and senior years for the Tigers with 588 kills, 202 blocks, 143 aces and 296 digs. She was a Times Daily All-Area Second Team honoree in 2021 and 2022. She earned All-Area honors both years. She was All-County in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Ledbetter was an integral part of Red Bay’s back-to-back Franklin County championships and two winning seasons defeating ranked teams, including Winston County and Mars Hill this season.

Ledbetter was coached in high school by her mother, Amanda Ledbetter.

“I am so proud to see all of Madeline’s hard work and dedication pay off, and I cannot wait to see her compete at the next level,” she said. “She is going to be coached by one of the best in the business, and I know this will only help her grow.”