Bradenton, Fla - After months of preparation during the summer semester, the SCF volleyball team, in a new conference and new division, will open their season on the road for the first eight matches of the season. The Manatees will first travel to Rockford, Illinois for the three-day McHenry County Invitational (August 19-21) at the RV Health Sports Factory, hosted by Rock Valley College, where they will take on Moraine Valley CC, #16 Hawkeye CC, Illinois Central College, #11 Grand Rapids CC, Ancilla College of Marian University and #1 Parkland College as part of the NJCAA Opening Weekend Tournament. In fact, they will be the only team from Florida competing in the opening weekend tournament and it will be first time matchups against the first six teams for them.
Other teams participating in the tournament are as listed, but will not play the Manatees:
#4 Iowa Central
#3 Johnson County CC
Carl Sandburg College
Southeastern Iowa
De Moines Area College
Rochester
St. Clair County CC
RV Kansas City Kansas CC
Muskegon CC
College of DuPage
Kaskaskia CC
Iowa Lakes CC
Black Hawk College-Moline
Roane State CC (RV last year)
Williston CC
Bryant and Stranton
#6 Terra State CC
Central Lakes College-Brainerd
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of finishing last season 2-16 overall with a 2-14 in the Suncoast Conference. They have not had a winning season since 2014 and have not had double digit wins since the 2017 season.
Numerous Changes:
After the 2021 fall season, the Manatees will leave the Suncoast Conference and move down to DII to play in the Sun Lakes Conference Southern Division. They will be with Palm Beach State, Pasco-Hernando State, South Florida State and St. Pete College in that division. In the Northern Division, it will consist of Florida State College at Jacksonville, Gulf Coast State, Lake Sumter State, Pensacola State and St. John's River State.
Meet the Head Coach:
The Manatees are lead by head coach Lynn Burnett, who enters her third season as full-time head coach after being named interim head coach in 2019 before becoming head coach in 2020. Burnett is also the head coach of the beach volleyball team.
She is joined by first-year assistant coach Craig Wolfe.
Out With the Old, In With the New:
The Manatees have eight players that have moved on from the team: Kaysha Kahai-Enos, Jennifer Rivera, Giulia Rodrigues, Adelene Jideofor, Jazmin Spencer, Anllelivis Caballero-Fernandez, Jadyn Wallen, Faith Blaise and Haley Poole.
Rodrigues (UNC Asheville), Jideofor (Norfolk State), Caballero-Fernandez (Miami Dade College) and Poole (Andrew College) have all decided to continue to play collegiately at the next level.
Burnett was able to land 13 newcomers (three transfers) to join the team this season: Amee Beedle, Bailey Perry, Caelen Cook, Emily Lyons, Hayley Rhoads, Isabella Rebimbas, Katarina 'Kat' McCall, Kendall Steinert, Kloe Pinto, Rachel Carroll, Shelby Pillow and Rhea Kohl.
Amee Beedle:
Beedle, an outsider hitter/right side hitter from Wheaton, Illinois, joins the Manatees after playing two years with Vincennes University (NJCAA Region 24 DI) in Vincennes, Indiana. She will have one year of eligibility remaining in the NJCAA, but will sit out this season to maintain it.
As a member of the Trailblazers, Beedlle had a career of 225 kills, 34 aces, 498 digs and 18 blocks in 46 career matches and has the most experience in tournament play from a national standpoint as she has competed in the NJCAA Midwest District Championship Semifinals in both years as well as winning and being a runner-up in the NJCAA Region 24 DI Champions (Spring 2021, runner-up; Fall 2021, champions).
Prior to Vincennes, Beedle played at Wheaton North High School where she played two seasons on varsity. She finished her career with 288 kills, 230 aces, 237 digs and 34 blocks (nine solo) with the Falcons. During her sophomore year, her team were winners of the DuPage Valley Conference Tournament where they defeated Glenbard East in the finals.
Bailey Perry:
An outside hitter/right side hitter from Sebastian, Florida, Perry joins after graduating from Sebastian River High School.
As a member of the Sharks, she played three years of varsity where she finished her career with 192 kills, 206 digs, 21 blocks and 23 aces. In all three years, Perry helped lead the Sharks to three straight FHSAA 6A District Tournament appearances.
