The girls varsity volleyball program at Berean Christian School (5-0) is making major strides this fall. On Monday, Aug. 31, the first MaxPreps rankings for girls high school volleyball in Florida were released. Berean was ranked second in Florida in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 1A rankings, behind just Seacrest Country Day School from Naples.
According to Berean Athletic Director Doug Walters, who is also the school’s new head volleyball coach, the school’s volleyball program is entering unchartered waters.
“This is the highest ranking ever achieved by Berean Christian School in girls volleyball and marks a significant milestone for the program,” said Walters, who has coaching experience in women’s volleyball at the collegiate level.
On the day of the ranking news, Berean had defeated Jupiter Christian School, Glades Day School, Master’s Academy, Olympic Heights High School and Highlands Christian Academy. Then, on the evening of Aug. 31, Berean hosted Morningside Academy from Port St. Lucie. The Bulldogs swept the visiting Eagles (25-17, 25-20, 25-16) to move to 6-0 on the season.
The MaxPreps ranking is not the official FHSAA ranking used to determine postseason seeding, but the information is an important part of the FHSAA’s overall ranking system. The first official FHSAA ranking for the current season is set to be released on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
In addition to being the second-ranked team in Class 1A, Berean is ranked third by MaxPreps in the greater West Palm Beach area and 21st in the state for all FHSAA classifications combined.
Among Berean’s strongest players are senior outside hitter/middle hitter Emma Gard, sophomore libero Sarah Bockisch, sophomore outside hitter Briana Downs and senior setter Gabby Estrella, who is the team’s captain.
“Emma was a recent Palm Beach Post Female Athlete of the Week, Sarah at libero is amazing and Briana is crushing it,” Walters said. “Gabby has been a great leader. She is challenging the girls on and off the court.”
Berean’s next match will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 8, when the team travels to Hobe Sound to play the Pine School, the reigning Class 1A, District 14 champions.
The last competitive event on Berean’s schedule is the FHSAA’s Class 1A state final four, which will be held Nov. 2 (state semifinals) and Nov. 4 (state championships) at the Winter Haven Health Center on the campus of Polk State College in Winter Haven. If the Bulldogs continue their winning ways, perhaps they will manage to end their season in Winter Haven, possibly as Class 1A state champions.
