Umatilla, FL – Umatilla High School’s volleyball program, once known for its years of hardship, is now making headlines under the leadership of head coach Amanda McDade. Born and raised in nearby Eustis, Florida, McDade has injected new life into a program that has long yearned for success. With a background deeply rooted in the sport—having played throughout middle school, high school, and at the collegiate level—McDade brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to Umatilla.

“I’ve always believed in the power of hard work and dedication,” McDade said. “This community has so much potential, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see these girls embrace that and start to believe in themselves.”

(Coach McDade was a terrific player for Eustis High. She’s been coaching travel and regional club teams in the area before taking on the Umatilla High program.)

McDade’s journey to Umatilla began after she graduated from Eustis High where she played volleyball and was a standout star. She played at the college level and also graduated from the University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s degree in K-6 Elementary Education. A high school access teacher specializing in students with special needs, McDade balances her passion for teaching with her love for coaching. Now in her sixth year of coaching at the high school level, with additional experience coaching travel and regional club teams for five years, McDade has found a home at Umatilla High School, where she’s reshaping the volleyball program with determination and heart.

The Bulldogs are off to their best start in school history. They are now 4-3 overall. That is a big achievement for a program that averaged just four wins per season over the past two decades. Last year, under McDade’s guidance, Umatilla posted a 9-9 record—the first non-losing season since the advent of modern stat-keeping for the program. That team last year ushered in a new era for Umatilla volleyball, and this season, the team is already building on that success.

(Senior Mittie O’Brien has been with the team through lows and highs. She along with her fellow senior’s have built a solid foundation for the future of Lady Bulldogs Volleyball.)

The key to the Bulldogs’ early success are standout seniors Mittie O’Brien and Addison Sebree, who have emerged as leaders both on and off the court. O’Brien, a three-sport athlete excels in volleyball, basketball, and softball. She has been instrumental in guiding Umatilla to a 4-3 start.

Mittie and Addison have been through it all—they’ve seen the lows and they’ve stuck together through thick and thin. This year, they’re leading by example, and it’s paying off for the program.

O’Brien and Sebree have become the driving forces behind Umatilla’s offensive and defensive strategies. Leading the team in kill shots and anchoring the front line with their blocking, they’ve helped secure crucial victories early in the season. But their contributions go beyond stats; they’re setting a standard of excellence and commitment. Both of them hope to leave behind a healthy legacy for the future of Umatilla Volleyball. Victoria and Camryn Adkins along with Brooke Parkinson have also been through much with the progam and have contributed this season. It’s been a total team effort.

(Coach McDade has brought Umatilla Volleyball a long way in a short time. There is much work to do for the future but we have to give huge credit to this group of girls and coach McDade on what they are doing for UHS.)

Principal Frazier and former athletic director Pat Todd share in McDade’s vision for the program’s future. They’ve worked together to provide the support and resources needed to elevate Umatilla volleyball to new heights. The Bulldogs are still a work in progress, but the foundation has been laid for sustained success.

“That program has come a long way, and that’s a testament to the hard work and resilience of everyone involved” said Pat Todd in a recent interview.

As the season progresses, the Bulldogs remain focused on their goals. With McDade at the helm and a talented group of seniors leading the way, Umatilla High School’s volleyball program is no longer just about survival—it’s about thriving, growing, and setting new standards of excellence. It’s no doubt they have an uphill climb this season with Montverde Academy and The Villages in their district, however this is perhaps the most important season of Volleyball in the history of Umatilla High school history. These girls are building something none of them have ever seen since they have been alive. A winning Umatilla High Volleyball program. That itself is worth celebrating.

We wish Umatilla High the best of luck on the remainder of the 2024 season and look forward to the future of the program.