Caelen Cook:
A middle blocker from Satellite Beach, Florida, Cook joins the team after graduating from Satellite High School. As a member of the Scorpions, she started her freshman year at the junior varsity level where she had one kill and three aces before being moved up to varsity at the start of her sophomore year. From there, Cook helped lead the team to win three straight FHSAA 4A District Championships and three playoff appearances in the FHSAA 4A State Tournament with the last two reaching the final four (2020, 2021).
In the end, Cook finished her career at Satellite with 395 kills, 118 aces, 99 blocks (65 solo) and 150 digs.
Emily Lyons:
A defensive specialist/outside hitter from Mayo, Florida, Lyons joins the Manatees after graduating from Lafayette High School where she was a four-sport athlete playing volleyball, basketball, softball and weightlifting.
As a member of the Hornets girls basketball team, she played five season where she averaged 3.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game in 75 games total. Additionally, Lyons helped the girls basketball team to the FHSAA 1A State Tournament during her junior and senior years.
With softball, Lyons had a career batting average of .107 with three hits, two RBI and 10 runs scored in 33 games during her junior and senior year while making an playoff appearance in the FHSAA 1A State Softball Tournament.
From the volleyball end, Lyons played two years on varsity and finished with 263 kills, 49 aces, 184 digs and 17 blocks. Additionally, she helped the Hornets volleyball team to two straight appearances in the FHSAA 1A Girls Volleyball State Tournament.
Haylee Rhoads:
A local product that plays middle blocker, Rhoads joins the Manatees after graduating from North Port High School. She will play both indoor and beach volleyball.
As a member of the Bobcats, Rhoads played all four years on varsity and finished her career with 536 kills, 88 aces, 179 blocks (178 solo) and 287 digs. She also helped the team to the FHSAA 7A District Tournament all four years of her career.
Isabella 'Bella' Rebimbas:
An outside hitter/right side hitter from Southwest Florida, Rebimbas joins the Manatees after graduating from Barron Collier High School in Naples, Florida.
As a member of the Cougars, Rebimbas played all four years on varsity where she finished her career with 296 kills and 161 digs in 244 sets played. Additionally, she helped Barron Collier get first place in districts, win four straight district championships (three in 5A) and make four straight appearances to states (2018, FHSAA 7A; 2019-21, FHSAA 5A) with three of them to the semifinals.
Her senior year was her most productive as she finished with 166 kills, 18 blocks and 59 digs, which included a career-high 14 against inner city rival Naples High School.
Katarina 'Kat' McCall:
McCall, a defensive specialist and local product from North Port, returns home after playing her freshman year at Penn State University - Beaver (USCAA) in Center Township, Pennsylvania. She will have one year of eligibility remaining. Historically, she is the first player from a USCAA college/university to join the Manatees and the first to transfer from a university since Sanja Vojnovic (2015, NAIA Columbia College).
As a member of the Nittany Lions, McCall finished her freshman year with 63 kills (3rd most on the team), 68 assists (2nd most), 39 aces (tied for 2nd most), 103 digs (4th most) and eight blocks in 23 matches.
Prior to Penn State Beaver, McCall played for Lemon Bay High School in Englewood, Florida under head coach Patrick Auer. As a member of the Manta Rays, she played her lone varsity year as a senior and finished with 102 kills, seven aces, 28 digs and five blocks. Before that, she played her first three seasons at Booker High School before earning a HOPE Scholarship to transfer to Lemon Bay.
Kendall Steinert:
A local setter from Englewood, Steinert joins after graduating from Lemon Bay High School and reunites with former teammate McCall. As a member of the Manta Rays, Steinert played her senior year on varsity where she helped the team to a 26-3 record overall with a 2-0 record in 4A District 8 and a trip to the regional finals of the FHSAA 4A State Tournament. She finished her lone varsity season with 795 assists (9.8 assists per match), 39 kills, 70 aces and 236 digs in 81 sets played. Additionally, she was named as one of 24 players to the Herald Tribune All-Area Volleyball Team from Manatee, Charlotte and Sarasota County.
Kloe Pinto:
An outside hitter/defensive specialist from Jacksonville, Pinto joins after graduating from Atlantic Coast High School. As a member of the Stingrays, she helped the team to four straight FHSAA 6A District Tournaments while being named a recipient of a scholarship for the USA Volleyball Florida Region.
Rachel Carroll:
A local setter/defensive specialist from Sarasota, Carroll joins after graduating from Sarasota High School. As a member of the Sailors, Carroll had over 1,000 assists and 500 digs in all four years of varsity while helping the team to districts in three of the seasons.
