College of Coastal Georgia head volleyball coach Jeff Huebner has announced Samantha Brannen, a home-school graduate of Faith Baptist Christian Academy of Ludowici, has committed to play for the Mariners this upcoming season.

Brannen, the 5-foot-3 libero/defensive specialist, has earned the nickname Pocket Rocket.

“I don’t know if we have ever recruited a player with as much natural athletic ability as Brannen,” Huebner added.

At Faith Baptist Christian Academy, Brannen was a key contributor on the Crusaders team, as well as being named 2013 GICAA All-Region Varsity Volleyball player. Brannen also had a good season with the Southeast Volleyball Academy travel team out of Brunswick.

She will study nursing at CCGA and play defensive specialist for the Mariners.

“I hope to make an impact on others,” Brannen said.

“You have every physical tool to be the first and most important cog in our long term success of growth,” Huebner said.
“I will always believe in the best version of you,” the coach told his new player, “and I will always challenge you to give more, learn more and grow more. Do not tire of the struggle and you can be everything you have always dreamed of, as an athlete and as a person.”

Brannen’s mother, Traci Brannen, said, “Samantha has used her God-given talents to further her education and make her dreams come true. We are very proud of her accomplishments.

Samantha is the sixth of seven children. Her father is  Kenny Brannen.