Abby Vendemia Named Head Women's Volleyball Coach

July 8, 2026

Cape Fear Community College Director of Athletics Ryan Mantlo has announced the hiring of Abby Vendemia as the next head coach of the Sea Devils Women's Volleyball program.

Vendemia enters her first season as head coach in 2026 after serving as an assistant coach since August 2023. A former Sea Devil student-athlete, she becomes the latest alumna to lead one of Cape Fear's athletic programs, bringing a deep understanding of the program's culture, tradition, and commitment to student-athlete success.

"Abby has been a tremendous asset to our volleyball program over the last several years," said Mantlo. "She understands what it means to wear a Sea Devil uniform because she has lived it. Her passion for our student-athletes, knowledge of the game, and commitment to building relationships make her the right person to lead our program. We are excited to see her continue the tradition of excellence that Cape Fear volleyball has established."

During her playing career from 2021 to 2023, Vendemia was a standout defensive specialist who helped guide the Sea Devils through one of the most successful stretches in program history. She was a member of the 2021 Region 10 Conference Tournament Championship team and the 2022 District Tournament Championship team, with both squads advancing to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament. The 2022 team also made history by earning the program's first-ever victory at the national tournament.

After concluding her playing career, Vendemia transitioned to the coaching staff as an assistant coach, where she continued to play an important role in player development, recruiting, and the continued success of the Sea Devils.

Away from Cape Fear, Vendemia serves as the Head Coach of the U16 team at East Coast Volleyball Academy, where she is dedicated to developing athletes' technical skills while building confidence, leadership, and a genuine love for the sport.

"As a coach, I strive to be the mentor, role model, and support system that I needed when I first began playing volleyball," said Vendemia. "My goal is to create an environment where athletes feel valued, supported, and confident knowing they have someone in their corner both on and off the court."

"I want our student-athletes to grow not only as volleyball players but as people. Success is about more than wins and losses. It's about building confidence, overcoming challenges, and preparing our athletes for whatever comes next."

Vendemia earned her bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Tourism, Recreation, and Sport with a concentration in Recreational Sport Leadership. She remains committed to professional development while continuing to invest in the growth of her student-athletes.

Originally from Snow Hill, North Carolina, Vendemia starred at Greene Central High School, where she earned 2A All-Conference honors as a senior before continuing her athletic and academic career at Cape Fear Community College.

Now leading the program that helped shape her as both a player and coach, Vendemia looks forward to building upon the Sea Devils' championship tradition while preparing the next generation of student-athletes for success on the court, in the classroom, and beyond.