Today's Chanticleer Alumni Spotlight showcases Leah Hardeman, a member of the Coastal Carolina volleyball program from 2014-17 and part of the inaugural beach volleyball team from 2016-19. In her time in Conway, the native of Clarkson, Ga., played in 123 career indoor matches where she was a two-time Sun Belt Player of the Year, a two-time Big South Player of the Year, and etched her name atop of the record books as the all-time career kills leader in Coastal Carolina history.

On Dec. 1, 2017, during the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament versus No. 9 Creighton, Hardeman set the school record with 1,811 career kills as she passed Chelsy Kimes' (2007-10) former mark of 1,807. The future Chanticleer Hall of Famer wrangled multiple records in her four years on the hardwood and left an indelible mark on the CCU volleyball program for many years to come. Notably, Hardeman's resume includes being the only four-time AVCA All-Region selection and the only four-time conference player of the year in school history.

For more information on Leah, please continue reading the Q&A below.

Where are you living now and what are you doing?
I am living in Clarkston, Ga., with my mother, and every summer I come home to workout and train in preparation for the upcoming volleyball seasons. I also take time to work at a children's summer camp, tutor my niece, and lend a hand at Coach Forman's Coastal Volleyball Camp!!!

Did you know you always wanted to do what you are doing professionally?
Playing professional volleyball has always been a goal of mine. Playing for coach Forman helped prepare me mentally on how to play for foreign coaches. I learned how to perform under pressure which he always enforced. That, in turn, made me fall in love with the business of professional volleyball.

How did your time as a student and student-athlete at Coastal Carolina prepare you for your career and life after college?
Being in college requires you to learn how to be independent, especially as a student-athlete. You learn how to juggle and prioritize multiple responsibilities. Playing on a team unknowingly prepared me for adversity because I played with many different girls from around the world. Of course, you learn how to manage time well - aka those 7-minute naps in between sessions or classes!

When was the last time you had been to campus? How has the campus changed?
2019! There was always something new every year. I was also on the beach volleyball team so I played on the sand court in Tradition Hall too, before we hosted our first tournament over at our five new sand courts. Coastal Carolina is always rebuilding and remodeling the campus to benefit their students and make the place look beautiful.

What originally attracted you to Coastal as a student-athlete?
Coach Forman's focus on making his team a family and his involvement with his players' lives off the court. Although, the first year I was overwhelmed with how much he cared about us. We had so many team bonding events, weekly Monday check-ins during the offseason, and JoJo just randomly stopping you on campus to talk. I wouldn't want it any other way because that built a friendship with the coaching staff and teammates that allows me to talk to them today.

What are some of your most memorable moments from your time as a student-athlete at Coastal?
Funny to say but the best moments for me were the summer camps when we would have to come up with a skit for a talent show. Everyone is silly and relaxed, not under pressure from school. Those were the best times for me, as well as the championships and winning the awards I did but those don't come as a surprise when you've worked hard for them. Just being silly and carefree with my teammates was the best.

How often do you keep in touch with your former teammates?
I seriously talk to at least one of my former teammates once a week. The older we get the busier we are but there's always a teammate somewhere I can count on for a quick chat.

What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I practice yoga, mediation, or a dance session.

What advice would you have for the current student-athletes at Coastal?
Find a hobby outside of volleyball that's something I failed to do while playing. That's something I'm still working on. I started my yoga practice while playing my first season of professional ball, because watching Netflix on my downtime isn't working. Hobbies help you channel in your creative mind that normally isn't triggered during practice/games or classes.