Fall Sports Preview: Volleyball

With the Chiles volleyball team coming off an historic 25-1 season and bringing back the 2024 5A state title to Tallahassee, the Timberwolves are the team to beat for the 2025 season. Although they have notable players leaving to play collegiately, the Timberwolves will retain the power on the outside with Lindsay Smith and Eva Goodson returning for the 2025 season. The biggest holes to fill will be on the back row as Holly Sanders and Kate Stewart contributed 524 digs in their senior years.

Florida High could also be factor in the Leon County rankings as they are coming off of a successful season, losing in the 3A state semifinal championship match and returning kill leader Hunter Cook.

Chiles finished the 2024 season ranked at the top of Leon County with a record of 25-1. Following the Timberwolves, Florida High finished ranked second with a record of 18-9 and Leon finished third with a record of 13-13.

Notable returning players for the Timberwolves include setter Natalie Gibson, outside hitters Lindsay Smith (190 kills) and outside hitter and setter Eva Goodson (296 kills). Gibson had 743 assists in the 2024 season surpassing 2000 assists for her high school career and plans to add to that number with a successful senior year.

Notable returning players for the Florida High Seminoles include outside hitter Hunter Cook, setter Olivia Woods and outside hitter Addison Mayernick. Cook led Florida High in kills last year finishing the season with 360 kills on 878 attempts.

Notable returning players for the Lions include setter Riley Knipple, middle Londyn Hatcher, and defensive specialist Jessica Campbell. Knipple led the team in assists finishing the year with 397.