As the sun gleams even more, it will get even crisper outside. And that means many of the beach volleyball players will be able to perfect their skills in the best of weather.
There’s also boys indoor volleyball players who have been augmenting their talents in hopes of duplicating their 2025 success or doing even better for the spring of 2026.
Success in 2025 looked like George Jenkins winning its first-ever district championship thanks to a 3-1 victory over Venice. The flying Eagles also defeated Dr. Phillips in the regional quarterfinals.
Beach-wise, Winter Haven ended up defeating Lakeland 4-1 on April 23 to secure a third consecutive district title. Winter Haven would go on to advance as far as the state final four, and of course, the program is looking to build upon that momentum.
Below is a list of spring volleyball players to look out for.
George Jenkins
Jacob Aca
This returning senior is an outside hitter. An all-county Player of the Year in 2025, he is a top hitter on his club team. He brings leadership and adds to the George Jenkins offense and defense.
Matt Aca
Aca’s brother and a returning junior setter, Matt Aca is a quarterback of the offense but also a lead as a passer and hitter.
Matt Hornsby
Horsby is a returning middle blocker who will add a wall for blocking up front and he is another strong weapon on offense.
Preston McFaddin
McFaddin is a freshman star newcomer who is coming to set for George Jenkins.
Rhianna Burns
A returning junior all-county indoor player, this beach volleyball player was undefeated last year in the regular season as partners.
Sydney Morrison
Also a returning junior, Morrison was undefeated last year in the regular season as partners.
Winter Haven
Kindyl Goff
Goff, who is a returning senior after being named The Ledger’s 2025 Beach Volleyball Player of the Year, has committed to Division II Carson Newman University on a beach volleyball scholarship and has taken her game to the next level. She is well-rounded and very skilled and has been putting in more work this off-season than ever before.
“She is excited for the challenge of playing some of the top players in the state after going 20-0 in match play last season,” Winter Haven head beach volleyball coach Dylan Sechrest said.
Sophie Whitaker
A returning junior who was first-team all-county last season, Whitaker has been putting in more work and focusing on beach volleyball. With interest from Jacksonville University, Whitaker has taken her game to the next level as well. Alongside her partner, Goff, they will be one of the tougher pairs in the state this season.
Emily Drier
Fresh off a commitment for indoor volleyball for Division II Shorter University, this senior is ready to finish her high school volleyball career and is hoping to do so with a state championship. Drier is a very solid player overall, as she will be a force as she always is and a tough player to beat.
Mulberry
Jayden Williams
Williams, a junior setter, was first-team all-county just a year ago. Williams had a seminal season in 2025, racking up three school records, including most assists in a match, season and career.
Erick Osorio
This senior outside hitter is ready to make a major impact, both as a hitter and from the service line. Osorio is extremely savvy on the court and will be a major part of the Mulberry offense this season.
Marc Birdwell
A senior middle hitter in his fourth year in the program, it is projected that he will be a strong blocking middle in 2026. Offensively, Birdwell is creative and will bring stability thanks to his experience.
All Saints
Hali Vatikiotis
Vatikiotis is entering her first season of beach volleyball as a sophomore. Although this is her first time competing in beach, she brings a strong and well-developed indoor volleyball foundation that will translate very well to the sand. Skills include strong ball control, consistent serve-receive, competitive defensive instincts, and a high volleyball IQ.
“The transition from indoor to beach can be challenging, but Hali is already learning to adjust very quickly. She has shown great improvement in her movement on the sand, shot selection, and overall court awareness,” All Saints beach volleyball coach Saray Rios said.
Valeria Castro
Castro, just a freshman, will be a major asset to the All Saints beach team this season. She already brings valuable beach experience, which gives her confidence and comfort competing in the sand. That experience, combined with her indoor volleyball background, makes her a well-rounded and versatile player. She has strong defensive range, smart shot placement, competitive serving, and excellent court awareness. Castro also understands the pace and strategy of the beach game and knows how to read opponents effectively.
Santa Fe
Payten Donnelly
This senior defender has good shot selection and court vision.
Ansley Lausell
Lausell, a junior, is a stop player for Santa Fe beach volleyball. Pursuing beach for college, she was a first-team all-county player last year. She has an all-around skill set, including a solid shot selection and split blocker.
Taylor Smith
As a junior, Smith is a good jumper, has solid hits and is a fast defender.
Leah Masserell
This junior has an all-around skill set and is a very good defender.
Lake Gibson
Peyton Hopkins
This junior is a two-time all-county player.
Alexis Parsons
The senior has committed to LaGrange College in Georgia to play beach volleyball next year.
Mya Matos
This senior is looking to catapult her team to the next level with her leadership skills.
Frostproof
Laney Cash
Cash, a senior, is a split defender/blocker who was a six-rotational outside for Frostproof’s indoor team and contributed both defensively and offensively to the team’s success. She is explosive and reactive on the sand and excels in reading the opponent. Laney was seeded on the No. 2 team last year and proves that she deserves to retain her position for this year.
Nevaeh Valencia
This sophomore is a split defender/blocker who was an outside hitter for Frostproof’s junior varsity indoor team and was a dependable attacker. Valencia started last year on an alternative team for the beach program, but her growth and dedication has placed her high on the competition roster.
“We are excited to see how her new skillsets can contribute to Frostproof’s program this year,” Frostproof beach volleyball coach Hannah Rast said.
Adilene Santibanez-Arroyo
Santibanez-Arroyo is a split defender/blocker who ran Frostproof’s junior varsity offense as a 5-1 setter. This will be her first year playing beach. Even as a rookie player, she demonstrates immense development and grit. She is a prime example of an athlete who encapsulates hustle. Santibanez-Arroyo has a chance to be a great asset to the beach program this year.
Auburndale
Bray Weinacker
Weinacker is a junior who made first-team all-county last year.
Lakeland
Mya Linsdey
This sophomore was a first-team all-county player. Her serve is exceptional and her consistency in all other parts of the game is a strength.
Kara Marshall
Marshall is a sophomore who had a strong freshman season. Her composure and consistent play make for a game with few mistakes.
Bella Burke
Burke is a junior who had a strong showing last season, too. Her athleticism and ability to cover the court make her a strong defensive player.
Reagan Hohnstreiter
Hohnstreiter is a senior, third-year player with a strong serve and excellent ability to attack at the net.
Kamryn Massey
Massey is a senior leader with four years experience, including two years as the No. 2 seed. She is an all-around player who excels in her beach court awareness.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Polk County high school boys, beach volleyball players to look out for
Reporting by Robert Magobet, Lakeland Ledger / The Ledger
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
