Success has come Santa Fe's Way for quite a while on the Volleyball court. Winners of high school state championships in 2021 and 2022 cemented their place amongst the best programs in the state, but after falling short of a three peat a year ago, the Raiders are ready to get back to the promised land.
Winners of 5 of their first 6 matches to begin the season was a great way to get things going in 2024. Big victories over the Rock and GHS had them rolling through the middle part of the season until a 3 game losing streak (all 5 setters) had them scuffling a bit. But they got back on track with a victory over Lake Weir earlier this week with a great performance from Middle Blocker Alexis Rhoden and because of her effort, the junior is this weeks UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
"I love my teammates more than anything and I wouldn't be anywhere without them. Coach Eric lets us be ourselves and goof off at times and we really have fun with each other on the court, that's why we have the success we do. But we also know when it's time to get serious and know when to lock in," said Rhoden.
Rhoden finished with 4 blocks and 12 kills in the sweep over the Hurricanes and Santa Fe got their 18th victory of the season. With the regular season winding down, Rhoden knows that her and her teammates have some work to do, but she's willing to do whatever it takes to make it back to states.
"I got to be on a state championship team as a freshman and its mind-blowing that I'm now one of the older players. I learned so much from the upperclassman a few years ago and its now my job to lead and help the younger girls get experience. We have huge matches coming up, but all we can focus on is the next one and keep getting better to reach the ultimate goal that we all want," said Rhoden.
With just a few weeks left in the regular season, the Raiders are ready for another fun run all the way to Winter Haven in hopes of bringing back another title to Alachua County. Congratulations to Alexis Rhoden, this week's UF Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the week.
Each weekly winner is eligible to win a $2500 scholarship at the end of the season as the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year. The winner will be named at the conclusion of the 24-25 High School academic Year.