HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker College men's volleyball team will hold its first-ever home match on Thursday, and the ceremonial first serve will come from Alton Bryant.

"I am so excited to give back to the organization that has given so much to me," Bryant said. "Also being able to represent veterans at Coker College is a great honor."

Bryant is a senior business major in the Adult Learners Program for Higher Achievement program at Coker College. He is a 24-year veteran of the United States Army. Bryant retired from active duty as a Sergeant First Class in 2004 and resides in Columbia, S.C., where he serves as a diesel mechanic instructor at Fort Jackson.

"We are very pleased that Alton has accepted our invitation to give the first serve," vice president of athletics and facilities Lynn Griffin said. "Having a veteran kick off our men's volleyball program is such an honor for our college and the athletic department."

The Cobras will be looking for their first win in program history Thursday when they take on Pfeiffer University at 7 p.m. The match is a 'CobraFANatics' event, so fans are encouraged to wear yellow.

For more information, contact Chris Dougherty, manager of athletics media relations, at 843-383-8018 or cdougherty@coker.edu.

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Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.