Each season, countless student-athletes hit the transfer portal looking for the perfect fit. For some it's a new beginning for others it's a final chance to reach their goals.

For Coastal Carolina graduate transfers Kibi Jae' Huggins and Becca Micelle, they each wanted one final season to compete for a championship title and be part of a culture that embraced them both as a woman and an athlete.

Huggins transferred to Coastal following a four–year career at Southeastern Louisiana in Hammond, La., a mere 45 minutes from where she grew up.

"This is my first time being away from home," Huggins said. "Being 15 hours away from my family is a jump for me, but from the moment I walked in, everyone welcomed me. I haven't felt out of place. They've accepted me for who I am. There's a family vibe."

Her connection to Coastal began with head beach volleyball coach Collin Wilson. Wilson worked on staff at Southeastern Louisiana during her junior season as associate head indoor volleyball coach and head beach volleyball coach.
 
"We won our second conference championship when he was there, and I built a relationship with him," Huggins explained. "After I entered the transfer portal, he reached out to me, and the conversations began. I didn't take an official visit; I just felt like this was going to be a home."

Coastal also evokes many of the feelings of home for Micelle, who spent the last three seasons at Clemson. A native of Naples, Fla., Micelle grew up in a small beach town, which was part of the appeal of Coastal.

"First of all, I like the culture of the program, and how the coaches were here and how involved they were with the girls," Micelle said. "I also like the winning atmosphere here. They win their conference, they beat big teams, and they have fun doing it.

"Then to be at the beach. The location is a huge reason why I decided to come here, and it's been so much fun. I've really enjoyed going to the beach as a team, and I like being in a more city-type atmosphere."

Both players have adjusted quickly to their new surroundings, thanks to an inviting environment that makes it easy to form instant connections.

"The girls here are a very close group, so it's been an easy transition," Micelle stated. "I've never been the new girl, so that's a little weird, but they've been very welcoming, and I like the girls a lot."
"There is so much to do here," Huggins said. "I never get bored."

Huggins and Micelle each have high expectations for the upcoming season with one goal in mind.

"I want to win a conference championship and make it to the tournament," Huggins stated.

As a veteran of one of the nation's top conferences, Micelle feels that the Chanticleers have what it takes to compete at a high level and bring a fourth Sun Belt title to Conway.

"We have a scrappier underdog mentality," Micelle said. "Everyone is pushing each other, but we're also supporting each other. We are all one team."

That team is built on different personalities and styles, particularly when it comes to leadership attributes and strengths.

"My attitude [is my biggest strength]," Huggins said. "I never let the game determine how I play or my attitude on the court. Whether we're up 10 or down 10, I'm able to keep my composure. I feel like if my teammates see me keeping my cool, then they know to keep theirs."

"I'm a very vocal player," Micelle said. "I've been playing for a while at high levels and developed a good volleyball IQ. I want to share what I've learned and be a loud and energetic teammate to help us be the best team we can be to win the conference."

The Chanticleers have won three Sun Belt championships in their first nine years as a member of the conference. The quest for a fourth begins Friday, Aug. 29, against Maryland.