This volleyball season, Key West dominated the court, defeating both Marathon and Coral Shores. The Conchs’ season ended in the district semifinals against Reagan High, despite their 10-7 record, which included a quarterfinal victory over Miami Central. The Conchs’ junior-heavy lineup is arguably their most intriguing feature, as the club demonstrated promise against bigger schools, especially in tournament play. There will only be two athletes left on their roster after they graduate, which bodes well for 2025.
After winning their season opener on August 21, Coral Shores went undefeated until October. After losing to Key West and Gulliver, a team that advanced to the final four, the Lady Canes finished the season 12-2 after winning 11 straight games. The Hurricanes’ one postseason win came against Silver Palms in the FHSAA 3A District 16 quarterfinals, but the Canes’ magical season came to an end when they lost in the semifinals. This spring, half of their roster will graduate.
As a result of their poor performance during the regular season, the Dolphins only managed three victories and finished 4-15 overall. However, the Lady Fins’ schedule advantage positioned them for district victory. The Dolphins received a bye in the first round of Marathon’s new FHSAA 1A Rural classification, which sent them straight into the semifinals. They won, giving Marathon a chance to win a district title. After defeating Moore Haven in the opening set, the Dolphins lost in the district final, demonstrating to the new classification that Marathon is exactly where they should be. The fact that the Fins are graduating just two seniors this season adds to their litany of positive developments.
Following a successful junior varsity run the previous year, Basilica opened their doors to varsity competition in 2024. The Mariners finished their first season with a 7–12 record, but since they are not yet a member of an independent conference or the FHSAA, they were not eligible to compete in the postseason. Since Basilica didn’t have a senior on their roster in October, they should have little trouble continuing where they left off.
Player of the YearKey West’s Audrey Smith Junior
Audrey Smith dominated every facet of the game during her second season on the varsity team. Head coach Kim Butler referred to the middle blocker’s consistency as “truly incredible,” as he hit above.300 in every game this season, setting the tone for the Conchs. Smith averaged.355 in hitting for the season and recorded 156 kills against her opponents. She accumulated 25 blocks at the net and was credited with 60 digs. Smith demonstrated a significant contribution in every aspect of the game this season, with 27 aces and a service rating of 92.4%. Butler agreed, stating, “I’m very lucky to get her for another year because she has so much potential that she will be an unstoppable force next year.”
Key West’s Gabby Garcia Junior
With 175 kills this season, Key West’s Gabby Garcia was outstanding at the outside hitter position. With 39 aces and a 92% serving percentage, the athletic junior’s serving was likewise excellent. In addition, she had a 2.2 serve-receive rating and 220 digs. She is among the most formidable players in the county, and her development in controlling her swings, serving, and overall reliable performance for us never ceases to wow me, Butler said. I’m excited to see what she has in store for us next year.
Key West Senior Reese Haggard
The Lady Conchs’ ability to manage their offensive was largely dependent on setter Reese Haggard’s dependability. The senior captain finished the previous season with 92 digs, 12 kills, and a.556 hitting % in addition to her 241 assists. However, her service may be her biggest asset to her team. “I really enjoyed her serve at the beginning of every match,” Butler remarked. She finished the year with 38 aces and a 94.3% serving percentage, which is amazing. Her nasty serve forced opposition to break their game plan.
Key West’s Molly McKnight Junior
Molly McKnight of Key West made an immediate impression during her first year on the varsity team. Butler praised the junior setter’s performance, saying, “Her setting flourished and she ran the offense well, putting our hitters in a good position to hit.” The junior setter finished with 88 digs and 151 assists. Molly’s serve, which included 16 aces and a 96.7 serving percentage, was also quite reliable.
Senior Sunisa Kuhn, Key West
This season, Sunisa Kuhn, a senior co-captain, was the Conchs’ libero, providing the stability the team needed to win. Kuhn was praised for her outstanding passing abilities, which allowed Key West to operate their offensive, and her powerful serving abilities frequently interfered with the opponents’. It was a pleasure to teach her because of her positive attitude and unwavering work ethic, Butler said, adding that she finished with 185 digs. Next year, she will be missed.
Senior Elena Eubank, Marathon
Outside hitter Marathon Throughout the season, Elena Eubank’s athletic exploits provided the Lady Fins with much-needed energy. The persistent senior’s biggest quality was her hustling, even though she was a powerful batter. Coach Kelley Cruz called her an all-around outstanding athlete and a valuable member of any team, describing her as a significant player in both offense and defense.
Senior Jordan MacDonald, Marathon
Jordan MacDonald of Marathon had a fantastic season with the Fins. The senior setter played a key role in maintaining the Dolphins’ offensive efficiency. The most significant contribution MacDonald made to her team, though, was intangible. Cruz claimed that her leadership qualities only served to emphasize her skill on the court. Jordan always puts out his best effort.
Coral Shores sophomore Celene Walker
This season, Coral Shores’ Celene Walker was a formidable outside hitter. Walker finished second on the team in digs (118) and first in kills (124). In addition, she had 13 blocks and served up 31 aces. The Hurricanes head coach Jarrod Mandozzi stated, “I think the most exciting thing is that you could really see her improving throughout the season and she’s only scratching the surface on the player I know she’ll become.”
Coral Shores’ Sofia Jans, Senior
In digs (150), serve rating (2.56), and serve receive rating (1.73), the Canes libero was first on her team. She also recorded 36 assists and 32 aces. Mandozzi stated, “I was always so sure that Sofia was going to go on a serving run to push us over the top whenever we were in a tight game late and she was coming up to serve.” Jans actually had an incredible 95.8% serve percentage for the season, missing just seven serves.
Coral Shores’ Niveah Howard Junior
With 38 blocks this season, Hurricane middle hitter Niveah Howard lead the squad. In addition, Howard had a 0.205 kill % and accumulated 61 kills. Her well-rounded play, particularly her work up front, was commended by coach Jarrod Mandozzi. Niveah was absolutely dominant at the net this season and the exciting thing is she s still really learning and the sky is the limit for her, he said.
Lily Hitchcock, Coral Shores, Senior
In her senior campaign, Lily Hitchcock was a force on both sides of play, but her steady leadership was vital for the Hurricanes success. Statistically, her numbers were great of course, finishing second on the team in kills with 88 and almost 100 digs on the season, but the stats really don t tell the whole story, said Mandozzi.
Gloria Slavik, Basilica School, Junior
Basilica School s inaugural season was a positive one due in part to the Mariners setter, Gloria Slavic. Her play on defense was paramount in the team s successes. Coach Robert Wright described both her athleticism and heart as incredible, adding, Gloria is the team captain, is the player with the highest court IQ and regardless of the score, never quits on a point.
Uma VoganSeventh grade, Basilica School
Even with an abbreviated schedule, Basilica School s Uma Vogan amassed upward of 150 kills this season for the Mariners. Though just a seventh-grader, the team s middle blocker looks every bit the part of a varsity athlete and plays like one, too. She had more blocks individually than the rest of the team combined, said Wright, who knows he just might have a superstar in the making with Vogan.
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