Apopka Blue Darters

Players to watch: The Blue Darters lost some of last year’s key players to graduation, but the vast majority of 2015’s team is expected back this season. They include middle-blocker seniors Abby Weaver, Lynsy Warren, Alexa Barrel and Alley Herbert, as well as defensive specialist/outside hitter Shequilla Hicks, who will also be a senior.

Outlook: Under Coach Jamie Lillethorup, Apopka had a strong season that culminated in them beating Wekiva in the district semifinal before losing to West Orange in the championship. The team also beat Boone in the regional semifinal but again got beat by West Orange for that title. With the FHSAA expanding volleyball and basketball from eight to nine statewide classes beginning in 2016, the team will now play in Class 9A instead of 8A, but their path to the championship should remain the same.

Boone’s Sydney Ritten

Boone Braves

Players to watch: Nearly half of Boone’s 2015 squad graduated at the end of last season, which means that returning and new players will have plenty of opportunity to shine this year. Coming back as seniors are middle blocker/opposite hitter Albany Alexander, opposite hitter/outside hitter Sydney Ritten, setter Chloe Frye, outside hitter/defensive specialist Delaney McCabe and setter Nicole Lakman.

Outlook: The Braves were district champions in 2015, beating out University and Timber Creek for the honor before losing by one point to Apopka in the regional semifinals. With so many of last year’s players not coming back, though, it could be a rebuilding year for Coach Niccole Lucas’ team.

Colonial Grenadiers

Players to watch: The Grenadiers are looking forward to a lot of returning talent, with senior players including defensive specialist Genesis Munoz, libero/defensive specialist Kamila Aleman, defensive specialist Ashley Lebron, outside hitter/opposite hitter Julia Richardson, defensive specialist/libero Keysha Gotay and middle blocker Regina Buehler. Also set to return are juniors Kayla Remi and Alondra Rivera and sophomore Angel Keiths.

Outlook: “The girls’ volleyball team was in a transition period and had its struggles in 2015, experiencing some early season success, but they failed to get out of the first round of district play,” says Colonial Assistant Principal Lisa Karcinski. “Look for the girls to have a much improved season as they return a majority of their young varsity team.”

Cypress Creek Bears

Players to watch: Per Coach Aysha Nickels, returning starters Nashally Eleutiza, Alondra Ramos and Adriana Castro will play key roles on this year’s team. In addition to providing leadership to the squad, these ladies will also strive to push Cypress Creek volleyball to new heights.

Outlook: After beating Dr. Phillips in last year’s district semifinal, the Lady Bears came up short against Olympia for the title. Per Nickels, “We will be looking to build on last year’s district runner-up placing.”

Dr. Phillips Panthers

Players to watch: While Dr. Phillips didn’t earn any titles in last year’s FHSAA competitions, they have some talented players returning to take them further in 2016. They include defensive specialists McKenzie Tracy and Fabiola Ribas, setter Laura Misko, libero Kelly Gauger, and outside hitters Julia Osuna, Mallory Porcher and Morgan Grillier.

Outlook: The Panthers’ girls’ volleyball squad underperformed somewhat in 2015, losing out to Cypress Creek in the district semifinals. It will take improved play and possibly some new talent for Coach Lindsey Carter’s team to bring home better results this year.

East River Falcons

Players to watch: With the graduation of Shelby McCulley at the end of last season, the Lady Falcons lost one of their best players, which isn’t going to make 2016’s tough road to glory any easier for them. Still, the squad hopes to see improved play from select returners, and they’re always hopeful about what freshmen can bring to the team.

Outlook: Playing in the state’s second FHSAA class tier, East River didn’t have much luck in 2015, but they started to heat up a bit as the season progressed. With the right moves on the part of players and coaching staff, a serious run for the district title is a possibility.

Edgewater Eagles

Players to watch: Liz Pamphile, Edgewater’s most heavily recruited player, will return to the Lady Eagles for her senior year. She’ll be joined by most of last year’s team, so there are few roadblocks in their way as they start 2016.

Outlook: “I’m really excited to go into our third season after winning two district championships the past two years,” says Edgewater Coach Ciara Jones. “We have most of our team returning with a top-heavy team with upperclassmen, and we’re looking forward to a lot of leadership on and off the court. Looking to go very deep into the post season this year.”

Evans Trojans

Players to watch: The lineup for the girls’ volleyball team at Evans won’t be set till closer to the start of the school year, but they are hoping that some returning players will be able to provide guidance and leadership to new additions and other younger players.

