In the 17's division of the AAU Championships in Orlando we are spotlighting a "Team to Watch", I've had the pleasure of seeing a team made up of ALL-County players from Broward and Palm Beach with extreme athleticism and tenacity. The team is made up of five (5) first team County Players. That's a bit less than half of all the first team All-County players that Broward and Palm Beach counties have to offer.
TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT IS ON: OCEAN BREEZE VOLLEYBALL (OBV) 17 NATIONAL QUIKSILVER TEAM
The team is lead by Coach Virginia Kelly who has college coaching experience (Lynn University) as well as several High School Coach of the Year Awards. Coach Kelly has worked diligently with the players to insure that the team plays at peak performance and currently has the team on the rise.
We recently asked Coach Kelly a few questions regarding her National Quicksilver 17's Team:
SFVR: Your team is stacked with All-County players. Have the girls been able to adapt to different roles on this team and different playing time?
KELLY: It was an easy transition because they all respect each other and want to play with each other. Being on a team with equally talented players is challenging and fun. Some of their roles are different but we are open and honest when they are chosen for the team.
SFVR: Some of the players on the team are from rival schools. Was that a problem during the initial phases as the team started to come together?
KELLY: No, not at all. These players came in with a positive frame of mind to do what ever was asked of them.
SFVR: I understand it is Latoya Harvin's first club season. How has the club experience help her evolve her game?
KELLY: I think she has been over whelmed at times because the game is much faster and more intense every day. Overall she has had a positive experience as have had all our players!
SFVR: What has been the most memorable game thus far this year?
KELLY: When we played Tampa United 18's. We stepped to the next level as individuals and as a team. We played strong, aggressive and intense throughout the match. This match gave us the confidence that we have continued to play well with. We are a 17 team playing in the 18 open division so we lacked a little confidence and consistency. Since that match we have played very well.
SFVR: It's funny how a season can have a clear a turning point where either things go down or the team just takes off and doesn't look back. I had the pleasure of seeing your team play in the Cloverleaf and they were very impressive. I could see that the team was well coached and you have the pleasure of working with some very talented players.
NUMBER NAME HEIGHT SCHOOL
#1 KENDALL PUTNAM 5'8'' Douglas HS
- Kendall Putnam is our libero/outside hitter. Good all around player. All-County 1st Team
#2 JENNA KEELER 6'1'' Plantation HS
-Jenna Keeler is a strong blocker and a presence at the net.
#3 LATOYA HARVIN 5'10'' Royal Palm Beach HS
-Latoya Harvin is playing in her first club season. She is learning a lot an improving with each practice/tournament. She is being recruited heavily for a first year club player. She is athletic, can jump, hang, and hit! Very good blocker. All-County 1st Team.
#4 ALYSSA ROBERTSON 5'11'' Monarch HS
-Alyssa Robertson is the most improved player from last year. She is a strong hitter and blocker. Will be one of our "Go To" players by the end of the season.
#5 JESSICA SANTANEILLO 5'9'' West Boca HS
-Jess Santaneillo is athletic, strong and the best all around skills. All-County 1st Team.
#11 SHAINA ABDELL 5'11'' Royal Palm Beach HS
-Shaina Abdell is the hardest working, most passionate player on the team. Very driven and will do whatever it takes to play at the next level. All-County 1st Team
#12 SUZI SOLENSKI 5'11'' Cardinal Gibbons HS
- Suzi Solenski never stops supporting her teammates. She plays hard all the time. Constanly encouraging and cheering her teammates in all matches.
#13 KATELYN HUMMEL 5'6'' North Broward Prep
- Katelyn Hummel is one of our setters. She is quick and can make a play out of every ball dug. All-County 1st Team
#15 MOLLY MACEK 5'8'' Cardinal Gibbons HS
- Molly Macek is our defensive specialist. Great passer and server. Gives an emotional lift every time she comes in. All-County Honorable Mention
Special thanks to Coach Virginia Kelly and Club Director Mike Zarate for all you do to help promote Volleyball and its players in South Florida. Coach Kelly, Thanks for all your input and assistance in helping us SPOTLIGHT this years OBV 17 National Quiksilver Team.
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