It’s the mid-season mark for most teams, and this year as provided some intriguing matchups in volleyball. The intrigue has come from teams that are some of the best in the state, as well as the introduction of new teams that have surprised traditional powerhouses with wins. We check out the Top 25 in Volleyball here in Northeast Florida.
#1. Middleburg (12-3)-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. Several players came back like Brooke Forkum, Camden Rahn, Olivia Callipo (407 assists), Kate Lowery, Ally Lowery, and Morgan Padgett whom all were team leaders in several statistical categories last year. They are doing the same this year as Forkum leads the team with195 kills, Padgett with 35 aces and 212 digs, while Rahn and Kate Lowery both have 16 blocks on the season.
Key Win: Ponte Vedra
#2. Bishop Kenny (11-3)- Kenny is once again one of the best teams in the area. Olivia Ryno leads in kills (161), Ava Myers leads in blocks (27), Caroline Snyder 259 assists, Alexis Sowers leads in digs (211) and aces (31). The Crusaders have beaten the local teams that they should like Fleming Island, Creekside and Bartram. Yet Middleburg, and Ponte Vedra remain as big tests for them.
Key Win: Fleming Island
#3. Ponte Vedra (10-3)- The Sharks fell to Middleburg in a 5-set battle of the bests. However, the Sharks are still one of the top teams in Northeast Florida. Leah Grall has100 kills, Avery Webb has 197 digs, Haydin Froehlich 198 assists, Lily Keeley has 36 blocks. Players like Avery Meide, and Ryan Murphy are prime time, complimenting ones like Webb who also has 23 aces on the season.
Key Win: Providence
#4. Mandarin (6-0)-Senior Paige Wind has been on fire to start the season for her team. She has led Mandarin in kills with 123 in just seven sets played. Isabella Gomez leads the team in assists (156). The Mustangs have started out 6-0, looking to repeat their early season success from last year where the team started the season 8-0. Julia Howard leads the team with 42 aces and 197 digs. Naylim Andrews, Ashley Blair, and Rayna Joquin (17 blocks leads team) all have contributed mightily. They are the front runners for the Gateway Conference this year with Fletcher on their heals. They defeated the Senators 3-2 already in the season.
Key Win: Fletcher
#5.Fletcher (11-1)- Once again the Senators are one of the best teams in the city and representing the Gateway Conference well. Katie Issendorf is a star on the court with 217 kills. Keely Pou and Lila Waite are tied with 25 aces. Pou has been the ultimate assisting compliment with 465 assists. Karleigh Tiglao has 26 blocks, and Addison Hilton achieved her 500th dig of her career. Fletcher dominated the Gateway Conference for years, and is still an elite squad. But now Mandarin is a strong opponent, and considerable opposition to their purple reign.
Key Win: Fleming Island
#6. Beachside (11-2)- Molly Van Deusen has 35 aces on the season. Isabella Taveras has180 digs, Erica Duffy has 176 assists, and Adriana Jeanpierre has 165 kills to lead Beachside’s multi-faceted attack. The Barracudas are one of the surprise teams that will sneak up on you and beat you. Just ask Ponte Vedra.
Key Win: Ponte Vedra
#7. Creekside (12-4)-The Knights have put together a very good season led by Vivian Scuteri with 156 kills, and 39 blocks. Killian Burnett has 228 digs, and 28 aces. Lindsay Hopkins has 424 assists. They’re top players do a lot for the team, and so far have been able to lift them to important victories.
Key Win: Fleming Island
#8. Fleming Island (12-6)- Fleming Island has played one of the hardest local schedules in 2024. Fletcher, Middleburg, Bishop Kenny, Creekside are all opponents that they’ve faced and fell to. Still, wins over Tocoi Creek, Bishop Snyder, and Orange Park define a tough team in a tough season. Emily Topp (102 kills, 44 blocks), Hazel Williams (35 aces), and Bailey Montgomery (220 Digs) all lead the team. Williams achieved her 1000th assist of her career.
#9. Bishop Snyder (11-6)- A unique mixture of opponents has made the Cardinals a well balanced team. Natalie Harvey has 161 kills, Faith Kennedy has 51 aces and 402 assists, Nina Bordinca and Harvey lead with 30 and 29 blocks respectively. Gabriella Ann Michael leads with 199 digs. That balanced attack will keep them fresh down the stretch of the season.
#10. Wolfson (9-0)- Rounding out our Top 10 is the Wolfpack of Wolfson. Their schedule hasn’t been the toughest, but they have done what is asked of them and that’s win. Wins against Orange Park, and Oakleaf. Leaders are Bella Shaffer (60 kills), Mae Abernathy (21 aces) and 112 assists, Ava Farcas (17 blocks)(77 digs).
#11.Providence (10-4)
Isabela Lopez 219 kills, Emma Clifton 30 aces and 356 assists, Julianna Baskin (27 blocks), Addison Shaw 152 digs
#12.Tocoi Creek (8-5)
Gracie Gorman 117 kills and 31 aces, Mckayla Stockwell 26 blocks, Melanie Carey 168 digs, and Vanessa Shevchenko 343 assists
#13.Episcopal (12-8)
Alexis Galani 198 kills, Quinn Edwards 51 aces and 20 blocks, Lacey Reed 266 digs and 336 assists
#14.Orange Park (6-8)
Ryanne Robinson 182 kills and 155 digs, Miley Lloyd 26 aces, Ansley Nicholas 183 assists
#15.Baldwin (14-2)
Olivia Hartung 63 aces, Grace Gottberg 138 kills, Kendall North 23 blocks, Tynlee Jarrell digs and 316 assists
#16.Duval Charter (18-4)
#17.Columbia (10-6)
Sinei Wood 81 kills, Avery Sandlin 27 aces and 118 digs, Kayla Goodloe 17 blocks, Mylie Fernandez 212 assists
#18.Bartram (10-8)
Kailee Borgmeyer 187 kills, Kate Piekarczyk 30 aces and 213 digs, Zoe Buchanan 50 blocks, Abby Johnson 390 assists.
#19.Bolles (6-12)
Sophia Albaugh 238 kills, Lily Adams 31 aces and 532 assists, Sally Cleland 39 blocks, Penelope Kavalieros 316 digs,
#20.Atlantic Coast (9-7)
#21.Yulee (6-9)
Kaveri Harris 178 kills, Ella Currie 49 aces and 298 assists, Marie Hillman 310 digs,
#22.First Coast (9-4)
MARKAYLA SMILEY 80 kills 37 blocks and 64 aces, JADA-EVE CLAIBORNE 142 digs, PAIGE ABBOTT 197 assists
#23.Union County (10-7)
Jailyn Simmons 180 kills, 67 blocks and 35 aces, Bella Johns 276 digs, Kamryn Southerland 185 assists
#24.Baker County (7-2)
Sadye Harvey 32 kills, 7 aces, Baleigh Shields 17 blocks, Ava Marlow 91 digs, 68 assists
#25.Trinity Christian (8-11)
Amaria King 289 kills, 212 digs, Ariel Ross 25 aces and 253 assists, Tyauna Williams 37 blocks,
