So far, Freedom’s Varsity Volleyball team has battled schools from Wharton to Plant and is currently 6-3 and ranks #181 in the state. With new head coach Brittany Castelamare, the team has kept a strong winning streak and continues to put up a good fight at each game. This may be because Coach Castelamare is not new to the game. Freedom’s volleyball coach and HOPE instructor was a volleyball player for the University of South Florida from 2006-2010.

“With having a new coach this year, expectations change. We’re set to a higher caliber and I think we’re exceeding goals now that we thought weren’t achievable before. Along with this, the team seems to really mesh well and we’re always having fun on and off the court,” said senior outside hitter Danielle Thomas. “My favorite part of school volleyball is that I get to play with my friends all the time.”

The team also has a great amount of chemistry due to the fact that the players have been on the Patriot Volleyball team for at least three years. Outside of high school volleyball, the varsity athletes also practice on competitive club teams, including Tampa Elite Volleyball and Tampa United Volleyball.

“High school season is a continuation of club season so you’re playing with girls you are familiar with and know versus a brand new team for school,” said junior Libero Jazmine Boga.

The team is led by two seniors, Danielle Thomas and Savanna Young, along with eight juniors. These two seniors are the captains for the team this season and have been on the varsity team since their freshman year. The seniors are not the only stars of the team. Junior Jazmine Boga, who has been a varsity athlete since freshman year, shines in the backrow as the team’s only libero. As the head of defense, Jazmine has had 118 digs for the season. Cameron Young, junior, is also a force to be reckoned with in the front row. As an outside hitter, she has a total of 60 kills for the season. The team has had many years of experience practicing with each other which is an advantage to many other teams.

“It’s easy to love coaching a group of athletes who play hard, but a team who plays hard together is what I love most!” said Coach Castelamare.

The Freedom Volleyball team also has a large fan base which comes to support the team at home games and away games.

“I look forward to seeing who shows up at our games because our student section always does a great job of cheering us on and boosting our confidence,” said junior defensive specialist and right side hitter Holly Vogt.

With the season coming to a close, the team has only three games remaining against Steinbrenner, Blake and Eastbay. The girls are content with their current results and are eager to continue playing volleyball for their club teams in order to be prepared for the next high school season. Fans of the Freedom volleyball team are even more excited to watch the final matches of the season.

“I love coming to the volleyball games with my friends”, said junior Terry Tan, “it’s always a lot of fun and we get to support our school!”

In regards to the goal for the season, Coach Castelamare wants to focus on the players giving their all during each match while also having fun playing the game.

“My goal for this team is to teach them how to play as ONE and to give 100% effort on every single play. Through intense practices in a team-centered environment, we will accomplish our goals,” said coach Castelamare