Today is the 28.02.2026, and exciting news is buzzing through Clermont, Florida, as Samantha Beatty, a standout athlete from Lake-Sumter State College, recently earned recognition as an NJCAA DII Volleyball All-American. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced its DII Volleyball All-America Teams for 2025, and Beatty was named to the second team, making her only the third player in the history of the Lakehawks to receive national recognition.
Coming from Tavares High School, where she was a dominant outside hitter, Beatty made a significant impact right from her freshman year at Lake-Sumter. She led the Lakehawks offensively throughout the season, amassing an impressive total of 484.5 points, 392 kills (averaging 3.38 kills per set), and 62 aces across 30 games. Her performance placed her second in the Lakehawk record books for kills and kills per set, just shy of the record set by the 2021 All-American Xiomara Williams.
A Rising Star
Defensively, Beatty showcased her skills with 382 digs (averaging 3.29 digs per set) and 45 blocks, 16 of which were solo efforts. Notably, she recorded 18 double-doubles, reaching at least 10 kills and digs in a single match. In regional statistics, she ranked in the top ten for several categories, including being third in aces per set and fourth in points.
Her head coach, Alisha Wintersdorf, praised Beatty’s work ethic and her positive influence on the team. Beyond her All-American honors, Beatty was also recognized as part of the All-Florida College System Activities Association (FCSAA) Team, the All-Sun-Lakes First Team, and the FCSAA All-Tournament Team. Her performance even earned her the title of FCSAA Offensive Player of the Week at one point during the season.
Team Success and Future Goals
The Lakehawks had a spectacular season with a record of 25-6, tying the record for the most wins in a season, matching the Lakehawks’ performance from 2021. The team ranked 21st in the NJCAA Coaches Poll at one point, reaching as high as 19th in week 5, before finishing the season at 24th. Their phenomenal season began with a 14-game winning streak, reflecting the strong teamwork and dedication of the players.
Looking ahead, Beatty and the Lakehawks are preparing for the spring training in hopes of returning to the FCSAA Finals and competing in the NJCAA Championships this coming November. Samantha Beatty’s commitment to excellence and her passion for the game will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s future successes.
For more details about Samantha Beatty’s journey and achievements, check out the full story here.
To learn more about her transition from Tavares High School to Lake-Sumter State College, where she reunited with Coach Wintersdorf, you can read more here.
As Samantha Beatty continues her journey in volleyball, she stands as a shining example of dedication and excellence in sports, paving the way for future athletes in the community.