The Villages, FL – The gym was electric as The Villages Charter High School volleyball team took to the court for their first game of the season. Although it was a preseason matchup, all eyes were on one player in particular: Angelyn Hunt an 8th grader who is a star in the making. Angelyn made her debut on the varsity volleyball team, showcasing a level of skill and composure that blew people away.

Angelyn, the younger sister of VHS boys basketball player Brady Hunt, has quickly made a name for herself the last few years. Despite her youth, she’s already recognized as one of the most promising volleyball talents in Sumter County.

(Although it was just a preseason game, Angelyn Hunt came out strong. The only middle school student on the team, had a very impressive debut game at the varsity level.)

In her first game, Angelyn didn’t just hold her own; she excelled. Playing as an outside hitter, she demonstrated amazing power and precision, racking up kill shots last evening and blocking shots that helped The Villages to a 3-1 preseason victory against Tavares High. Her court awareness and ability to read the game were impressive, attributes that usually take years to develop. Having attended the game, Angelyn does not look like a middle school athlete. She looked like a sophomore or junior high school student. I was so impressed with her play last evening and she’s got a great group of talent to learn from.

“Angelyn is a special player,” said coach Moreman. “She has a natural talent and a work ethic that’s rare to see at her age. The sky’s the limit for her, and we’re thrilled to have her on the team.”

(Junior Viviana Toucet really stepped up in the first preseason game. She will certainly be one to watch in 2024.)

For Angelyn, volleyball is more than just a game. It’s a passion that she’s been cultivating for years. She has excelled in the Buffalo Stampeders program and now she will get to play with some of the best competition in Florida. Along with Hunt, two other freshman players made their debut. Anastasia Harding and Isabella Bradley made an impact. Seniors Taylor Lewis, Brynn Murry, Rilynn Farkus and Bailey Wright picked right up where they left off last year. Junior’s Viviana Toucet and Trinity Mitchell also looked much improved over last season.

I also thought that Alexia Laws and Alexa Taylor, two sophomores with a ton of potential looked good out on the floor. Michelle Moreman who is a three-time state champion has put together a solid program for 2024.

For Angelyn Hunt, her debut game is just the beginning for her. I have no doubt that she is going to continue to make waves as this season moves along. As she continues to grow and develop, The Villages Charter High School will surely have a star in the making on their hands. She looks intimidating on the court but she’s one of the nicest young individuals off the court.

For now, Angelyn and The Villages are focused on their next game which will be a regular season contest on Monday against Timber Creek. Obviously this was just a preseason contest, but if her first performance is any indication, Angelyn Hunt is a name that we will be saying a lot in the years to come. Best of luck to all the players this upcoming season.