Outlook: There’s no denying that the Trojans had a painful 2015 season, recording only one win all year and making no headway at the district semifinals. The path forward certainly won’t be easy, especially as they’ll still be playing in the FHSAA’s top tier despite the addition of a ninth class, so the coaches will have to look for ways to maximize new and returning players’ abilities.

The First Academy Volleyball

The First Academy Royals

Players to watch: Senior Brynna Deluzio and junior Matti McKissock, who both play setter, will return this season. Also expected back is Deluzio’s fellow senior Laney Green, who plays libero.

Outlook: “This season we are ‘rebuilding’ to a certain degree,” says Coach Haley Malone, who had some seniors graduate in 2016 and a few students transfer to other schools. “But I will never count us out of making a run for a state championship; these girls won’t quit, no matter the circumstances. We will be a strong defensive team this season, that is for sure.”

Freedom Patriots

Players to watch: Returning 2015 players to this year’s Lady Patriots squad are expected to include seniors Elanor Dunlap and Caitlin Frank. The school is also hoping to welcome back juniors Arianna Colon, Olivia DeLucci, Hannah Holland, Yazmin Jimenez, Meghan Mora, Emily Ortiz and Jenesis Soto. Accordingly, they should have a very experienced team.

Outlook: “The Freedom High School girls’ volleyball program is working with a lot of new opportunities,” says Coach Bobby Lansing. “With four returning varsity players and a new coaching staff, the team is excited for the season to start. Teamwork and taking advantage of individual strengths will be the key to their success.”

Hagerty Huskies

Players to watch: The Huskies are expecting many returning stars, including libero/outside hitter/defensive specialist Heather Kelley, outside hitter/defensive specialist Sydney Smith and libero/defensive specialist Gabriela Dombek. Kelley and Dombek are coming back as seniors, while Smith will be a junior.

Outlook: The Hagerty girls’ volleyball team enjoyed an outstanding 2015 in which they claimed their district’s title, but they weren’t able to advance in regionals. Thanks to returning starters and an additional year’s experience for other returners, Coach Juanita Hitt’s squad should be able to maintain their current level of excellence.

Jones Tigers

Players to watch: The Tigers aren’t ready to announce 2016’s roster yet, but you can bet that there will be some familiar faces. The real question is whether those returners will be able to provide the level of competition and leadership needed to help their team succeed this season.

Outlook: If there’s one word to describe the Lady Tigers’ fortunes in 2015, perhaps the best choice would be “dismal.” Under Coach Whitney Brogger, the squad didn’t record a single win, so any victories will lead to an automatic improvement over the preceding year.

Lake Brantley Patriots

Players to watch: While Lake Brantley Coach Miriam Campbell can’t be happy about losing approximately two-thirds of her squad to graduation after last season, she can at least look forward to building 2016’s team around a nucleus of experienced players. Many of them will be seniors, too, including setter Brittany Luke, outside hitter/defensive specialist Torey Sanotlin, outside hitter Halle Cuff, setter Britany Luke and middle blocker Kai Nichols.

Outlook: The Lady Patriots struggled last season, particularly against district opponents, so it should come as no surprise that they didn’t come close to taking the district championship. It wasn’t for a lack of heart, though, and Campbell will be looking to maximize experienced returners’ capabilities while figuring out the best roles for newcomers to play.

Lake Highland Highlanders

Players to watch: With the graduation of only one senior, Tristin Kott, who will be attending Yale in the fall to continue her volleyball career, the Highlanders will rely heavily on leadership from their three seniors as well as their main point scorers, junior Taylor O’Neal and freshman Cierra Jenkins.

Outlook: “Without a doubt, the Highlanders volleyball team is a close-knit family that continues to allow their athletes to learn lifelong lessons through the sport, to offer opportunities to challenge themselves and teammates, and to give back to the younger generations of volleyball,” says Coach Erin Fleming. “The Highlanders are ready to face the 2016 volleyball season and power through any obstacles that stand in their way.”

Lake Howell Silverhawks

Players to watch: The Silverhawks have some key seniors coming back for 2016, including team captain and outside hitter Miranda Kagolanu. Other seniors set to return include middle blocker Shanika Klett, middle blocker Madalyn Youngblood and setter/captain Alexis Baer, who has verbally committed to Monroe College in New York.

Outlook: “We won districts last year and will work hard in preseason and regular season to compete for the district title again,” says Coach Vicky Hilbert. “We are replacing five seniors from the class of 2016. Our new team will be fresh, energetic and competitive. This group has a lot of pride and dedication to our program and each other.”

