Young Lake Norman beach volleyball stars gear up for national championships
Rising beach volleyball players Carmen Markel and Harper Willis dominate the sands in Lake Norman and expect to continue that energy at the USA Volleyball Beach National Championship in Virginia Beach this week.
The girls began their training on indoor volleyball courts in the second- and third-grades. But after shifting to the more difficult outdoor courts a year ago, the volleyball duo are now facing their first outdoor national championship.
Both 12 years old, the eager pair will compete in the 12U (youth) category in a two-on-two match beginning Wednesday, July 16.
“Volleyball is a team sport. Everyone has something to add,” Harper Willis told The Charlotte Observer. “We’re both really good at coming together.”
The girls say they know how to keep their cool during difficult serves. Now they say they’re excited to see how this mind set translates onto the Virginia Beach courts.
Early Beginnings
The emerging teammates grew up in the Lake Norman area — Harper is from Davidson and Carmen hails from Mooresville. Each has been deeply rooted in the world of volleyball. Each of the girls’ parents have experience coaching or playing volleyball on a collegiate level.
Harper’s parents, Chris and Leslie Willis, both have extensive athletic backgrounds. Chris coaches for Davidson College’s collegiate team, while his wife, Leslie, assists with coaching their daughter in the fast-paced game.
Leslie Willis works frequently with coach Kim Vinson to guide and develop both girls’ play styles.
“In our household, Harper thinks she knows it all, but on the court, she asks and understands my coaching,” says her mother, Leslie Willis.
The girls have never played with each other before this year, when they met for the first time at 704 Volleyball Club in Davidson, NC.
Head coach and private instructor, Kim Vinson, immediately noticed the passion and talent the girls had for the game. Harper plays the critical role as the team’s setter, while Carmen supports her as an influential pin hitter.
“They’re both excellent leaders. Harper has grown substantially in being able to run her offense. Her hands got quicker. Her feet got quicker and her confidence grew,” says Vinson.
“[Carmen] has always had a great swing and a great eye for the game,” says Vinson. “She just understands sports, she’s very competitive.”
According to their parents and coaches, both Carmen and Harper excelled during the difficult transition from indoor to outdoor volleyball. Vinson highlights why the sand, wind, and other outdoor conditions pose some of the difficulties that the pair might face in their upcoming match.
“The beach has an excellent way of teaching the girls,” Vinson said. “Their self-awareness and everything really translates on the court. [The girls] definitely will benefit in the game in the long run.”
On the road
Since then, the dynamic duo has continued to flourish, winning various titles, accolades and tournaments. Notably, the pair has receive an invitation to compete in the Association of Volleyball Professionals Junior National Championships, happening later in July.
“I’m definitely excited and grateful that we have a chance to go out there and play at such a big tournament,” says Harper.
“We’ve never been to this big of a tournament before.. Going to nationals is big opportunity, I’m excited,” says Carmen.
The USA Volleyball National Championship take place from July 16 through July 21. Carmen and Harper will compete on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
More on the USA Volleyball National Championship may be found here.
This story was originally published July 16, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
