October 29, 2024
Mount Dora High Volleyball Celebrate First Regional Playoff Win Since 1997
By Kyle Coppola
Mount Dora High Volleyball Celebrate First Regional Playoff Win Since 1997
MOUNT DORA, Fla. — For the first time in over two decades, the Mount Dora High School Hurricanes won an FHSAA Regional Volleyball game, overcoming Hernando 3-1 on the road in what has become a banner year for the program. The 14-6 Hurricanes brought home their first regional victory since 1997, a feat no player on the team was alive to witness the last time it happened.
The historic win was a milestone that capped a season defined by progress, dedication, and resilience. Although Mount Dora fell in the Regional Semifinals to perennial powerhouse Bishop Moore, the achievement marks a new era for the Hurricanes, who have steadily rebuilt their program under head coach Kevin Gifford. Just four years ago, this team only managed seven wins, but since then, they’ve transformed into a formidable contender, consistently reaching district championships and FHSAA playoffs the last two years in a row.
(The first Lady Hurricanes team to win an FHSAA Regional Playoff Game since 1997.)
Coach Gifford credits the turnaround to a team-first mentality and the relentless efforts of his players, particularly the leadership and commitment shown by this year’s seniors. Standouts Sydney Guthrie, Blakely Kite, Lillie Bruehl, among others have been pivotal in establishing a championship culture within the program. Over the last four years, they’ve embraced a competitive spirit and have inspired their younger teammates to push the limits of what Mount Dora Volleyball could achieve.
(Future Mount Dora High Hurricane star Jaeda Branham will look to continue to momentum set by this years team. Branham will be a senior next year.)
This group of seniors has been phenomenal. They’ve not only built a legacy of hard work and determination but have set a new standard for Mount Dora volleyball. While this year has been amazing, the future looks bright for the program. Junior Jaeda Branham has been terrific and so has junior Giorgia Brocchiero both of who will be tasked at leading this Hurricane team into the future in 2025.
Mount Dora’s 2024 season has seen the Hurricanes turn years of dedication into success. Just knowing what this team has been through the past two decades and seeing how far they have come is a win itself. I am so proud of this team and all of our Lake & Sumter County teams that continue to push boundaries. Congratulations on a fantastic season Lady Canes!
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
