The Carolina Forest High School boys volleyball team made history on Saturday, October 31, 2026, capturing the South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Class 5A State Championship with an impressive 3-1 victory over Rock Hill High School. For the Panthers, this championship was about much more than one game. It was the culmination of a four-year journey filled with hard work, determination, heartbreak, and an unwavering commitment to finish what they started.
The foundation for this championship was built four years ago, when this talented senior class first took the court as freshmen on the junior varsity team. In 2023, the SCHSL officially sanctioned boys volleyball for the first time, and the Panthers made an immediate impact, advancing all the way to the inaugural state championship match before falling to Dorman High School, 1-3.
The Panthers continued to build on that success in 2024, reaching the Lower State Finals before their season ended against Wando High School. In 2025, Carolina Forest earned another trip to the State Championship, only to fall to Dorman once again, 0-3.
But this group was not finished.
Entering the 2026 season, nine determined seniors returned with one goal in mind: redemption. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, including finishing as Region 6 runners-up, splitting matches with Socastee and suffering two losses to Wando, the Panthers remained focused on their ultimate goal.

The Road to the Championship -

The Panthers began their postseason journey in the first round against Cane Bay, earning a strong 3-0 victory to advance to the next round. Their second-round matchup brought an even greater challenge as they faced region rival Socastee in an incredible five-set battle. With both teams fighting for every point, the Panthers showed tremendous determination and resilience, ultimately securing a thrilling 3-2 victory to keep their championship hopes alive.
With a spot in the State Championship on the line, Carolina Forest traveled to Summerville for the Lower State Championship. The Panthers rose to the occasion, delivering another impressive performance and defeating Summerville 3-1. The victory punched their ticket back to the state championship stage for the third time in the program's four-year history. After coming up short in their previous two championship appearances, the Panthers had one more opportunity to finish their journey and bring home the title.


A Championship Performance to Remember

In Saturday's championship match against Rock Hill, Carolina Forest came out strong, claiming the opening set, 25-23. The Bearcats answered in the second set, battling the Panthers in an unforgettable showdown that ended 45-43 in Rock Hill's favor.
Rather than let the dramatic second-set loss shake their confidence, the Panthers responded with the composure and determination of a championship team. Carolina Forest took control of the match, winning the third set, 25-16, and closing out the fourth set, 25-17, to secure the 3-1 victory and the Class 5A State Championship!

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Top Row Left to Right
Trigg Roberts, Ishaan Patel, Hunter Jackson, Dylan Kyne, Tom Kyne, Noah Pettijohn, Lawson Finley, Chris Botse-Baidoo, Trey Wastler, Carson Sasser, Brayden Carr, Coach Walker

Bottom Row Left to Right
Coach Atkinson, Grayson Eden, Erion Tabaku, Tristyn Allen, Matt Baldiviezo, Coach Goody, Landon Snyder