The Players

SOPHOMORES

Tanya Ferguson - #3 - Sophomore - Middle Blocker

Tanya came to FCCJ from Alachua, Florida and Sante Fe High School where she was selected 2nd Team All Area and received the 3D Award (Dedication, Desire and Determination). Tanya is also an excellent student as she is a Florida Bright Futures Scholar, was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated from Santa Fe High School with a 4.1 GPA.

Tanya is a strong, quick and graceful athlete who will be a starting middle blocker for us this season. Her quickness and power at middle give her the ability to block well and run a quick offense. Tanya will be one of the major contributors to the success of the team this season.

Freshman Year Stats:  GP-85    Kills-99    K/G-1.16    K%-.184    Blocks-73    B/G-.86

Hometown: Alachua, Florida                        High School:  Sante Fe High School

Major: Business

 

Sara Holland - #4 - Sophomore - Middle Blocker/Outside Hitter

Sara is a home school graduate who participated in athletics at The Providence School in Jacksonville. While at Providence, Sara was a member of the basketball and volleyball teams where she garnered awards in both. In volleyball Sara was selected "Best Offensive Player" and as the "Overall Outstanding Athlete" in the school. Sara is an extremely gifted athlete with excellent quickness, strength and court awareness. She is also an excellent attacker and defensive player.  Sara graduated with a 3.9 GPA and will participate in the FCCJ Honors Program.

Sara played in 76 games last season as a utility player, but will hopefully be a starting middle blocker for the Stars this season.. She can also play opposite or left side and the team will need her great defensive abilities to stabilize the back court.

Sara was recently selected to the All Tournament Team at the 2007 FCCJ Fall Classic.

Freshman Year Stats:  GP-76    Kills- 145   K/G - 1.908  K%- .147  Digs- 170  Blocks- 30

Aces 28

Freshman Year Awards: Honorable Mention All Conference Team

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida                  High School: Competed at Providence High School

Major: Undecided

Christina Hovestadt - #5 - Sophomore - 5'6" - Defensive Specialist - Right Handed

Christina arrived at FCCJ from the local area Wolfson High School. During her tenure at Wolfson High, Christina was selected First Team All-Gateway Conference, a Times Union "Player to Watch" and received the award for "Highest Offensive Production" from her coaches. Christina was also highly active in other school activities as she was elected to the student council, served as a Student Senator, was a member of the National Honor Society and received the WHS Scholar Athlete Award. Christina graduated with a 4.21 GPA and will participate in the FCCJ Honors Program.

Christina played in 76 games as a freshman and gained valuable experience in the back court as a defensive specialist. She will be asked to fill the shoes of the graduating libero this season and possibly take on the role of back up setter. Christina is a quick, strong athlete with excellent ball handling and serving skills.

Freshman Year Stats:   GP - 76  Digs: 170   Digs /Game - 2.27     Aces 17

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida                High School: Samuel Wolfon High School

Major: Sports Medicine

 

Kerri Romaniszyn - #6 - Sophomore - 5'10" - Outside Hitter - Right Handed

Kerri came to FCCJ from Spruce Creek High School in Port Orange, Florida where she was an outstanding multi-sport athlete. In the sport of volleyball she was selected 3rd Team All-State, 1st Team All-County, Rotary "Athlete of the Year", and area "Player of the Year". Kerri is a Florida Bright Futures Scholar as well and graduated with a 3.4 GPA. On the court Kerri is an extremely strong athlete with excellent court sense. She is a dangerous attacker with good court skills.

Kerri played in 72 games this season and very easily handled the role of outside hitter when called upon. She made some significant plays and gained valuable experience during the 2006 season. This and a good spring season should prepare her for a more dominant role next season.

Freshman Year Stats:  GP - 72   Kills- 155  K/G 2.15  K%- .215  A- 31  Digs- 150  Blocks- 26

Freshman Year Awards: Honorable Mention All Conference 2006, Conference Scholar Athlete

Hometown: Port Orange, Florida               High School: Spruce Creek

Major: Physical Education

 

Krystal McKinley - #7 - Sophomore - 5'10" - Middle Blocker - Right Handed

Krystal is another local athlete who arrived at FCCJ from Florida Christian School. While at FCS, Krystal was selected as the "Best Offensive Player" and "Best Middle Blocker". Her team won the District Championship twice in her tenure as a player. Krystal is also an excellent student as she was selected for the Dean's List and the Principal's List and graduated with a 3.2 GPA.

