Spike season: Girls high school volleyball is back

The 2024 girls high school volleyball season in West Orange and Southwest Orange, yet again, will bring title-contending teams, college-level players and a heap of interesting storylines to keep an eye on. To get ready for the season, here are three things you need to keep an eye on in 2024.

RIVALRY RENEWED

Last season saw something that had never before happened in the history of West Orange and Southwest Orange girls volleyball: Olympia High beat Windermere High. The Titans actually ended up beating the Wolverines four times last season and established themselves as the top team in the area in 2023.

In 2024, with Olympia returning most of its historic team and Windermere revamping its program, the rivalry isn’t just for bragging rights anymore. The two programs are favorites to fight for the spot atop the area’s girls volleyball throne.

On the Olympia side, coach Semei Tello Ponce returns for his fifth season in charge of the Titans’ program, and, despite losing his top outside hitter Laney Perdue, he expects Olympia to make a lot of noise this season and maybe even a deep playoff run. Leading the way for the Titans will be juniors Madison Wehr and Milana Holland. 

For Windermere, a new coach, the return of most of its key players from a team that finished with a 16-7 record and the transfer of hitter Jordyn Cox from Dr. Phillips High means the Wolverines are ready to fight Olympia for their area crown once again in 2024. Juniors Lily Rodgers and Mia Dilorenzo should be key players yet again for Windermere.

NEW LEADERS

Coaching turnover in high school sports is nothing new, but in 2024, three high-profile area schools made changes at their respective head coach spots: Windermere, Dr. Phillips and The First Academy. 

Here’s what you need to know about the sport’s new coaches as they take over their new programs.

Dr. Phillips, Hannah Sexton. A Houston native with more than 15 years of combined playing and coaching experience, Sexton has spent the last three seasons as a coach at Winter Park Volleyball Club. This will be her first high school head coaching position.

The First Academy, Amanda Serpa. The former coach at Windermere Prep, Serpa most recently served as coach and director of Driven Volleyball club in West Orange.

”Coach Serpa demonstrates a healthy relationship with Christ, is very competent in enhancing player performance, builds trusting relationships, and communicates effectively and efficiently,” TFA Director of Athletics Jeff Conaway said in a prepared statement. “Coach Serpa will bring great value to our school and our volleyball program.”

Windermere, Nicole Vinas. With plenty of coaching experience and a talented team, Vinas hopes to return the Wolverines back to championship form and integrate herself in the Windermere High community. 

“I am so excited to be a part of the Windermere community,” Vinas said. “I have been coaching for the last nine years, and I’m looking forward to a great experience here at Windermere High School.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Orange and Southwest Orange produce some of the top girls volleyball players in the state each season. 2024 should be no different, here’s a few names to keep your eye on throughout this season. 

Claudia Barbey, Windermere Prep

A two-year starter for the Lakers, junior Claudia Barbey had 363 assists, 56 aces and 197 digs last season. Look out for the Windermere Prep setter to eclipse the 1,000-assist career mark this season. She starts the 2024 with 813 assists.

Gwenyth Berry, West Orange

After three seasons at Horizon, where senior Gwenyth Berry racked up 527 career kills, The Citadel commit has transferred to West Orange High for her senior season. In her final year as a Hawk, Berry had 258 kills, 23 aces, 148 digs and 242 serves received.

Leticia Dos Santos, Lake Buena Vista

In 2022, as a sophomore, Leticia Dos Santos broke onto the scene with 342 assists and 34 aces. Coming into her senior season for the Vipers, she will be vital to their success from the setter position.

Haley Higgins, Foundation Academy

As a freshman last year for the Lions, Haley Higgins made a name for herself by filling up the stat sheets. She had 215 kills, 46 aces, 45 total blocks and 100 digs last season. 

Lily Rodgers, Windermere

Junior Lily Rodgers, a University of North Carolina Greensboro commit, may be the top returning outside hitter in the area. In a breakout sophomore season, Rodgers racked up 274 kills to go along with 45 aces, 13 total blocks, 199 digs and 331 serves received.

Savvy Sotto, Horizon

The Hawks defensive specialist, senior Savvy Sotto has started for Horizon for the past three seasons — recording  229 digs and 322 serves received last season, and 100 career aces. At the libero spot this season, expect Sotto to finish her superb career by leading the Hawks to a successful 2024 season.

Madison Wehr, Olympia

Having already eclipsed the 1,000-assists career mark last season (comes into 2024 with 1,138 assists), junior Madison Wehr has the chance to establish herself as an all-time great Titan over the next two seasons. Last year, she dished out 725 assists, had 43 aces, 38 kills and 244 digs.