Zimmick Promoted to Associate Head Coach, Hargreaves Named Recruiting Coordinator
COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina volleyball head coach Sarah Rumely Noble has promoted assistant coach Connor Zimmick to associate head coach and added recruiting coordinator to assistant coach Chanelle Hargreaves’ title, the program announced Wednesday. Both previously worked alongside Noble at Appalachian State from 2022-24.
In their first season with the Gamecocks, Zimmick and Hargreaves helped guide the team to two signature ranked wins over No. 25 North Carolina and Florida at the Carolina Volleyball Center. The 2025 squad also took a set from defending national champion Texas A&M and Final Four participant Texas.
“I am so happy to promote Connor to Associate Head Coach. He invests in our student-athletes on and off the court and is a great leader and role model. He makes our program better daily, and I am excited to watch his influence continue to impact our program and student-athletes.”
Zimmick oversaw the middle blockers during his first year at South Carolina, helping coach standout Emily Beeker, who started in all 26 matches during the 2025 season, recording a career high 113 blocks to average 1.18 per set. The Tennessee transfer etched her name in South Carolina history books during her lone year with the Gamecocks, ranking fifth in program history for blocks per set and 10th for total block assists. Beeker ranked amongst the best in the conference in blocks per set, consistently remaining in the top15 in the SEC and reaching as high as eighth. Under Zimmick, she set career records in blocks and kills to close out her collegiate career.
Zimmick also coached Ava Leahy, who led the team in blocks for eight matches and tied her career high for total blocks. The team reached a season high 15 blocks in its upset win over North Carolina.
At App State, alongside Noble and Hargreaves, Zimmick helped lead the program to its first Sun Belt divisional title and a 2024 NIVC Tournament berth, finishing 18-10 and contributing to 50 wins over three seasons. Under Zimmick’s guidance, Maya Winterhoff earned AVCA All-Region and First Team All-Sun Belt honors, leading the team offensively and ranking among the conference’s top blockers. Upon graduation, Winterhoff became the only mid-major player to be drafted to the MLV that season as a third-round pick by the Columbus Fury where she currently plays. Zimmick also played a key role in developing Sun Belt Freshman of the Year Elise Marchal, who transferred to South Carolina for her sophomore season.
Prior to Zimmick’s time with the Mountaineers, the 2018 Wisconsin graduate spent two seasons as an assistant coach for Butler and two at Kentucky where he served as the program’s graduate assistant, seeing the Wildcats advance to the NCAA Regional Semifinals both years.
“I'm excited about the future of Gamecock volleyball, and grateful to Jeremiah Donati and Erin Abbey, who have supported our vision since day one. I'm honored to continue building this program alongside Sarah and our entire coaching staff as we invest in our team, university, and the South Carolina community!”
Hargreaves oversaw the liberos during her first season with the Gamecocks in addition to leading the program’s recruiting efforts.
“Officially naming Chanelle our Recruiting Coordinator is an exciting step for our program! Her organization, investment and connection with recruits and their clubs has greatly impacted our recruiting efforts. I’m excited for the future of our recruiting with Chanelle leading in this space.”
In her first season with the Gamecocks, the team averaged 13.41 digs per set. Additionally, Hargreaves helped recruit incoming libero Maggie Penn, who was named 2025 Conference Defensive Player of the Year and helped lead her team to the 2025 North Carolina High School 1A State Championship title.
In her previous role at App State, the Mountaineers’ defensive unit averaged over 14 digs per set in each of her three seasons on staff, while also helping improve the teams serve receive numbers. The passing quality carried over to the App State offense, which posted two of its highest team hitting percentage totals over the last 10 seasons.
Hargreaves earned her degree in sociology from Florida in May 2020, competing on the volleyball team for all four years. During her time as a Gator student-athlete, Florida collected three SEC titles and made the national title match in 2017.
“I am thankful for the opportunity Sarah has given me here at South Carolina. Learning and being guided by Sarah who is the best in the business when it comes to recruiting, has been super beneficial to my growth in this role. I am so excited to continue to help recruit top end talent to Columbia! Spurs up!”
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