Shelby Pillow:
A middle blocker/right side hitter from Athens, Georgia, Pillow joins the Manatees after graduating from Winder-Barrow High School in Winder, Georgia. She played three years of varsity for the Bulldogs where she helped lead them to a trip to the GHSAA 6A State Tournament (2020). Pillow's senior year was her breakthrough year as she finished that year leading the team with 194 kills, 39 aces, 29 blocks (seven solo) and 33 digs in 70 sets played.
Rhea Kohl:
Kohl is an outside hitter/right side hitter from Toronto, Ontario, Canada that joins the Manatees after graduating from Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in Toronto and is a member of the club team, Team Ontario. She is the first Canadian to play for SCF since Tessa Alyman (2012-2013).
In 2019, she was the youngest player to be in the top overall in points during the OVA U18 Series for Team Ontario Beach U18 Elite Athlete, had 90% of her finishes in the top 4 during the OVA U16, U18 and Youth Open beach tournaments with numerous partners while also placing second in the U16 Dig the Beach Florida Tournament in June 2019.
Prior to signing with SCF, Kohl originally committed to Stetson University for beach volleyball, but due to some issues she decided to sign with the Manatees.
Lowe, a local middle blocker from Southeast High School in Bradenton, played in two matches where she produced one total block.
Transitioning from outside hitter to defensive specialist for this season, McGee finished her freshman campaign with three kills, 36 digs and one block in 15 matches played.
A native of Saint Denis, France, Sandanom, an outside hitter/right side hitter, played in 14 matches where she produced 62 kills, eight aces, 26 digs and 13 blocks.
After transferring from Independence CC in Kansas in 2021, Stoffel, a setter/defensive specialist, returns for a third year in the NJCAA after finishing her first year with the Manatees with 138 assists, three kills, 10 aces and 79 digs.
Fun Fact:
This will be the first time the Manatees travel outside of Florida since 2014 (NJCAA Tournament in Casper, Wyoming) and the first time traveling to Illinois.
Returning to Illinois Roots:
For Beedle, the weekend tournament for her will be a special moment for her. As noted, Beedle joined the Manatees after transferring from Vincennes University in Indiana with one year of eligibility remaining and this will be a 'welcome home' feel for her as her hometown of Wheaton is about an hour and a half from Rockford and she has family there.
"I'm excited to return home, especially with my family coming to see me," said Beedle. "When I showed them the schedule, they already said they're coming and are excited for it, so it's going to be a fun time for me."
Scouting Moraine Valley CC:
Moraine Valley CC hails from Palo Hills, Illinois and represents the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference (NJCAA Region 4) and are lead by head coach Lauren Lorenz, who enters her seventh season as head coach.
The Lady Cyclones finished last season 15-6 overall with a 5-2 record in conference. They were the #1 seed in the NJCAA Region 4 Tournament before falling to Carl Sandburg College in the semifinals.
Jaelyn Donald is one of the key returners for the Lady Cyclones. Donald finished her freshman campaign with 107 kills, 137 digs, 17 aces and 16 blocks while being named to the All-ISCC Second Team.
Scouting Hawkeye CC:
Located in Waterloo, Iowa, Hawkeye CC represents the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (NJCAA Region 11) and are lead by head coach Tyann Wolfensperger, who enters her fourth season as head coach.
The Lady Redtails are coming off of finishing last season 23-10 overall with a 8-1 record in conference play for a second place finish. They were ranked #13 in the nation before falling in the finals of the NJCAA Region 11-B Tournament to #10 Kirkwood CC.
Key returners for the Lady Redtails include Carolina Aguilar (75 kills and 75 blocks), Allie Driscol (742 assists and 203 digs) and Haley Eckerman (190 kills and 54 blocks [38 solo])
As far as new recruits, they have signed six including Australian Darcee O'Laughlin and two from Iowa in Becca Platte and Ellie Gerdes.
Scouting Illinois Central:
Illinois Central is located in East Peoria, Illinois and represents the Mid-West Athletic Conference (NJCAA Region 24) and are lead by head coach Tracy Heffren, who enters her fourth season as head coach.
The Cougars are coming off of finishing last season 28-15 overall while receiving votes in the NJCAA DII National Polls. They would fall in the finals of the District B Tournament and failed to make it to nationals for the first time since 2018.
Key possible returners for the Cougars include Gracie Schultz (338 kills, 17 aces and 136 total blocks) and Raquel Frakes (162 kills, 55 digs and 61 blocks).
