Local News
Student-Athlete Spotlight: Keira Rosenmarkle
Keira Rosenmarkle is wrapping up her senior season at Union Pines, where she and her volleyball teammates have earned a fourth seed ranking in the state playoffs. This season, she celebrated reaching one of the biggest milestones of her career. Having played since eighth grade, she recently hit the 1,000-kill mark, a rare achievement for any high school player.
“The achievement feels like validation of all the hard work I’ve put in over the years,” Keira said. “Overcoming injuries and doubts to reach this point really boosted my confidence.”
This is Keira’s first year at Union Pines after transferring from Seaforth, where she played in the state championship last season, still one of her favorite memories.
“Going into the state finals my junior year was a big moment for me,” Keira said. “The adrenaline I had and being able to play in the NC State Colosseum was really fun.”
Now, she’s focused on helping the Vikings make a deep playoff run. “We’ve done great in conference play this year and defeated some tough opponents,” Keira said. “I really believe in this team. We have what it takes to go far.”
Video by Curtis Self/Sandhills Sentinel.
“Keira has been an amazing addition to the Union Pines Volleyball program,” said Coach Felicia Marks. “Coming in as a senior is a huge challenge, and Kei has fit right in with the girls! She is a great volleyball player who not only pushes herself but also pushes her teammates to be better every day. Keira is a great kid to be around and has brought her competitive spirit, positivity, and fun personality to our program! I am lucky to have the opportunity to coach her this season, and I can’t wait to see what else she can accomplish, not only this season but in her future!”
While volleyball is her focus this fall, Keira is also an accomplished wrestler, a sport she has competed in for eight years. “I love volleyball because it’s fast-paced and lets me meet so many new people,” she said. “But wrestling helped shape me into the competitor I am today.”
Her dedication to both sports has earned her impressive accolades. Among her biggest achievements are winning the Junior Olympics for wrestling at age 13 and earning a full scholarship to play volleyball in college.
“My parents are my biggest supporters and have always been there for me,” Keira said. “They’ve jumped through hoops to make things work for me, so I can chase my dreams. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Keira leans on her faith and personal walk with God for guidance and comfort. Her favorite verse is Psalm 45:10.
“My relationship with God is what helps me stay balanced through everything: volleyball, school, and life. Each one has his or her highs and lows,” Keira explained. “There are days when everything’s going great, I’m playing well, keeping up with school, and feeling confident. But there are also days when I feel overwhelmed, unsure, or not good enough. In those moments, I lean into my faith.”
After graduation, Keira will continue her athletic and academic journey at Liberty University, where she’ll play volleyball and study criminal justice to become a criminal investigator. “I’ve always been drawn to criminal justice since middle school,” she said.
Feature photo: Keira Rosenmarkle proudly wears a Liberty University sweatshirt, where she is attending next year. Contributed photo.
If you want to nominate a middle or high school student-athlete for this series, please email [email protected].
~Article by Curtis Self, a Sandhills Sentinel reporter and owner of Moore Daily Sports. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
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Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
Three people were arrested Thursday after Moore County Sheriff’s Office investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Bell Fork Road in the Heflin Mobile Home Park in Aberdeen.
Detectives conducted the search on Nov. 13 and seized suspected cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, multiple items of drug and marijuana paraphernalia, thirteen firearms, and more than $2,800 in cash.
Investigators arrested Jose Sanchez, 26, of Aberdeen, and charged him with felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance; possession with intent to sell and deliver cocaine; felony possession of cocaine; possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; felony possession of marijuana; two counts of maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances; and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was booked into the Moore County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Tabitha Sanchez, 56, of Aberdeen, was charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was held at the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and is also scheduled to appear in district court on Dec.10.
Brandy Grice, 50, of Aberdeen, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was committed to the Moore County Detention Center under a $5,500 secured bond and has the same Dec. 10 district court date.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
Two people were arrested in connection with a series of vehicle break-ins linked to a Felony Lane Gang operating across multiple states.
According to the Aberdeen Police Department, officers responded to OrangeTheory Fitness on August 4 after a vehicle was broken into and items were reportedly stolen.
“Investigators began following leads and linked the case to similar cases in Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Foxfire, Pittsboro, High Point, and Fuquay-Varina,” states the Aberdeen Police Department in a press release. “A multi-jurisdictional investigation began, and investigators verified suspects in this case were part of a Felony Lane Gang that was targeting vehicles at gyms across several states.”
Detectives identified the suspect vehicle as a rental car and located it at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Surveillance footage from a bank in Cary helped investigators identify Victoria Tudor, 48, of Raleigh, and Ethan Smith, 33, of Youngsville, as suspects.
Warrants were issued on September 26. Smith is facing charges of felony obtaining property by false pretenses, and Tudor is facing charges of felony conspiracy to obtain property by false pretenses. On November 7, officers with the Fuquay-Varina Police Department and the Raleigh Fugitive Task Force located the pair. Both were taken before a Wake County magistrate and received $5,000 secured bonds.
Police said the case remains open as investigators continue working with surrounding agencies to identify additional suspects.
All suspects and persons charged with a crime are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
To sign up for the free Sandhills Sentinel breaking news e-newsletter, please click here.
Via Aberdeen Police Department.
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