Brianna Moore is one of three first year volleyball players to join head coach Bouaketh Chanthavisouk's Salem unit prior to the start of the 2020 campaign.
Moore, along with Macy Nelson and Kayla Smoot, make up the Class of 2024 for the Spirits volleyball program, which finished 14-14 overall and 10-6 in USA South Conference action last season.
Moore joined the Spirits after graduating from James B. Hunt High School in 2020. She was a two-sport athlete who played volleyball (four years) and softball (two years) during her four-year high prep career.
At the conclusion of her Warrior career, Moore had earned All-Conference honors in volleyball on two occasions (2018, 2019) along with being recognized as All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2017.
Moore's volleyball team captured a pair of conference championships, along with reaching the North Carolina High School Athletic Association volleyball tournament on four occasions, during the course of her career. Individually, the 5-foot-4 setter and defensively specialist was distinguished as Wilson County Athlete of the Week during her career as well.
In addition to competing for James B. Hunt High School, Moore played on the club volleyball circuit for seven years for Wilson Elite Volleyball Club under the direction of coaches Vicky Gentile, Robin Peityrk and Lindsay Sutton. She also made her impact in the classroom, earning National Honor Society honors while actively participating in Club Unify and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A constant competitor, Moore served as an athletic trainer for her high school football team and a swim instructor at the recreation department.
She recently sat down to discuss a number of topics concerning her career on-and-off the court and provided the following responses:
Name: Brianna Moore
Sport(s): Volleyball
Who inspired you to play this sport and why? I started playing volleyball in middle school. When I was younger I always aspired to be as good as April Ross or Carli Lloyd who both played for the USA, one beach and one indoor. Now Victoria Garrick inspires me with her career at USC and her podcasts and platform on body positivity.
Describe some of the things that you have done, while being away from campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, that have made an impact on your life. I have volunteer coached at a school in my hometown. I work at an Urgent Care clinic. I am working on getting my CNA level 1 and possibly 2. I have also caught up on my favorite tv shows.
Favorite Food: I love all foods, but my favorite has to be baked ziti or some good mashed potatoes and gravy.
Favorite Class at Salem: I love my Exercise Science classes!!
What is the one thing that you have learned most by competing in athletics that you apply in everyday life? Especially recently, don't take for granted the time you have with your sport and your team. Take advantage of every chance you get to touch a ball because you never know when it will be your last. Volleyball has also taught me how to win humbly and lose gracefully. Volleyball is a game of mistakes. You have to learn how to shake it off and move forward. You can't always win everything, even though that is the goal. You must accept every win with humility and learn from the losses and work harder. The same goes for life.
What do you look forward to most in taking the field for the first time at Salem?: I'm so excited to be a part of the team. I've already met the girls, but I can't wait to get on the court with them and just be a big family.
Intended major and any thoughts about your career once you finish college?: I plan to major in Exercise Science and minor in Biology and Coaching. Later I hope to get into PA school and be either a pediatric or orthopedic PA.
Superstitions that are in my pregame ritual: I normally braid my hair and then have my headphones on with my game day playlist.
How did you pick your jersey number: I have always try to get a number within my birthday. (10/19/01)
Favorite person to follow on social media: My favorite influencers are @victoriagarrick and @hannahbrown
If you could travel anywhere where would you go: I would love to go to Australia!!
What made you decide to attend Salem: I decided to attend Salem for the chance to get a high-level education while still playing volleyball. When I visited I felt very at home and surrounded by great teammates. Not to mention the campus is beautiful.