Lake Mary Rams

Players to watch: “With seven players returning, we are hoping this year will be Lake Mary’s best year yet,” says Rams Coach Katie Donoghue. Those returners include seniors Melissa Elias, who plays setter, and Alexandra King, who plays libero. Per Donoghue, King’s discipline, determination and ability to command the court make it hard for opponents to score on her, while Elias possesses unrivaled decision making and quality of sets.

Outlook: “We are lucky to be a part of one of the best districts in the state,” says Donoghue. “Playing at such a high level of competition demands our team’s very best. We have strong senior leadership this season, and my coaching staff and I are looking forward to working with both Melissa Elias and Alexandra King in our quest of our school’s first state title.”

Lake Nona Lions

Players to watch: The Lions have a lot of talented, seasoned seniors returning in 2016, and they should go a long way toward helping the team take another shot at the district title. They include outside hitter/setter Madi Ragsdale, middle blocker Karina Pressoir, defensive specialist/ libero Courtney Rosa, outside hitter Leslie Seda, libero Jeysa Velez and middle blocker Halle Williams.

Outlook: After an outstanding regular season, Lake Nona came up short against Hagerty for the district title, but did get some revenge on the other team during regional quarterfinals. Coach Heather Hansen and her players are surely eager to get back out on the court to start a new run for district glory in 2016.

Lyman Greyhounds

Players to watch: According to Coach Robert Drake, returning players to watch this season include senior Megan Lane, who’s an outside hitter for the team. Other big names expected back are libero Madison McCurdy and outside hitter Lindsey Sachs, both of whom will be juniors.

Outlook: “After finishing 15-10 last year, which was the first winning season in a long time,” says Drake, “we think we can improve on that and finish in the top 4 or 5 in a tough conference.”

The Master’s Academy Eagles

Players to watch: “We have two returning players that are looking to continue their volleyball career in college,” says Eagles Coach Marisela Brown, referring to Stacey Hellman and Olivia LaSalla. Brown says that Alex Chapin and Hayley Goodrich will also help bring in athleticism and consistency, and great potential can be seen in 6’ freshman Karley Baringer.

Outlook: “There is a lot of potential and excitement for this upcoming season when it comes to our volleyball program,” says Brown. “Our schedule is more challenging this year to give us the preparation that we need to compete in the tough district division that we are in. With the mixture of experienced upper classmen and younger incoming volleyball players, we have a bright future to turn the course of our competitive nature within our program.”

Oak Ridge Pioneers

Players to watch: We’ll have to wait till closer to the new school year to find out who will be playing for the Lady Pioneers this season. Expect to see at least a couple of girls from last year’s team back again, with the hope that they’ve gained in skill and determination since 2015.

Outlook: Oak Ridge had a rough outing in 2015, winning no games on the road or against district opponents, and winning only one home game all season. Accordingly, Coach Rashonda Quarterman’s first order of business will be trying to find a way to use existing and incoming players to record a few more notches in the win column.

Ocoee Knights

Players to watch: Returning senior Shanelle Coleman should be the Lady Knights’ top player in 2016, and she’ll be looking to make the most out of her senior year. Other returners won’t be set until later this summer, and the possibilities presented by incoming freshmen are always boundless.

Outlook: Ocoee was another local team that didn’t make much of a mark in Class 7A, District 5 competition last season, but they’ll be eager to make a serious play for the title this year as they move into Class 8A. It won’t be easy to accomplish that goal, but Coach Cathy Edwards-Lee and her team are up for the challenge.

Olympia Titans

Players to watch: The Lady Titans’ top returning players are set to include outside hitter Johnna Shamley, middle blocker Gabby Nye and outside hitter Alix Polk, all of whom will be juniors. Also back for 2016 are senior Morgan Given (opposite hitter) and sophomore Mya Wilson (middle blocker).

Outlook: “Olympia returns six of seven starters that went 21-7 from last season’s district championship team, losing just two seniors,” says Coach Mitch Sadowsky. With so many returning stars, a successful defense of their title is definitely obtainable.

Oviedo Lions

Players to watch: Oviedo will see nine returners on this year’s varsity roster, and several young players coming in should make an impact early on. Key returners include outside hitter Rileigh Powers, setter Madison Cook and Madison Salvatoriello, all of whom will be sophomores.

Outlook: “I have high expectations for this group in 2016,” says Coach Jen Darty. “We are still very young, but my returners gained a lot of experience playing at a high level last season. Our success will be determined by how hard they are willing to work and how well they come together and play as a team.”

