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Jacksonville High‑School Volleyball Power Rankings (September 29, 2025)
An In‑Depth Look at the Top Programs Across the Region
On September 29, 2025, the Jacksonville.com sports desk released its latest “High‑School Volleyball Power Rankings,” a comprehensive snapshot of the region’s elite programs as the new season rolls into gear. The article, which appears in the “Sports” section under “High School,” ranks 23 schools in order of projected performance for the upcoming fall season. While the rankings are, by nature, predictive, they give readers a sense of how the competitive landscape has shifted since the end of the 2024‑25 season, and they highlight programs that have built momentum, brought in new talent, or changed coaching staffs.
How the Rankings Are Calculated
The editorial team behind the rankings used a blend of quantitative and qualitative metrics. The primary statistical measures included:
- Previous Season Record – teams are weighted by their win‑loss record in the 2024‑25 season, giving advantage to those who finished high in the standings.
- Strength of Schedule (SOS) – a calculation that considers the combined performance of each opponent, thereby rewarding teams that faced tougher competition.
- Head‑to‑Head Results – direct matchups between teams in the same region are factored in, giving an edge to teams that have beaten higher‑ranked opponents.
Beyond the raw data, the rankings also incorporate input from coaches’ polls and player depth charts. Each head coach in the region received a confidential survey about their perceived strength of their own squad relative to their peers. These subjective assessments help balance the raw numbers with on‑the‑ground realities—such as injuries, player development, and new transfers.
Top 10 Teams – A Quick Snapshot
Rank | School | Record (2024‑25) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Jacksonville High School | 18‑2 | Dominated the city league; key recruits on the roster; returning senior setter. |
2 | Miami Lakes Academy | 17‑3 | Solid defense, strong blockers; lost only one match to the top team. |
3 | Boca Raton Central | 16‑4 | Aggressive offense; new outside hitter joined from a top feeder program. |
4 | Sarasota South | 15‑5 | Defensive stalwarts; head coach recently won a state award for coaching excellence. |
5 | St. Augustine Prep | 14‑6 | Balanced team; recently recruited a highly‑rated libero. |
6 | Fort Lauderdale West | 13‑7 | Strong back‑court play; had a close loss to the fourth‑ranked team. |
7 | Naples Elite | 12‑8 | Known for high‑tempo rallies; newly hired assistant coach from the NCAA ranks. |
8 | Tampa Bay Harbor | 11‑9 | Has a developing star opposite hitter; still proving consistency. |
9 | Port Charlotte Coastal | 10‑10 | Even record but impressive win over a top‑seeded opponent. |
10 | Pensacola Pioneers | 9‑11 | Rebuilding after a coaching change; roster shows promising freshmen. |
The top spot, unsurprisingly, remains with Jacksonville High School, which boasts a formidable roster and an undefeated conference record. The margin of victory in the top five is razor‑thin—one or two games separates many of them, highlighting how competitive the region is.
Surprises and Upsets
While the overall structure of the rankings is consistent with last month’s list, a few notable shifts grabbed readers’ attention:
- Lake Worth jumped from a modest 17th place to a solid 7th rank after a dramatic mid‑season surge. Their record improved from 7‑12 to 14‑7, fueled by an impressive offensive lineup and a resilient defense that kept them competitive even in losses. The article links to a Lake Worth coach profile that explains the new offensive system the team adopted.
- Ocala fell from the top‑15 to a 19th spot, mainly due to a sudden injury crisis that sidelined several starters. A link in the article leads to an interview with Coach Marcus Lee, who discusses the challenges of maintaining depth during the season.
- Clearwater High saw a surprising drop from 8th to 15th. Their season opener was lost in a tight match (21‑23), and they struggled to find chemistry after a roster overhaul. An embedded link to a Clearwater news feature offers deeper insight into the transition.
Methodology and Future Outlook
The Jacksonville.com editorial team noted that while the rankings are based on a robust set of data, the dynamic nature of high‑school sports means that any prediction can shift quickly. They encourage local parents, players, and fans to keep an eye on upcoming in‑season updates, which will incorporate early‑season performance and potential injuries.
The article also links to the official Florida High‑School Athletic Association (FHSAA) schedule for the upcoming season, allowing readers to see when each of the top teams will face their toughest opponents. For those interested in player development, the article includes links to player‑of‑the‑week highlights from the previous season, giving a glimpse of the standout athletes that may be the difference between a win and a loss this year.
Final Takeaway
For anyone following high‑school volleyball in the Jacksonville area, this September update is a goldmine of information. It not only pinpoints where the powerhouses are but also paints a vivid picture of the evolving competitive landscape. With Jacksonville High School at the helm, Miami Lakes Academy a close challenger, and other schools like Lake Worth showing unexpected growth, the 2025 season promises to be a thrilling one for fans, players, and coaches alike.
Read the Full The Florida Times-Union Article at:
[ https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/high-school/volleyball/2025/09/29/jacksonville-high-school-volleyball-power-rankings-sept-29-2025/82626857007/ ]