Rising Stars from New Smyrna Beach Preseason Classic

In Florida, high school volleyball officially kicks off the week of August 18th, but preseason events often set the tone for what's to come. For coaches, preseason classics are the ultimate proving ground to fine-tune lineups, test rotations, and prepare for the grind of a long season. For players, it's the first chance to show off the results of offseason work and announce themselves as difference-makers. The New Smyrna Beach High School Preseason Classic offered just that—a showcase of skill, speed, and grit. From powerful attackers to defensive specialists who refused to let the ball touch the floor, the competition was fierce. Among the many competitors, five athletes rose above the rest, proving they're ready to carry their teams into the new season with confidence.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01040.jpg?w=953" alt="" class="wp-image-877401" style="width:345px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New Smyrna Beach HS '25</figcaption></figure>    Freshman middle attacker [player_tooltip player_id='877562' first='Kyndall' last='Smitherman'] looked every bit the part of a seasoned player. Her approach was explosive and quick, allowing her to beat blockers with speed and precision. More than just athletic, she demonstrated volleyball IQ—knowing when to cut around the block or adjust her shot selection to find open angles. With her agility and quickness, Smitherman made an immediate impact and showed she's ready to compete at a high level. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01070.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-877405" style="width:432px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">DME Academy '25</figcaption></figure>    Aniya Legget showcased her versatility as a true two-way threat. A sophomore with a polished skill set, she consistently worked the ball smartly around the block, showing her ability to adapt mid-play and find open space on the court. On defense, she kept her eyes locked on the bottom of the ball, ensuring clean, controlled passes in serve receive. Offensively, she was aggressive in transition, making sharp approaches to attack with confidence. Whether swinging from the outside or right side, Legget proved she can be a reliable option at both pins. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl     The anchor of DME's backcourt, junior libero [player_tooltip player_id='877581' first='Keri' last='Petro'] was everywhere at once. She maintained a low, ready stance and covered ground with ease. Petro consistently displayed her ablity to anticipate rolls, tips, and even deceptive middle attacks. Petro showed no hesitation to sacrifice her body, laying out to keep the ball alive and extend rallies. Her relentless pursuit and defensive IQ gave her team a strong foundation, setting the tone from the back row. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01071-crop-1293x849-1755481009.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-877413" style="width:432px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Beachside High School '25</figcaption></figure>    Standing at 6'1, freshman middle Arielle Bostic waisted no time proving she belongs among seasoned returners. Athletic and agile, she quickly established herself at the net. Bostic displayed a variety of attacks, mixing her shot selection to keep defenders guessing. Just as impressive was her blocking presence—closing gaps seamlessly, and shutting down middle swings with authority. Her ability to anchor the front row as a freshman makes her one of the most exciting young players to watch this season. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl    <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/jgj01021-crop-573x377-1755480879.jpg?w=572" alt="" class="wp-image-877410" style="width:432px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Astronaut High School '25</figcaption></figure>    Lesleigh Amos, S / OH, was an all-around force on the court, playing six rotations with nonstop energy. Whether on defense, in serve receive, or transitioning off the net, she was always in motion—constantly creating options for her team. She set up a strong block on the right side, while offensively, she mixed up her shots with smart variety. Skilled at recognizing when to snap on top of the ball for a bounce or when to finesse it past defenders, she brought balance and versatility to her game. With her athleticism and upbeat presence, she was both a competitor and a spark plug. ~Sophia Jeanpierre @prepdig_fl    Conclusion   The New Smyrna Beach Preseason Classic wasn't just a warm-up—it was a preview of the firepower, athleticism, and grit we'll see across Florida volleyball this fall. These seven athletes left no doubt that they're ready to step into the spotlight, each showcasing unique skills that will help their teams compete at the highest level. From fearless freshmen making an immediate impact to seasoned leaders setting the tone, they embodied what makes high school volleyball so compelling. As the season officially begins on August 18th, expect these names to surface often—because if the preseason showed us anything, it's that these players are primed to lead, inspire, and dominate.

In Florida, high school volleyball officially kicks off the week of August 18th, but preseason events often set the tone for what's to come. For coaches, preseason classics are the ultimate proving ground to fine-tune lineups, test rotations, and prepare for the grind of a long season. For players, it's the first chance to show off the results of offseason work and announce themselves as difference-makers. The New Smyrna Beach High School Preseason Classic offered just that—a showcase of skill, speed, and grit. From powerful attackers to defensive specialists who refused to let the ball touch the floor, the competition was fierce. Among the many competitors, five athletes rose above the rest, proving they're ready to carry their teams into the new season with confidence.