Scouting Grand Rapids CC:
Grand Rapids CC is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and represents NJCAA Region 12 (Michigan Community College Athletic Association). They are lead by head coach Chip Will, who enters his 16th season as head coach.
The Raiders are coming off of finishing last season 24-7 overall with a perfect 14-0 in conference play. They would finish ranked #6 in the nation before falling in the finals of the district tournament to #7 Terra State CC.
Key possible returners for the Raiders include Audrey Torres (302 kills, 50 aces, 297 digs and 38 blocks), Kara Hecht (125 kills, 27 aces and 175 digs), Shannon Russel (740 assists and 174 digs), Ola Nowak (396 digs, 412 assists and 38 aces) and Audrey Gower (326 digs, 34 aces and 71 assists).
Scouting Ancilla College:
Ancilla College is located in Donaldson, Indiana and joins fellow conference member Grand Rapids CC from NJCAA Region 12. They are lead by second-year head coach Shaun McAllister. Predominately Roman Catholic, the school merge with Marian University (NAIA) last year.
The Lady Chargers are coming off finishing last season 0-16 overall with an 0-14 record in MCCAA Western Division. They have not had a winning season since 2016.
Key returners for the Lady Chargers include Leah Thompson (145 kills and 103 digs), Taytlynn Forrer (127 assists and 148 digs) and Victoria Highland (84 kills and 22 blocks).
Scouting Parkland College:
Parkland College is located in Champaign, Illinois and join fellow conference member Illinois Central College from NJCAA Region 24. They are lead by head coach and 2018 NJCAA Hall of Fame Inductee Cliff Hastings, who enters his 14th season as head coach. Hastings is a three-time and the current, reigning and defending MWAC Coach of the Year.
The Cobras are coming off of finishing last season 56-3 overall with a 5-0 record in conference play. They were ranked #3 in the NJCAA DII National Polls after they won their regular season championship and the NJCAA Region 24 District Tournament to qualify for the NJCAA DII National Tournament where they were victorious after going unbeaten by upsetting then #1 nationally ranked Cowley College in the championship match. Additionally, they are currently on a 38-match winning streak rolling over from the previous season.
Key returners for the Cobras include reigning MWAC Player and Freshman of the Year Kat Blaise (472 kills, 71 aces and 337 blocks [54 solo]), Arika Richardson (471 kills, 101 digs and 175 blocks), Josie Hess (838 digs and 79 aces), Sophie Young (1,976 assists, 411 digs, 148 blocks and 110 kills) and Halle Everett (304 kills, 132 digs and 59 blocks).
NJCAA OTW Times of Games (Central Time):
8/19/22:
Grand Rapids vs Iowa Central CC @11 am (12 pm EST)
Illinois Central vs Southeastern Iowa @ 12 pm (1 pm EST)
SCF vs Moraine Valley @ 12 pm (1 pm EST)
Moraine Valley vs Central Lakes College-Brainerd @ 2 pm (3 pm EST)
Illinois Central vs Des Moines Area @ 2 pm (3 pm EST)
Grand Rapids vs Johnson County CC @ 3 pm (4 pm EST)
SCF vs Hawkeye CC @ 4 pm (5 pm EST)
8/20/22:
SCF vs Illinois Central @ 9 am (10 am EST)
Hawkeye vs Kaskaskia @ 9 am (10 am EST)
Grand Rapids vs Carl Sandburg @ 10 am (11 am EST)
Parkland vs Roane State CC @ 11 am (12 pm EST)
Moraine Valley vs Iowa Central CC @ 1 pm (2 pm EST)
Illinois Central vs Rochester @ 1 pm (2 pm EST)
Parkland vs Johnson County CC @ 1 pm (2 pm EST)
SCF vs Grand Rapids @ 2 pm (3 pm EST)
Parkland vs Williston State @ 3 pm (4 pm EST)
Parkland vs Bryant and Stratton @ 4 pm (5 pm EST)
8/21/22:
Parkland vs Terra State CC @ 9 am (10 am EST)
SCF vs Ancilla College @ 10 am (11 am EST)
SCF vs Parkland @ 11 am (12 pm EST)
All the matches will be featured livestream on FloVolleyball and fans can keep up with the team on all social media platforms:
Instagram: @volleyball_SCF
Twitter: @SCFVolleyball
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SCFvolleyball
livestream link: https://www.flovolleyball.tv
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