Leesburg, Fla. – In their first season at the NJCAA Division II level, the Lake-Sumter State College volleyball program went to Nationals and finished 11th in the nation. The question now becomes, how do they get back there? It starts with recruiting. Head Coach, Amanda Phelps has been on the recruiting trail, searching for the pieces to the puzzle that will get her squad back to West Virginia in 2019. Below, you will find the newest members of the Lakehawks volleyball team set to hit the court this season.
Skylar Martin, Outside Hitter
A Leesburg native, Skylar Martin transferred to Lake-Sumter this spring from St. Johns River State College. She brings a season of experience with her, playing in 32 matches for the Vikings. She recorded 145 kills and 313 digs. "Skylar is a great fit for our offense," Coach Phelps said. "She can play either pin and is a solid defender."
Kelsie Savage, Setter
Coach Phelps noted, "Kelsie is very athletic. She's a dynamic setter who can also swing if she needs to." Savage joins the team from Clay High School. Two-year starter, and All-State setter, Gabriela Hernandez, moves on to Florida National University, leaving the starting setter position wide open this fall.
Kalei Myer, Middle Blocker
One of the first commits in the 2019 class, Kalei Myer joins the Lakehawks from Middleburg. "Kalei is quick and will be a major contributor to our offense and defense," Phelps says. Myer is 1 of 2 middles Coach Phelps is bringing in to compete with returners Casey James and Olivia Diggs.
Joalys Nunez, Outside Hitter
Joalys joins the Lakehawks from Lyman High School. With All-America selection, Emma Gray graduating, Nunez will be battling to fill the empty outside hitter position. "Jo has a heavy arm and is also a great passer. We are very excited to see her compete at this level," says Coach Phelps.
Aleisha Marcano, Outside Hitter
Aleisha Marcano will be traveling north from her home in Puerto Rico to join the Lakehawks this year. "Aleisha is a smart player. She sees the court well and can make things happen," Phelps says. Aleisha will also be competing to see playing time at the outside hitter position.
Macey McGinnis, Defensive Specialist
A local product from East Ridge High School, Macey McGinnis brings a lot of potential to the table. Phelps had this to say about McGinnis, "When Macey came for a workout she was impressive on the court. She was very quick, read well and had a solid platform." McGinnis is 1 of 2 defensive specialists Coach Phelps is bringing in to compete with returners Amber Schwartz and Chloe Campbell.
Amari Owens, Middle Blocker
Hailing from her hometown of Deland, Florida, Amari transfers to Lake-Sumter as a sophomore with some game experience. "I'm excited to add another experienced middle to the mix. Amari is very athletic and moves well at the net," says Phelps.
Nareliz Medina, Setter
Wekiva High School graduate, Liz Medina is 1 of 2 setters coming in to compete with returner Star Lakin. Phelps says, "Liz is quick and has a good knowledge of the game. I'm excited to see her play at our speed."
Hannah Yarbrough, Defensive Specialist
Eustis High School graduate, Hannah Yarbrough will be joining the Lakehawks defense. Phelps says, "Hannah reads well and has a great platform." With Second Team All-Conference Libero Amanda Berecz moving on to USF, Yarbrough will be competing for the starting Libero position.