Winter Haven's Goff Shines as Beach Volleyball Star of 2025!

Winter Haven, Florida, USA - On June 18, 2025, Winter Haven’s beach volleyball scene took a monumental stride as junior player Kindyl Goff was recognized as The Ledger’s 2025 Beach Volleyball Player of the Year. This accolade comes on the heels of an impressive season where Goff, alongside her partner Sophie Whitaker, shined brightly during the final four at Florida State in May, marking a historic achievement for their school.

The Winter Haven beach volleyball team, under the guidance of head coach Dylan Sechrest, showcased remarkable skill and determination throughout the season. With an overall record of 19-1, their journey to the final four was a first in the program’s history. Goff attributes this success not only to her own efforts but also to the invaluable coaching received from Sechrest, who emphasized teamwork and confidence-building strategies. As Goff mentioned, „Having fun, trusting the process, and building confidence are key,“ all of which contributed to their strong team dynamic.

A Close Encounter with Victory

Competing against the No. 15 Fletcher High School in the state tournament’s final four, Winter Haven faced an unexpected challenge—two lighting delays postponed their match until after 10 p.m. Despite this setback, the team maintained its focus. Playing in a shotgun format, where all pairs compete simultaneously, Winter Haven initially led the match 2-1, thanks to victories by Goff and Whitaker at the No. 2 line, and Camila DeJesus with Leah Robles at the No. 4 line, both winning 2-0. However, the tides turned as their No. 3 and No. 5 lines faltered, leading to a heartbreaking 3-2 loss against Fletcher, despite their strong start.

Coach Sechrest expressed his pride in the resilience displayed by the team throughout the season, acknowledging the immense progress made. “This season has been groundbreaking for our volleyball program. I’m proud of everything they’ve accomplished,” he shared.

The Drive Behind the Team’s Success

Goff’s journey to Winter Haven is equally compelling. Transferring from Lake Wales, she sought a program that would enhance her academic and athletic prospects. Her commitment to hard work and her ambition to compete at higher levels stood out as she embraced the opportunity to play under Sechrest’s coaching. Goff emphasized the role of teamwork and support from her fellow players and family, noting, “I thank my teammates, seniors, my partner Sophie Whitaker, sponsors, and my parents for their unwavering support.”

As Goff prepares to defend her title next season, the importance of a strong foundation is clear. The significance of training tailored to the players‘ unique strengths and challenges resonates beyond Winter Haven. In the world of young elite beach volleyball, studies highlight how gender-specific training programs can enhance performance. Recent analyses show that young female players often face different challenges compared to their male counterparts, pointing to the necessity for coaching strategies that address these variations, such as those documented in research from a variety of competitions worldwide.

As Winter Haven looks ahead, the community stands proud of its burgeoning talent. With players like Kindyl Goff leading the charge, the future of beach volleyball at Winter Haven glows with potential. There’s certainly something to be said for fostering a supportive environment filled with talent, resilience, and the will to win.

For more details on Goff’s outstanding achievement, you can read the full article on The Ledger’s website here. Additional coverage of the thrilling match can be found here. For insights into training methodologies relevant to beach volleyball, check out the analysis from the study here.