BE signing day includes top volleyball star to Pepperdine University
Sullivan Leonard played volleyball at Bishop England High School, a member of a program that has a rich history. The Bishops volleyball team has garnered 29 state championships, which is the most in South Carolina history and second all-time in the nation.
Now, she’s making history on her own.
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker will be the first volleyball player from the Palmetto State to play for Pepperdine University, one of the top programs on the West Coast.
Leonard chose Pepperdine, located in Malibu, California, over schools such as West Virginia University and Tulane.
“I just read that the other day,” Sullivan said of going coast-to-coast. “It’s going to be interesting because I live in Charleston, where all my friends are. It’s going to be hard, but the reward will be worth it.”
Leonard was one of 10 BE student-athletes who took part in a signing day ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 4. Nine of the signees were girls.
"I chose Pepperdine because I fell in love with everything about the school – even outside of volleyball – and could really see myself there," Leonard said. "The team's culture and connection with each other and the coaches is something.
“I highly value when it comes to being on a team and I am so excited to be a part of it when I get to Pepperdine,” she added. “I also liked how they compete and play at a high level, considering it's a smaller school, and how supportive the environment was."
The Waves get a player who has much success at the high school and club levels.
Leonard was a sophomore member of the Bishops’ state championship team in 2023. She tallied 480 kills, 212 blocks, 171 digs, and 49 aces in her three-year varsity career.
Leonard played club volleyball for SC Elite's 16- through 18- teams. She also played two seasons for MVP and one year for the 13 Palmetto Strikers. She was on the Supernovas and Stars Watchlist during the AAU Nationals 16 Open in 2023.
Leonard is one of three players who inked with Pepperdine during the early signing period. Wave coach Scott Wong had praise for Leonard.
"Sully is a good addition to the team as an attacking middle blocker that has the ability to be a formidable presence at the net," the coach said.
Like Bishop England, the Pepperdine program has a rich history.
The Waves have played in 26 NCAA tournaments since 1981 and is one of the most successful collegiate programs, winning 12 West Coast Conference championships. The team finished the 2025 regular season with a 21-8 record, including 15-3 in league play.
The Wave has produced top-shelf talent, including 21 All-Americans in six decades. Many of the players have gone on to play in The Olympics, including Kim Hill, a member of the U.S. team that won a gold medal in the 2020 Olympics, which were held in Tokyo.
BISHOP ENGLAND SIGNING-DAY STUDENT- ATHLETES
Langdon Blackstock, Volleyball, Nova Southeastern
Nora Brahim, Cross Country/Track, Samford University
Lindsey Burridge, Softball, Coker University
Ellie Chalupsky, Swimming, Arizona State University
Mia Devito, Swimming, Queens University
Quinn Mahoney, Football, Campbell University
Kate Moldenhauer, Lacrosse, Sewanee
Riley Young, Tennis, Rhodes College
Liz Brady, Soccer, Colby College