Middleburg-When Middleburg defeated Barron Collier to win the FHSAA Class 5A championship in 2023, head coach Meredith Forkum was just in her first year. She led her team to a 27-5 record and a state championship.
Now in year two, she faces the daunting task of managing high expectations and focusing her team on the objective of winning it all again. Well Tuesday was the start of that journey, and Middleburg picked up where they left off.
If it wasn’t impressive enough that Middleburg won the ultimate prize with a first year head coach, it was equally as impressive to know that they did so last year with several players who were coming back. Players like Brooke Forkum, Camden Rahn, Olivia Callipo, Kate Lowery, Ally Lowery, and Morgan Padgett all were team leaders in several statistical categories last year.
They defeated Providence in three straight sets to kick-off the 2024 season. The first set was won 25-12, the second 25-16, and the third 25-11. It was a convincing victory that showcased the talent and training that the team has put forth since November. There is no off-season in volleyball, and it showed last night as Middleburg played as a cohesive unit .
The defending Class 5A State Champions Middleburg Volleyball starts their 2024 season off with a 3-0 win over Providence! @Burg_Athletics pic.twitter.com/xm8QDTSZRI
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) August 21, 2024
Rahn controlled the net blocking potential kills from the Stallions. Kate Lowery spiked the ball with power, rocketing it passed would be defenders. Forkum did it all, from getting the crucial dig, to setting up crucial kill, to getting the crucial kill. Yet it wasn’t just these star athletes, it was an entire team effort.
It’s that type of unselfishness and teamwork that won it all for the Broncos last year, and what has led them to a1-0 start to this season. It’s amazing to think that the defending champs can actually be better than last year. They’ll certainly have a target on their backs every week, and will get everyone’s best. They face Spruce Creek today.
