New volleyball coach excited to build program at CFCA

OCOEE — For years, Stacy Osborne’s brother, who lives in Oviedo, had been trying to lure his sister and her family down to Florida.

But, as a native New Englander, Osborne had plenty of roots in her Massachusetts community, where she was the head coach for Fellowship Christian Academy’s varsity girls team and also ran a club program, the Pumas.

Plus, moving a family of six children and her husband, Dean, would be no small task.

After a particularly harsh winter, though, and the realization the FCA would not be able to offer any boys sports because of low enrollment — a crushing blow to her two football-crazed sons, Eric and Jacob — the family decided to consider its options in the Sunshine State.

After sizing up several of the Christian schools in the region, Osborne said they just kept coming back to Central Florida Christian Academy.

“We just really liked CFCA,” Osborne said. “CFCA was the friendliest; it just seemed like a good fit for us.”

Of course, it didn’t hurt that CFCA happened to have an opening to lead its varsity volleyball program and that the other job offer she had received in the region was just for teaching.

So, Osborne’s brother finally got his wish as she and her family have relocated to the West Orange area, where she will now be bringing her experience as a former coach of the year in Massachusetts (2014 D3) to help lead the Eagles to new heights.

“It’s part of my DNA,” Osborne said of coaching, before assessing what she has seen so far of her program. “I have some strong hitters, I have some great defensive players, and I have some aggressive setters.”

Osborne hit the ground running as the new coach for CFCA, getting an early start with her new roster and working hard to create a culture of unity on campus. One adjustment for Osborne, though, is getting used to a higher level of play down in Florida — even within her own team.

“Even just seeing my own team, I was pleasantly surprised that I actually have some athletes,” Osborne said. “The competition is definitely more difficult down here.”

In two games during the first week of regular season competition, the Eagles faced tough teams in Legacy Charter and Windermere Prep and are 0-2 as of press time. Still, the program’s new head coach has taken a long view as she learns the scene in FHSAA’s Class 2A District 6 and who’s who around the Central Florida area. 

In the meantime, she is stressing unity among her players and has scheduled a spaghetti supper for the girls each week. A veteran coach, Osborne noted that if there is tension among the girls off the court, it will show up on the court. By keeping the team united and focusing on pressure situations in practice, the Eagles are optimistic to be hitting their stride once district competition begins on Sept. 15 with a home match against Pine Castle Christian.

“I’m really excited about this program,” Osborne said. “I definitely see potential with this group of girls.”

Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].