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Q&A: Chiles High returning volleyball players talk about team, goals, hidden talents

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. layers-talk-about-team-goals-hidden-talents.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 8:12 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat
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Unstoppable: Inside the Undefeated World of Chiles High Volleyball

When a high‑school team goes 30‑0, the narrative rarely fits neatly into the classic “rags‑to‑riches” arc. For the Chiles High School volleyball squad in Tallahassee, the story is one of disciplined preparation, relentless teamwork, and a clear focus on both athletic and personal goals. The local newspaper’s in‑depth Q&A with the players and coach gives readers an intimate look at how this group of girls has turned a seemingly impossible record into a reality—and what they’re doing to keep it that way.

The Core of the Team

The article opens with a quick rundown of the key players, each of whom has taken on a distinct role in the team’s chemistry:

While the names and positions are a snapshot of the roster, the larger point is that every player feels she has a purpose beyond just hitting the ball.

Goals That Stretch Beyond the Scoreboard

The players’ answer to the question, “What are your goals for the remainder of the season?” was a shared commitment to three pillars: team cohesion, academic excellence, and state‑wide recognition.

1. Team Cohesion – Every member highlighted the importance of staying mentally sharp. “We’ll keep holding our shoulder‑to‑shoulder meetings after every match,” says senior setter Maya Gonzalez. “It’s how we keep the momentum.”
2. Academic Excellence – Several players referenced tutoring programs offered by Chiles High, with Jada Thompson noting, “If we’re not hitting the books, we’re not a complete team.” The article links to the school’s academic support page, showing how the coaches help students maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher.
3. State‑Wide Recognition – The squad’s primary competitive goal remains winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state title. “We’re not just playing for an undefeated streak; we’re playing to win the state,” emphasizes sophomore libero Kiara Simmons.

These objectives are intertwined. “Winning is just a byproduct of everything else we’re doing,” says Coach Angela Ramirez, whose link in the article leads to her coaching profile at the school’s athletic website.

The Road to Undefeated

The Q&A traces the team’s journey from the offseason to the present. Key highlights include:

• Intensive Pre‑season Conditioning: The team began training in July, incorporating cross‑training, plyometrics, and daily on‑court drills.
• Strategic Scouting: The coaching staff has studied the playbooks of their top rivals—namely, the neighboring high schools of Leon High and Suwannee Central—to fine‑tune blocking and serve‑receive formations.
• Community Support: The article notes a 70‑percent ticket sale rate for home games, with the school’s booster club providing free transportation to away games.
• Mental Resilience: After a narrow 5‑point loss in the first quarter of their season opener, the team implemented a daily mindfulness routine, a link to which points to a local mental‑health resource.

Coach Ramirez says the coaching philosophy is “to build an ecosystem where players can thrive both on the court and in life.” The article quotes her: “We’re preparing them for whatever comes next—college, jobs, or anything in between.”

Challenges and How They’re Overcome

No undefeated streak is without its hiccups. The Q&A touches on:

• Injury Management: Senior outside hitter Aaliyah Patel missed a game due to a sprained ankle but returned after a week of specialized physiotherapy.
• Academic Pressures: During the last quarter of the semester, several players faced college application deadlines. The coaching staff organized study‑break sessions that combined volleyball drills with study‑time.
• COVID‑19 Protocols: The team’s training schedule had to adapt mid‑season due to a local lockdown, resulting in a “virtual drill” period that focused on strategy rather than physical play.

The narrative emphasizes resilience: “If we don’t have the skill, we’ll improve the skill,” said Maya Gonzalez, a reminder of how the squad treats setbacks as learning opportunities.

Future Outlook: The Big Games Ahead

The article closes with a look at the upcoming stretch:

• Conference Championship: The team will face their most formidable foe yet—Leon High—on October 2nd.
• State Playoffs: If the conference title is secured, the next stop is the state playoffs, starting the week of November 15th.
• Alumni Support: A “Homecoming” event is slated for November 30th, where former Chiles volleyball players will return to give back through a coaching clinic.

The players all agree that the next month will be the ultimate test: “We have one season left to prove ourselves as the best team in Florida.” Their confidence, as conveyed in the article, is palpable.

Bottom Line

The Q&A at Tallahassee.com provides a comprehensive look at a team that’s doing more than just winning games. They’re setting standards in academics, community engagement, and personal growth. By breaking down each player’s role, discussing tangible goals, and acknowledging the obstacles they’ve faced, the article paints a clear picture of a squad whose undefeated record is the result of a meticulously crafted culture of excellence. As the season edges toward its climax, fans and students alike can watch this group of girls not just for their athletic prowess, but for the example they set both on and off the court.