Krystal is an extremely quick athlete with great jumping abilities and until she caught mono last fall  was competing for a starting spot at middle blocker. Her illness derailed her attempt to get into the line-up, but this never dampened her spirits. Once allowed back in the gym, Krystal became the most enthusiastic bench member on the team.

Krystal is healthy this season, and her quickness and jumping ability will be welcome assets to the court. She should compete for a spot at middle blocker and with more experience will be a force at the net for the Stars this season.

Freshman Year Stats:  GP - 23   Kills-33    K/G 1.43     K%- .313    Blocks- 12

Freshman Year Awards: Conference Scholar Athlete

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida               High School: Florida Christian School

Major: Biology/PreMed

 Jessica Ford - #15 - Sophomore - 5'9" Setter - Left Handed

Jessica arrived at FCCJ after an extremely successful high school experience at Keystone Heights High School. Jessica was selected to the Gainesville Sun All Area Team, achieved the milestone of 1000 career assists and was selected as the "Most Valuable Player". Jessica is a very gifted and competitive athlete with great strengths as a setter and an attacker. Jessica plays the game with great intensity and has the ability to make extraordinary plays at any time. Jessica is a success in the classroom as well as she was inducted into the KHHS National Honor Society, is a Florida Bright Futures Scholar and graduated in the Top Twenty of her class. She also graduated with a 3.87 GPA and will participate in the FCCJ Honors Program this year.

Jessica played setter and opposite last season as the need arose. She played in 100 games and was a key factor in the team's success in 2006. She can attack in the 6-2 or 5-1 offense and she can set from anywhere on the court. She will take over the setting duties for the team this season and with the experience she gained last year she should be prepared to lead the Stars to another memorable year.

Freshman Year Stats: GP-100  Kills- 169  K/G- 1.69  K%- .157  Assists-191 Digs-121  A-14 Blocks-48

Freshman Year Awards: Honorable Mention All Conference Team, Conference Scholar Athlete Award

Hometown: Keystone Heights, Florida             High School: Keystone Heights High School

Major: Undecided

Stephanie Vallone - #16 - Sophomore - 6'1" Middle Blocker - Right Handed

Stephanie comes to FCCJ from Deltona High School where she was selected 2nd Team All-County, Area "Player of the Week" and received the 3D Award (Dedication, Desire , Determination). She also received the Renaissance Award for her academic success and participated in a service club through the "Raising Chapter Market Livestock" program. She graduated with a 3.6 GPA and will participate in the FCCJ Honors Program this year. Stephanie is a strong, dedicated and intelligent athlete who will compete for a position at middle blocker this season. Her strength and size will are an asset and the experience she gained as a freshman should give her an advantage this season.

Hometown: Deltona, Florida                          High School:  Deltona High School

Major: Pre-Vet

 

FRESHMEN

Shaked Dill - #1 - Freshman - 5'9"  Setter/Outside Hitter                                    

Shaked comes to FCCJ and America from Kochav Yair, Israel.  She brings with her tremendous athletic abilties and court sense. She is an adaptable player who can play anywhere on the court and almost any position. She is quick and strong and loves to play the game. The Stars are excited to have Shaked join the team and look forward to having her skills and abilities on the court.

Shaked recently made the All Tournament team at the 2007 FCCJ Fall Classic.

 Hometown:  Kochav Yair, Israel                       High School: Galili High School

 Major: International Business

 

Courtney Overstreet - #2 - Freshman -  6’2” Middle Blocker

Courtney comes to FCCJ from Callahan, FL. where she attended West Nassau High School. Courtney was a multi-sport athlete at West Nassau and won may awards for her skills and performances on the court and in the classroom. Her high school GPA was a weighted 4.3 and she was active in many community activities.

Courtney is an extremely strong athlete with a quick arm who will be a force at the net this season. Her size and quickness are also great assets that will be welcome to our court. Courtney will be called on to make a contribution this season.

Hometown:  Callahan, Florida                            High School: West Nassau High School

Major: Physical Education

 

Meghan Oakley - #8 - Freshman - 5'8" Right Side - Left Handed

Meghan arrives at FCCJ from Ponte Vedra, Florida and Allen Nease High School. Meghan is an extremely strong athlete with great jumping abilities and a dynamic attack. Her high school team made it to the FHSAA Final Four and she has extensive experience with the Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association.

Meghan has been an active member of her community having participated extensive volunteer work with the FCA, Young Life, and the PGA Tour. She is also an excellent student having earned a high school GPA of 3.3. The FCCJ program is excited to have Meghan and we look forward to her contributions at the right side position this season.

