Green Level is back on top of North Carolina high school volleyball.
The Gators captured their second consecutive N.C. High School Athletic Association 8A girls volleyball state championship on Friday, sweeping West Forsyth 3-0 at Campbell University to claim the program’s third title.
Green Level won 25-22, 25-22, 25-9, defeating the same opponent it edged in five sets in the 2025 state championship match.
The victory capped a 25-2 season for the Gators, who have now won state championships in 2021, 2025, and 2026. Green Level’s first title came in the 4A classification in 2021, when the Gators defeated Ardrey Kell.
Naja Thigpen was named the championship match’s Most Valuable Player, leading Green Level with 13 kills, nine digs, two service aces, and a solo block. Thigpen finished with a match-high 16 points.
The Gators showcased a balanced offensive attack throughout the championship. Zaida Bagaasen added 10 kills, while Summer Smelko contributed eight, and Lauren Eklund finished with seven.
Scarlett Taylor directed the Green Level offense with 33 assists, five kills, 10 digs, and two service aces. Madison Simmons anchored the defense with a match-high 21 digs.
Green Level finished with 47 kills and a .214 hitting percentage, compared to 19 kills and a .035 hitting percentage for West Forsyth.
The championship match was competitive early, with the Gators pulling out identical 25-22 victories in the first two sets.
The second set was particularly close, featuring 14 ties and nine lead changes before Green Level secured a two-set advantage.
The Gators took control in the third set, closing out the championship with a convincing 25-9 victory. Green Level hit .273 in the final set, while limiting West Forsyth to just two kills.
Smelko was recognized as Green Level’s recipient of the NCHSAA Sportsmanship Award. West Forsyth’s Ella Lamoureux also received the honor.
