Polk County Volleyball: Champions Rise and Stars Shine in 2025!

Polk County Volleyball: Champions Rise and Stars Shine in 2025!

As the high school volleyball scene in Polk County gears up for another exciting season, teams are polishing their skills and strategizing for what promises to be a thrilling competition. The anticipation is palpable, especially with several key players returning and emerging talents stepping into the spotlight.

Winter Haven has set the bar high, clinching the district title for the fourth time in five years and carrying a strong 20-6 record into the new season. Their run didn’t stop there; they made it to the regional semifinals in 2024, a feat the team aims to build on as they look for another championship. Key players for Winter Haven this season include junior Libero Camila DeJesus and senior middle blocker Emily Drier. According to The Ledger, “Winter Haven aims for another district championship” while looking to capitalize on their winning momentum from previous years.

In a region buzzing with talent, George Jenkins is eager to reclaim prominence. After advancing to the regional quarterfinals in 2024 with a 16-7 record, they have set their sights high. The team recently secured a solid victory, triumphing 2-0 against Alonso in their 2025 opener. Led by junior setter Sydney Morrison and junior middle blocker Rhianna Burns, the George Jenkins squad looks poised to give their competitors a run for their money.

Lake Wales, fresh off of a remarkable 19-3 record, aims to maintain their winning ways under the guidance of first-year head coach Becca Flaming. They were crowned district champions last season and will be looking to replicate that success with junior setter Caydee Baker and freshman Libero Bryelle Turnbow leading the charge. McKeel also shows promising potential, having secured their fourth consecutive district title last season with an 18-7 finish, and they expect to continue their winning streak this year. Their roster features six seniors, alongside freshman Libero Presley Johnson and sophomore middle Riley Peeples, both set to take on prominent roles.

Other notable teams include Davenport, which recorded a solid 3-0 win against Discovery this year, indicating their readiness for a competitive season. They will be focusing on solid defense, showcasing their strengths with sophomore outside hitter Maria Camacho and senior outside hitter Mia Ortiz. Lake Gibson (13-8 in 2024), Santa Fe Catholic (16-6), and All Saints (16-6) round out the teams that have consistently demonstrated grit and determination on the court.

Beach Volleyball Achievements

The buzz doesn’t stop with indoor volleyball. The 2025 beach volleyball season wrapped up triumphantly in Frostproof, where Winter Haven reached the final four at the Florida State Championships for the first time in history, capping off the season with an impressive 19-1 record. They achieved this remarkable success under the leadership of Coach Dylan Sechrest, who was honored as Coach of the Year for his efforts. Player of the Year accolades went to junior Kindyl Goff, who boasted an undefeated 20-0 record.

Winter Haven also celebrated three consecutive district championships in indoor volleyball since 2022 and captured their first beach district title in 2025. With preparations already underway for the upcoming season, tryouts are scheduled for early 2025, signaling a continued tradition of excellence. Coach Sechrest has articulated the pivotal nature of growth experiences, especially for first-year players like Erin Miller from Lakeland, noting the importance of their development within the game. As preparations advance, the Winter Haven volleyball community eagerly anticipates what is on the horizon.

As we look forward to another thrilling season filled with competition and sportsmanship, one thing is clear: Polk County’s volleyball programs are not just playing for titles; they are building a community focused on growth, perseverance, and camaraderie. With teams like Winter Haven leading the charge, there’s certainly something to be said for the spirit and skill emerging from this vibrant corner of Florida.

For in-depth details and coverage of these schools and their teams, check out The Ledger and My Florida.