Seminole Seminoles

Players to watch: A few of last year’s players were lost to graduation, but most of the team will be back and looking to expand on 2015’s successes. Returning seniors include setter Kathryn Whelton, defensive specialist Kaitlyn Ajmani, outside hitter Amy Fickas, defensive specialist/libero Lauren Labuhn and outside hitter Jolesia McClenton. Returning juniors should include setter Carly Block and opposite hitter Elyse Moorehead, with middle blocker Burgundy Walters coming back as a sophomore.

Outlook: The Seminoles had a very respectable outing in 2015, but they were unable to bring down Winter Springs in search of their district title. With so many key members of last year’s team slated to return, though, we’d expect Coach Jill Conk’s squad to fly high this season.

Timber Creek Wolves

Players to watch: Most of the Timber Creek team that made a run for last year’s district championship is expected back this year. Two of the biggest stars—literally—will be 6’ Fabrizia Wade, who plays middle blocker and opposite hitter, and 5’11 Erica Chenard, who plays middle blocker and opposite hitter. Both will be seniors, and they’re expected to team up with juniors Riley Sauers, Brooke Phillips and Savannah Pesante, among others.

Outlook: The Lady Wolves had mixed results in 2015, winning about as many games as they lost, and they weren’t able to claim the district title. The good news for Coach Cameron Stevens and Timber Creek fans is that the team has a load of experienced players coming back, and they should be capable of more this season as a result.

Trinity Preparatory Saints

Players to watch: The Saints will turn to returning players Lauren Cameron and Kat Garvey for offense and leadership. The team will also see the return of Cori Gray, who’s coming back after missing all of last season with an ACL tear, and she’ll be eager to surpass the more than 150 kills she had as a freshman.

Outlook: Trinity Prep returns two seniors to a team that only had five upperclassmen last year, and they’ll be looking to build from last year’s 17-11 campaign that ended in the regional quarterfinals. The team has a tough schedule ahead of them, but they are committed to working hard, getting better and having fun as a team.

University Cougars

Players to watch: Like some other Orange and Seminole County schools, University’s volleyball roster won’t be set till later this summer, but the school does hope to retain some returning talent. Freshmen are encouraged to try out for the team, too, as every dominating senior player started out as a neophyte just a few years earlier.

Outlook: Although the Cougars won about as many games as they lost in 2015, they were still far from being a title contender. Together with returners and newcomers, Coach Christine Richardville will try to figure out a successful game plan for this season.

Wekiva Mustangs

Players to watch: Most of last year’s Wekiva squad graduated after the season, but given their so-so fortunes in 2015, that could actually be a good thing. Returning players who are looking to make a mark this year include setter Dasia Fisher and outside hitter Destiny Tippins, who will both be juniors.

Outlook: The girls’ volleyball program at Wekiva has lots of room for improvement this year given 2015’s lackluster regular season and lack of success at the district championship level and beyond. Look for new players to make big waves as Coach Caitlin Pilling tries to move them forward.

West Orange Warriors

Players to watch: Three returning juniors should have a big impact on the Warriors’ fortunes this season. They include outside hitter Makayla Heidelberg, who led last year’s squad in kills and aces and was a top-5 Class 8A player in 2015; libero Sydney Bowles, who led the team in digs; and middle blocker Baylor Bumford, who led the team in blocks.

Outlook: “We are coming off the most historic season for the West Orange volleyball program, with a 26-4 record and our first regional finals appearance,” says Coach Ross Usie. “With hard work and the right mindset, we could make history again this year.”

Winter Park Wildcats

Players to watch: Sasha Moore, who returns as a fourth-season senior, is expected to stand out as a key player for the Wildcats. She is a 6’2 dual-sport athlete with exceptional versatility, and she can contribute for six rotations. The team will also look to sophomores Emily Jordan and Bella Ahearn to add some power to the offense.

Outlook: “The Winter Park High School volleyball team will be competitive in the 2016 season,” says Coach Stephanie Gibson. “The future is bright, and 2016 should be exciting for the Wildcats volleyball team.”

West Orange’s Makayla Heidelberg

Winter Springs Bears

Players to watch: Not only were the Lady Bears dominant in district, regional and state play last year, but most of that squad is set to return. Seniors alone are expected to include outside hitter/opposite hitter Tiana Small, middle hitter/opposite hitter Elsa Peterson, defensive specialist Lizzy Pelletier, defensive specialist Makenna Sink and libero Sydney Vach.

Outlook: We didn’t intentionally save 2015’s champions for last, but that’s the way it worked out thanks to the Lady Bears ranking at 1st place in their district, region and Class 8A state competition. Expectations will be huge for this coming season, but we’re sure that Coach Kim Vach and her girls will be up to the challenge.