It seemed like just yesterday that Polk County high school volleyball teams were positioning themselves for the 2023 postseason.
Winter Haven finished the season with a record of 18-9 and entered the state championship as the 2nd seed. All Saints also had a fantastic season thanks to a record of 16-9 and an appearance as the 7th seed.
McKeel had a breakout season with a 23-5 record and a 3rd place finish at state. Lakeland really came into its own late in the year and finished 8th at state.
Of course, to get that far, these teams needed talented players in 2023.
But now it’s 2024. Here are some of the top players in Polk County as the season progresses.
Winter Haven: “I was proud”: Winter Haven beach volleyball team shows solid performance at state level at the end of the year
Savannah Watts, Lake Wales, freshman
Watts is an extremely athletic outside hitter with plenty of experience as a freshman. She has great defensive control, is a smart hitter on offense, and is a leader on and off the court. She was named MVP at the University of Florida volleyball camp this summer and has a great career ahead of her.
Caydee Baker, Lake Wales, sophomore
Baker is an amazing all-around player as a setter. Although she is Lake Wales’ only setter this year, the Highlanders will try to let her swing whenever possible as she is an aggressive attacker. She is also a leader on and off the court and has a high volleyball IQ. She is an incredible server and excels on defense.
Mallorie Swartz, McKeel, Sr
A 6’2″ outside hitter, Swartz is committed to Division I Oral Roberts University and will enroll early in January. She is a producer of aces and kills. As team captain, Swartz is expected to play a big leadership role this year. Swartz is McKeel’s heavyweight and the program will rely on her consistency and leadership.
Mariana Kleinhenz, McKeel, Junior
A 6’1″ outside hitter, Kleinhenz is versatile, long and has improved from last year. The program sees her as a dangerous opponent for Swartz.
Riley Pepples, McKeel, freshman
At 6’2″, Pepples is a midfielder who is a threat both offensively and defensively. She is young and still developing, but she is athletic and is getting better every day. She is extremely hardworking and hungry for success.
Anastacia Davis, McKeel, freshman
Davis is also a 6’2″ midfielder and will be a force in goal both offensively and defensively.
Sofia Burke, McKeel, Senior
Burke, who has played as a libero for the past three years, is expected to provide consistent support in the defensive line.
Presley Johnson, McKeel, 8th grade
Johnson is designed as an all-round talent and is also a great libero who reads the game well and has an excellent understanding of the game.
Ava Pfleiderer, McKeel, Eighth Grade
Pfleiderer is expected to play on the right side and will be dangerous in the coming years. Like Johnson, she is finding her way around the varsity team and stepping in where needed. She has a great volleyball IQ.
Madi Regan, All Saints, senior
At 6’2″, Regan will play as a middle blocker, having been the district’s best in blocks last season. Her impact in goal will be huge.
Paige Lenderman, All Saints, freshman
As a setter, Lenderman was the All Saints’ leading assist player last season. This season, she will lead the offense as the freshman captain.
Avery Hummel, All Saints, Eighth Grade
As an outside attacker for All Saints, Hummel is a powerful athlete who is expected to run the entire rotation.
Aniyah Sanchez, All Saints, Junior
Sanchez is one of the best all-around liberos in the district.
Dublin Fitzgerald, Sr., Victory Christian
Dublin is a 6’1″ right wing and setter. She has been one of the top kill producers since her freshman year and not only does she have the size, but her athleticism is what sets her apart. She is a skilled attacker and can drive the ball around blocks. She also sets up a high, solid block that makes it difficult for attackers to get past her.
Kayla Staats, Lake Gibson, junior
As a 6’2″ middle blocker, Staats is capable of getting plenty of kills and blocks.
Bailee Nelson, Lake Gibson, Sr
Nelson, an outside hitter, led the team in kills in 2023.
Dakota Saunders, Lake Gibson, senior
As an outside attacker, Saunders is one of the best all-round players on the team.
Peyton Hopkins, Lake Gibson, sophomore
Hopkins will be the setter again after leading the team in assists in 2023.
Saniya Jones, Davenport, Sr
Jones is the first female athlete to play all four years at Davenport since it opened in 2021. With her competitive spirit and skill, she has led both junior and varsity teams to victories and has made a huge impact on younger athletes who look up to her and aspire to follow in her footsteps.
Rylee Tanner, Winter Haven, Sr
A 6’3″ outside hitter, Tanner already has Division I offers from The Citadel and West Georgia, as well as a variety of Division II programs. A standout Polk County player, she is dynamic in the front and back rows. Expect Tanner to be the county’s best overall player.
Emily Drier, Winter Haven, Junior
Drier is a 6’1″ middle blocker and a decorated player for Polk County. He plays high-level volleyball at Game Point in Orlando and was named to the All-Tournament Team at Nationals. Drier has a real chance to become the county’s best middle blocker.
Addison Traina, Winter Haven, sophomore
Addison is a freshman from Titusville and will play setter. She also plays open level volleyball at Game Point. Addison will play six rotations and be a starter for the Blue Devils.
Erin Rogers, Winter Haven, Sr
Projected as a middle blocker and right attacker, Rogers is an incredible athlete who lives above the net. Her shot/block will cause problems for opponents.
Julia Black, Lakeland, Senior
Black was one of the players last year who contributed all season. She was one of the best kill producers. Overall, she’s a solid player.
Megan Rine, Lakeland, Senior
Rine was also a key contributor in several statistical categories in 2023. She is expected to take on a stronger leadership role due to the many seniors Lakeland lost.
