By: J. Daniel Pearson
Over the last three seasons, Osceola has been close to that elusive first-ever state girls volleyball championship. How Close? Over the last three seasons, a regional finals loss has been bracketed around two regional championships and two State Final Four appearances.
Unfortunately, the Lady Kowboys have fallen just short of the ultimate prize– including an agonizing four-set loss to state champion Winter Park in last year’s 7A Final – where just five total points separated the two teams in a 22-25, 25-22, 24-26, 22-25 loss.
Winning a state championship will not be the end-all, be-all, for this talented senior-laden team whose accolades include the Final Fours, three district titles and three OBC championships, as well as an 80-17 record against a grueling, tough schedule. Still, winning a state title is something head coach Carrie Palmi says is the ultimate goal for this year’s team. “It will never define this group as it will be the most successful senior class in school history. We have been so close the past couple of years, where a point here or a serve there could have put us over the top,” she says. “But there are so many talented teams in 7A, that can say the same thing. And that is not going to change this season.”
To reach that goal, Osceola will most likely have to get better of a loaded classification that includes Vero Beach, Winter Park, Plant and Lake Brantley. Those teams were a combined 89-14 last year and are off to a 9-1 start this season.
Still, the Lady Kowboys definitely have the talent, experience and energy to make a run to the finals. Palmi returns eight of her top nine players from last year’s 26-5 semifinal team – including a pair of division-1 commits in outside hitter Cate Palmi (South Florida) and opposite side hitter Jordan Southall (Vanderbilt).
Cate Palmi, Coach Carrie’s daughter, is a three-time Osceola County Player of the Year and had a huge season in 2025 – leading the team in many statistical categories including kills (436), kill percentage (54%) and a hitting percentage of .424 (think baseball where .300 is considered really good). Southall is almost equally effective on the other side with a .317 hitting percentage and 359 kills; while Sophie Spivey (152 kills) also returns.
Junior Middle Blocker — the 6’-4” Brooklyn Sippio — has gotten better every season and led the team in total blocks last year (56); while also contributing 142 kills. The backline is solid with Dari Bravo and Priscilla Rada sharing the Libero and Defensive Specialist positions. The only hole that needed filled was setter, where Andrea Rodriguez (1200 assists) graduated – but even there Palmi has a veteran replacement in Delaney Webb; who saw extensive action in a reserve role as both a sophomore and junior.
“I think what makes this team special is our depth,” senior captain Cate Palmi said. ““We are going to be a hard team to defend because you can’t concentrate on one or two players. We can attack from pretty much anywhere on the court, so opponents will not be able to focus on stopping one or two players.”
The rest of the county finds teams in various stages of development. Ryan Kading led Harmony to a 12-9 record last season that included an at-large regional bid to the state tournament. Although Kading graduated some solid players, he returns Samantha Vickers and Nora Dunn and has a talented freshman in middle blocker Eliana Mukole. “Our goal is to definitely get back to the state tournament,” Kading says. “By being productive and efficient, this group has a path to get back.”
With the resignation of veteran coach Travis Foster, St. Cloud brought in Bill O’Boyle to fill the role. O’Boyle has experience coaching volleyball at both the high school and college level and says he is excited to take over the Lady Bulldogs. “We are returning a lot of experienced players, as well as some newcomers who I believe will contribute. We’re really excited to see what the upcoming season brings.” O’Boyle will rely on Trinity Lopez (OH), Isabella Rodriguez (DS/L), Leah Arias (MB/OPP Hitter) and Amanda Cruz (DS/L) to provide senior leadership to a team that went 11-10 last season.
Heritage Christian is a small private school that has excelled in the sport – winning nine state championships in the Florida Christian Conference. Coach Jim Estrella’s team is off to an 8-0 start this season and features a multitude of talented players including Madi Stealy (OH), Veronia Padron (L) and Elisamar Quionnes (S).
Liberty second-year coach Amanda Lozada-Rivera says “This season will mark an exciting, fresh start for Liberty High. We have 13 dedicated student athletes who are embracing this as a tremendous opportunity to reset, develop talent, and build something special together. Our focus this year is on growth and development – improving our performance game by game while fostering strong team chemistry that pushes each player to reach and push beyond their potential.” Top players include sophomore captain Didielis Negron-Palomares (OH), Mercy Valentin (Sr./ OH), and sophomore middle blocker Morgan Ocasio.
It seems that in recent years Gateway has alternated between really good (regional appearances in 2021, 2023) and average seasons. If the pattern holds true, 2025 should be another good season as the Lady Panthers are coming off an 8-11 mark last year. Returning players for coach Heidi Lizardi include junior outside hitters Ivana Reyes and Leslian Rivera, as well as sophomore Libero Leymarie Prado. “This team has put in a lot of hard work during the summer, so hopefully that will carry into the season.” Lizardi said. “Some goals we hope to accomplish include keeping this team as united as they are right now, play hard and have fun doing what we love to do. If those things happen, the wins will follow.”
Celebration head coach Lidvania Paiva (second season) calls the Lady Storm a work in progress, as she continues to build the program. Top returning players include senior Libero Valeria Maldonaldo (350 digs, 20 aces), MB/OH Aline Mello (150 kills), setter Allyson Witt (400 assists) and senior setter Hailey Gomez (300 assists). In addition, sophomore Mya Alfonso contributed 100 kills and 20 blocks as a freshman starter last year. “We are in the process of building a program,” Paiva said. “Our success will come from our commitment to growth, mental toughness, and playing with relentless energy. Our goals this year are to improve our standing in districts, foster teamwork and make a strong push to the post-season.”
Poinciana has not finished at .500 since a 9-9 team in 2018. First-year coach Andrew Nation hopes to change the fortunes of that program. He will rely on Khia Pereira (S), Rousfrengely Cruz (OH), and Mariana Florido (MB) to provide senior leadership. “A contributing factor in Poinciana becoming an “A” school has been the commitment of the coaches from all sports to put a heavy focus on academics and character. Our ultimate goal is to win the school’s first district championship but our immediate goal is to compete in every match, while showing sportsmanship and respect to all opponents.”
Now in his third season, Carlos Diaz Diaz welcomes back a squad with ample senior leadership at Tohopekaliga, including a pair of Libero/Defensive Specialists in Victoria Perez and Camila Morales; as well as outside hitters Hadasa Canales and Jazmin Dileo. The veteran group includes seven seniors and four juniors. “We are trying to build a culture of discipline and accountability using our seniors as role models to follow, especially for new players. I expect my players to give it all in the court, nothing more or less,” Diaz said about his expectations for the ’25 Lady Tigers.
