A Q&A with Santa Fe Volleyball's Nine Local Standouts
The Santa Fe College volleyball season is now underway, and one quick look at the Saints' roster tells a story...that there is plenty of volleyball talent in the surrounding Gainesville area making an impact towards the Saints' success.
The 2019 team won a second-consecutive Panhandle Conference title, and four local players from that squad have returned for the current season: Kariana Ayala, Maria Hernandez, Mikayla Collins, and Lilli Bentz. Santa Fe additionally has five freshman from nearby high schools getting a taste of collegiate volleyball for the first time: Katelyn Crofts, Abbey James, Emily Loose, Amelia MacCallum, and Tori Watts.
"We have a lot of good things going for us that allows us to recruit locally and be successful," said Head Coach Nick Cheronis. "First, the wide range of academic disciplines Santa Fe offers, and its academic relationship with the University of Florida. Second, the area clubs and high schools do an excellent job of preparing these athletes to compete at the next level. And, third, it really helps that we have a nationally competitive program at Florida to inspire these area players to want to compete in college. All of this puts us in a great position to offer area talent a place to continue their volleyball and academic careers while staying close to home."
Recently all nine of the student-athletes took some time with a quick Q&A, giving us all a chance to better know some of the Saints' "local legends."
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
Going to a local school made my transition from high school to college smoother. Going to Santa Fe College felt like going home because of how many people I already knew.
What is your area of study?
Exercise Science
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
I plan on furthering my studies at another college and continuing to play volleyball.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I remember playing against Amelia (MacCallum) when she was at Santa Fe High School. One of my teammates, Maria Hernandez, was the setter of my team. That was definitely one of the best games I've experienced because my team and I played as one.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
I had no interest in staying in Gainesville after high school. One of my coaches convinced me to go to the Santa Fe camp which turned out to be fun and interesting. I realized the benefits of staying local and that I get to play volleyball.
What is your area of study?
Business Administration
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
I would like to travel around the country, to learn about and see things I don't know about and find what I would like to do for a living.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I competed against Amelia M., Emily L., Abbey J., Katelyn C., Maria H., and Kari A. My favorite memory was when my school (Newberry) would play against Emily L. (Keystone). Both of our teams were competitive and challenged the other. Sadly for them, we always won.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
I was able to join a local travel ball club after my first year playing high school at Columbia. A few of my friends also committed to Santa Fe from my club, and I previously knew the coaches from my club experience and decided it was the best fit for me.
What is your area of study?
Nursing, I plan to attend nursing school after the end of this spring semester.
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
I am trying to join the BSN program at the University of Florida and eventually attend Nurse Practitioner school with my Master's or Doctorate.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I played at a 6A school so I only played against my former teammate and roommate Sarah Hamlin, who was also on my travel ball team. The best thing was that even though I played against her in high school, I got to play with her in travel ball and in college.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
It helped me in deciding to come to play for SF because I had already been playing either with or against some of the players that I currently play with, and knowing some of them and the general area made it even better.
What is your area of study?
I am majoring in Health Sciences. The medical field has always been fascinating to me and I would like to work in an area where I'm able to help others.
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
One of my goals, and probably the most important goal is going to Medical School after I graduate with my bachelor's in health sciences. My other goal is to be able to compete in the sport of volleyball for two more years before finally settling down.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I competed against Abbey James from Buchholz, and my favorite memory is when we beat them my senior year :) I also played against Amelia and the best memory was again, beating Santa Fe High School on their senior night.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
Playing volleyball and growing up in Gainesville definitely helped me make my decision in playing at Santa Fe. I was familiar with the coaching, the environment, and most of the players on the team. I also was able to get the college volleyball experience and stay close to home.
What is your area of study?
I am studying Health Sciences.
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
My goals are to play at a higher level of volleyball or finish my studies at the University of Florida and finish at Santa fe with my AA.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
Going to a local high school definitely played a big role in my decision of going to Santa Fe. From living in the area, it seems like the perfect distance away from home. I am close enough to go home if I ever need to, and far enough to not be in everything that's going on in my hometown.
What is your area of study?
My area of study right now is a general degree, in hopes of getting into Santa Fe's AS Cardiovascular Sonography program in the fall.
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
After playing at Santa Fe, I either plan to transfer to a University strictly for academics, or a school to keep playing volleyball. My plans are uncertain right now, but that's what makes it exciting.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I was on a team with Katelyn Crofts for a season, which was such a fun season for all of us. My favorite memory of that team was competing in nationals and placing 3rd. I'm sure most of the players on our team have played each other at one point or another, which I think is really cool. A lot of the girls I have played with in the past are playing in college at the same level, so this season will be filled with familiar faces and fun rivalries.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
From playing at a local high school, I knew a couple of girls that went through the Santa Fe volleyball program and spoke highly of it, which sparked an early interest in me to want to go here.
What is your area of study?
I'm planning on studying in the sonography area.
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
My goals for after Santa Fe are to continue my volleyball career, as well as to find a school that offers a good program for my field.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I've competed against a couple of my current teammates in the past: Tori, Maria, Kari, and Kate. One of my best memories of that was when I played Tori in high school games because the games where we played Forest were always such high energy games.
What role did going to a local high school play in deciding to come to Santa Fe?
Playing at a local high school had a lot of influence when deciding to come to Santa Fe. I wanted to be close to my family, and play the sport I love.
What is your area of study?
Criminal Psychology
What are your goals after playing at Santa Fe?
After playing at Santa Fe I would like to continue playing at another college, then further my education and eventually receive a doctorate degree.
What other local (now Santa Fe players) did you compete against, and what is your best memory of that?
I played against Abbey James in high school. Our schools were rivals and my best memory was playing them in our District Tournament to proceed in our season. We were always rival schools, and it is a great experience to play with girls that I have seen and played against for many years.
Even with a roster made up of so many high school rivals, the Saints have played well so far in 2021, sweeping Lake-Sumter State College at home before falling 3-1 in a tightly-contested match at No. 4 Polk State College. Santa Fe's next outing is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 28 at home against Florida Gateway. The opening serve is scheduled for 7:00 p.m., and although spectators are not permitted, the Saints Sports Network will provide video and audio coverage here: Saints Sports Network - Santa Fe College Athletics (prestosports.com)