Key West reigned as queens of the court this volleyball season, defeating both Marathon and Coral Shores. The 10-7 Conchs’ victories included a quarterfinal win over Miami Central, but their season ended at the district semifinals against Reagan High. The team showed promise against larger schools, particularly in tournament play, and perhaps the most exciting aspect of the Conchs is their junior-heavy roster. Just two athletes will be lost from their roster to graduation, setting the stage for a very optimistic outlook in 2025.
Coral Shores began stacking up the wins in their season opener Aug. 21, then did not lose a match until October. The Lady ’Canes won 11 in a row, ending their season 12-2 with losses to Key West and Gulliver, a team that went on to the final four. The Hurricanes enjoyed one postseason victory in the FHSAA 3A District 16 quarterfinals, where they defeated Silver Palms, but their loss in the semis ended the magic season for the ’Canes, who graduate half their roster this spring.
The Dolphins did not fare so well during the regular season, picking up just three wins in the regular season and ultimately finishing 4-15 for the year. But the Lady Fins’ strength of schedule set them up for success at districts. In Marathon’s new FHSAA 1A Rural classification, the Dolphins earned a bye in round one, sending them directly into the semifinal match, which they won, giving Marathon a shot at a district title. The Dolphins lost in the district final match after winning the first set against Moore Haven, showing the new classification that Marathon is right where they need to be. To add to the list of things going right for the Fins, the team graduates just two seniors this season.
Basilica opened their doors to varsity competition in 2024 after a successful junior varsity run one year earlier. The Mariners ended their inaugural season with a 7-12 record, but were not eligible for postseason play as they are not yet part of the FHSAA or an independent conference. Basilica should have no problems picking up right where they left off in October; they did not have a single senior on their roster.
Player of the Year“
Audrey Smith
Junior, Key West
In her second season at the varsity level, Audrey Smith dominated every aspect of the game. The middle blocker set the tone for the Conchs, hitting above .300 in every match this season, a consistency head coach Kim Butler called “truly incredible.” Smith amassed 156 kills over her opponents, averaging .355 on the season in hitting. Defensively, she was credited with 60 digs and at the net she stacked up 25 blocks. With a service rating of 92.4% this season and 27 aces, Smith proved a major contributor in every facet of the game. Butler could not agree more, saying, “She has so much potential that she will be an unstoppable force next year, and I’m very lucky to get her for another year.”
Gabby Garcia
Junior, Key West
Key West’s Gabby Garcia was exceptional at the outside hitter position this season with 175 kills. The athletic junior’s serving was also on point, with 39 aces and a 92% serving percentage. She also amassed 220 digs and had a 2.2 serve-receive rating. “She is one of the most imposing players in the county and she continues to impress me with her growth of learning to manage her swings, serving and all-around consistent performance for us,” said Butler. “I can’t wait to see what she will bring next year.”
Reese Haggard
Senior, Key West
Setter Reese Haggard’s consistency was key to the Lady Conchs’ ability to run their offense. In addition to her 241 assists last season, the senior captain amassed 92 digs and a dozen kills with a .556 hitting percentage. Her greatest contribution to her team just might be her serving, though. “I absolutely loved starting each match with her serve,” said Butler. “She has a wicked serve that made teams get out of system and to finish the year with 38 aces and a 94.3% serving percentage is incredible.”
Molly McKnight
Junior, Key West
In her first year at the varsity level, Key West’s Molly McKnight made an immediate impact. The junior setter was credited with 88 digs and 151 assists and her play impressed Butler, who said, “Her setting flourished and she ran the offense well, putting our hitters in a good position to hit. Molly’s serve was also incredibly consistent with 16 aces and a 96.7 serving percentage.”
Sunisa Kuhn
Senior, Key West
Senior co-captain Sunisa Kuhn served as the Conchs’ libero this season, bringing a consistency the team depended upon for success. Credited with excellent passing skills, Kuhn enabled Key West to run its offense, and her strong serving skills often disrupted that of opposing teams. “She finished with 185 digs and her positivity and relentless work ethic made it a pleasure to coach her,” said Butler. “She will be missed next year.”
Elena Eubank
Senior, Marathon
Marathon outside hitter Elena Eubank’s feats of athleticism gave the Lady Fins a needed spark throughout the season. The tenacious senior was a power hitter, but her greatest attribute was her hustle. Coach Kelley Cruz described her as a key player in both attack and defense, calling her “an all-around amazing athlete and asset to any team.”
Jordan MacDonald
Senior, Marathon
Marathon’s Jordan MacDonald had an outstanding season for the Fins. The senior setter was integral in keeping the Dolphins’ offense running in top form. However, MacDonald’s greatest contribution to her team was intangible. “Her leadership capabilities only highlighted her abilities on the court,” said Cruz. “Jordan gives 100% effort no matter the situation.”
Celene Walker
Sophomore, Coral Shores
At outside hitter, Coral Shores’ Celene Walker was a force this season. Walker led the team in kills with 124 and was second in digs with 118. She also served up 31 aces and registered 13 blocks. “The most exciting thing to me is you could really see her improving throughout the season, and she’s only scratching the surface on the player I know she’ll become,” said Hurricanes head coach Jarrod Mandozzi.
Sofia Jans
Senior, Coral Shores
The ’Canes’ libero was first on her team in digs (150), serve receive rating (1.73) and serve rating (2.56). She also registered 32 aces and 36 assists. “Whenever we were in a tight game late and Sofia was coming up to serve, I was always so confident that she was going to go on a serving run to push us over the top,” said Mandozzi. In fact, Jans missed just seven serves all season for a whopping 95.8% serve percentage.
Niveah Howard
Junior, Coral Shores
Hurricane middle hitter Niveah Howard led the team with 38 blocks this season. Howard also stacked up 61 kills and had a 0.205 kill percentage. Coach Jarrod Mandozzi praised her for her well-rounded play, especially her work up front. “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
Senior, Coral Shores
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
Junior, Basilica School
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 Vogan
Seventh 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.
