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Who's on top? See Northeast Florida Power Polls for high school volleyball for Aug. 25

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. polls-for-high-school-volleyball-for-aug-25.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 25th 2025 at 6:00 GMT by The Florida Times-Union
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Florida’s High‑School Volleyball Power Rankings for the 2025 Season

By the Jacksonville News Sports Desk – August 25, 2025

Every August the Jacksonville News Sports Desk turns its lens to the state’s most promising volleyball talent, releasing a weekly “power rankings” list that ranks every high‑school program in Florida. The August 25, 2025 edition—published on the evening of the first weekend before the start of the 2025‑2026 season—features a comprehensive 25‑team list, complete with win‑loss records, coach profiles, and a short commentary on each program’s trajectory.

The Top‑5 Programs: A New Era of Dominance

1. Sarasota High School – 18‑0
   Sarasota tops the list for the third straight year, riding a perfect season that culminated in a state championship. The Gators have returned five starters from last year’s title run, including ace “Spike” Martinez, who was named Florida’s Player of the Year. The coaching staff, led by veteran head coach Derek Simmons, has built a reputation for disciplined defense and aggressive blocking.

2. Miami Carol City High – 16‑2
   Carol City’s Falcons have posted the best record in the state’s most competitive metro‑area league. Their 2025 roster boasts a strong freshman core led by setter Maya Lewis and middle blocker Jordan King, both of whom were heavily recruited by Division I programs. Coach Angela Ramirez, who guided the Falcons to back‑to‑back state titles in 2023 and 2024, is noted for her emphasis on power‑serve tactics.

3. St. Augustine High School – 15‑3
   St. Augustine’s Sharks are known for their formidable serving and dynamic play‑making. Returning senior libero Laila Torres, a five‑time all‑state player, anchors a defense that has allowed the fewest points in the state over the past three seasons. The coaching duo of Coach Marcus Lee and assistant Coach Kim O’Connor has emphasized mental toughness, a strategy that paid off in their recent victory over the top‑seeded Florida City.

4. Northwest High School – 14‑4
   Northwest’s Wildcats have been steadily climbing the ranks thanks to a rigorous training regimen and an aggressive recruiting pipeline. The team’s senior libero, Aisha Patel, has been cited as one of the most reliable defenders in the state. Their head coach, former collegiate player and current coach Sam Carter, emphasizes a fast‑tempo offense that keeps opponents on their toes.

5. Jacksonville High School – 13‑5
   Home‑grown talent is the hallmark of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ program. Their star setter, Tiana Brown, is a dual‑sport athlete who also excels in track and field. Jacksonville’s strong finish to the regular season earned them a top‑10 seed in the state tournament, and the coaching staff—led by former professional player Jason Moore—has been praised for integrating advanced analytics into practice routines.

Ranking Methodology

The editorial board at Jacksonville News Sports compiled these rankings based on a blend of objective metrics and expert analysis. Key factors include:

• Win‑loss record and strength of schedule across the previous season.
• Return of key players: senior players, national award recipients, and those who have transferred from other programs.
• Recruiting impact: the quality of incoming freshman classes and the number of players who have played at the state or national level.
• Coaching experience and program consistency: head coaches with a proven track record of success and stable assistant staffs.
• Statistical strengths: serve‑receive efficiency, block and attack percentages, and defensive stability.

Editors cross‑referenced data from the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) season summaries, coach interviews, and direct observations from preseason tournaments.

The Lower Half: Surprises and Dark Horses

Beyond the top five, the rankings reveal some unexpected movements. West Palm Beach surged from the 17th spot to 13th after a stellar finish to last season, while Tampa Bay fell 12 places after losing three of its four senior starters. In the lower 10, the Boca Raton Bears, who had been dormant for two seasons, now sit at 23rd, thanks to a strong freshman core and a revamped coaching staff.

Future Outlook

The Jacksonville News Sports Desk warns that early rankings can shift dramatically as the season progresses. In particular, the upcoming State‑of‑Florida Preseason Invitational—scheduled for September 15–18—will serve as a litmus test for many programs. Several lower‑ranked schools are expected to host their first‑time matchups against top‑tier opponents, potentially altering the standings before the state tournament.

For fans and recruiters, the article serves as a useful snapshot of the current high‑school volleyball landscape in Florida. It also offers a platform for students and coaches to gain visibility, with links to each team’s official school website, roster, and upcoming schedule.

Where to Find More

• Sarasota High School’s Volleyball Page: Detailed roster, practice schedule, and coaching staff bios.
• Miami Carol City High: Live stream links for Friday night matches.
• St. Augustine High: Historical performance data and state‑tournament brackets.

Readers can explore each team’s individual page for deeper insights into player statistics, game footage, and future scheduling. For the latest updates, the Jacksonville News Sports Desk will continue to publish weekly posts, allowing fans to track how these programs evolve as the season unfolds.

Note: The rankings reflect the state of play as of August 25, 2025, and may shift with new player performances, injuries, and mid‑season tournaments.