Hernando County 2022 high school volleyball preview

SPRING HILL, FLORIDA – When it comes to high school volleyball throughout the North Suncoast region of Florida, especially in Hernando County, it’s always been a sport that has featured strong teams. The 2022 season should not be any different, as the county returns solid clubs heading into the fall campaign.

Weeki Wachee made a deep run in the postseason last year, along with Nature Coast and Springstead winning 10-plus matches. Central and Hernando aim to be better this fall behind some returning talent at the net. We give you our 2022 preview on Hernando County high school volleyball.

Central

2021 record: 2-16

Head coach: Maria Gebhardt

Top returning players: Natalie Kupres, Jr., Julia Sesera, Sr., Rebecca Walton, Jr.

Skinny on the Bears: Central is in search of its first winning season since 2009 when Emily Gore (now Nature Coast’s head coach) was at the school. The Bears last won more than two games in 2015 and despite only winning a couple games last season, bring enough talent to compete for more wins this summer/fall.

Hernando

2021 record: 7-10

Head coach: Halie Werkmeister

Top returning players: Brooke Hart, So., Bailey Poe, So., Jackie Cuevas, Jr., Kaiya Ward, So., Laila Prowant, Sr.

Skinny on the Leopards. Hernando had a couple good victories last season, with a pair over Nature Coast as well. The Leopards still weren’t able to finish above the .500 mark, but the team should be able to bounce back this fall behind a strong sophomore class of talent.

Nature Coast

2021 record: 16-12

Head coach: Emily Gore

Top returning players: Ava Pontrelli, Jr., Maddie Cullum, Sr., Addison Carpenter, So., Riley Derenches, Sr.

Skinny on the Sharks: Gore enters her 12th season as the Sharks’ head volleyball coach and Nature Coast was a solid team in 2021 and return several players from a year ago. The team graduated outside hitter Emma Buscemi and Hannah Valachovic, but the Sharks bring back enough talent to be in the hunt for a district championship in 2022.

Springstead

2021 record: 10-15

Head coach: Andrea Gracey

Top returning players: Emily Miller, Jr., Isabella Nunag, Jr., Kendall Bunch, Sr.

Quotable from the coach: “I’m very excited this season for Springstead volleyball. After having a rebuilding year last year with a very young team, these girls are focusing on offense and defense to prepare for our new district. These girls have worked hard on the beach courts during spring making school history being district runner up at our FHSAA district tournament.” - Gracey

Weeki Wachee

2021 record: 19-5

Head coach: Kelly Werkmeister

Top returning players: Morgan Maeder, Sr., Allora Murray, Sr., Trinity Garrison, Sr., Dylan Elferdink, Jr.

Skinny on the Hornets: This specific Hornets team will be looking for new stars to step up, as Weeki Wachee lost several key players from a year ago. Amongst the losses is Danielle McGee, and now the Hornets will be looking to a slew of seniors to step up and make another deep playoff run.

Andy Villamarzo can be reached at andyvillamarzo@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @Andy_Villamarzo.