Assistant varsity coach and head JV coach Nylah Demps attributes the program’s strong start to a combination of focus and preparation.
“I think that it’s all about mindset and dedication,” Demps says, “While we may have lost a lot of starters last year, we have always had a ton of talent on the bench waiting for their opportunity to play. This year, they are taking advantage of that opportunity.”
Varsity’s recent win over Leon High School by a decisive 3-0 margin extended their winning streak. Players like Sydney Sutter (Sr.) are leading the offense with 4.7 kills per set, while Bella Ciolino (Sr.) anchors the back row with
5.2 digs/set. Senior Peyton McDonald leads in total blocks (11), and Allie Hepworth has been a serve-line threat with 27 aces so far.
Demps, known for her “tough love” approach, said her coaching philosophy is designed to prepare her players for the toughest moments on and off the court.
“I believe in putting the team in tough situations in practice and making sure they can handle pressure,” she says. “This can mean breaking down bad habits, but at the same time, we rebuild great ones. [By] providing tough love, I also try to be their biggest cheerleader. There has to be a balance of love and discipline.”
Junior Varsity has also demonstrated strength with key wins, including victories over Tupelo and Daphne (both 2-0), a 2-0 win against Pace, and their only loss so far, 0-2 to Hernando. Leading the JV charge are Sophia Frantz (So.) with ~1.9 kills per set, Brianna Dawson (Fr.) with a near .357 hitting percentage plus 11 total blocks, and Holly Kennedy (So.) with ~2.5 digs per set.
JV player Daphne Phelps (Jr.) credits the team’s mental toughness and their coaches for this year’s success.
“Something the team does really well this year is learning to let the bad things go and learn from them and focus on the good things that happened,” she says. “The coaches have helped me by pushing me past my limits and getting me ready for the next season.”
The Freshmen team remains perfect in district action at 2-0 and 3-0 overall, including a convincing 2-0 win over Pace (25-7, 25-14). Phelps also shared her favorite moment from the season so far: “Beating Chiles. It was such a big win for us and showed how much we’ve grown as a team.”
Looking ahead, Varsity will host Pace on Senior Night, September 18, a game that will honor the graduating players. That same match figures to be critical in the district standings.
JV and Freshmen also have more contests lined up, including away games against South Walton and Pensacola Catholic.
Off the court, fundraising efforts are underway to support travel, uniforms, and upcoming tournaments.
“The volleyball program does not get any funding from the school or athletic department,” Phelps said. “These fundraisers help us not only provide uniforms and gear, food, and travel expenses, but also an overall great experience.”
She added that the community’s role is just as important: “Simply come out and cheer the teams on! The support of the community can go a long way, especially when we are playing tough opponents. Knowing that the community has your back no matter the result is such an amazing feeling.”
Coach Demps also wants the community to know just how special this group is.
“These girls work incredibly hard year-round and have the mentality to back it up,” she said. “Every single person brings something special to the team, and it adds to the overall success of the program. Don’t count us out.”
With standout individual performances, deep roster contributions, and home court energy building toward Senior Night, the Dolphins’ 2025 volleyball season is shaping up to be one of their most memorable yet.