Hometown: Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida           High School: Allen Nease High School

Major: Undecided

 

Allyson Goldbach - #9 - Freshman - 5'10"  Left Side - Right Handed

Allyson comes to FCCJ from Jupiter, Florida where she was an outstanding volleyball player and student for Jupiter High School. Her  high school GPA was 3.35. She has also participated in Junior club volleyball for 5 years. Allyson is a quick agile athlete with a lot of playing experience. She is a dynamic attacker and blocker and has good ball handling and serving skills in the back court.

The FCCJ staff is very excited to have Allyson join the program and feels that she could be a starting left side for the team this season.

Allyson recently made the All Tournament Team at the 2007 FCCJ Fall Classic Tournament.

Hometown: Jupiter, Florida                               High School: Jupiter High School

Major: Marine Science

Ashley  Benchina - #10  Freshman - 6'2"  Middle Blocker - Right Handed

Ashey arrives at FCCJ from Oveido, Florida where she excelled as a student and middle blocker for Oviedo High School. Ashley is an extremely intelligent athlete with excellent quickness and strength for a middle blocker. Ashley managed a high school GPA of 3.95 while participating in school athletics and working a part time job.

Ashely is a great addition to the FCCJ squad this season and the coaches look forward to having her on the court. Ashley could challenge some of the sophomores for a starting position at middle blocker this fall.

Hometown: Oviedo, Florida                                 High School : Oviedo  High School

Major: Business Management

Shawna Cain - #11  Freshman  - 5'8"   Outside Hitter  - Right Handed

Shawna comes to FCCJ from Barberville, Florida which is a small town near DeLand, Florida. Shawna competed for DeLand High School and the TVA volleyball Club. She is a very quick and strong athlete with excellent jumping ability. She also has excellent ball handling skills and court sense.

The coaching staff is excited to have Shawna in the program this season and looks forward to having her compete for one of the stating left side spots.

Hometown: Barberville, Florida                                      High School: DeLand High School

Major: Business

Precious Mulvany - #12  Freshman  - 4'10"   Libero   - Right Handed

Precious arrived at FCCJ from Sandalwood High School here in Jacksonville, Florida. She was a multi-sport athlete who achieved a great deal in spite of her small size. It became clear that precious was special when her physical testing results during preseason placed her as the strongest and quickest athlete on the team. Precious will compete for a spot in the lineup as a libero or defensive specialist. Her quickness will be a great asset to the team and with experience Precious should see court time this season.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida                         High School: Sandalwood High School

Major: Sports Medicine

 

Katie Evans - #13   Freshman  - 5'10"    Middle Blocker/Right Side     Right Handed

Katie comes to FCCJ from St. Augustine, Florida and Pedro Menendez High School. Katie excelled in the classroom and on the court as she earned a final GPA of 3.9 upon graduation and was also named All-Conference and All-County in Volleyball. She was also active in her community as a member of FCA and the Lacrosse Club as well as a volunteer for the St. Francis House and Habitat for Humanity. Katie also gained club volleyball experience by playing with the St. Augustine Volleyball Association.

Katie is a well rounded athlete and student and the FCCJ staff is excited to have her join our program. Katie will be expected to make a contribution at middle blocker or right side.

Hometown: St. Augustine, Florida                     High School: Pedro Menendez High School

Major: Undecided

Vanessa Vargas - #14  Freshman   5'3"    Defensive Specialist    Right Handed

Vanessa is another addition to our team from Deltona High School in Deltona, Florida. Vanessa is an excellent student having earned a 3.93 GPA and aspiring to attend medical school. She is also an accomplished volleyball player at the defensive specialist position. She is quick, strong and intelligent on the court. The coaching staff looks forward to having Vanessa compete for a position in the back court this season.

Hometown: Deltona, Florida                            High School:   Deltona High School

Major: Pre-Med

 

Michelle Martin - #20  Freshman  - 6'0"     Right Side              Left Handed

Michelle comes to FCCJ from Fletcher High School in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. She has also been a member of the Jacksonville Junior Volleyball Association for several years where she gained valuable experience as a right side player and middle blocker. Michelle is a strong versatile athlete who ad an unfortunate accident before preseason when a car she was a passenger in was hit broadside by a truck. Thankfully Michelle was ok except for a broken left arm and some scratches. Surgery on her left arm has corrected the break, but not allowed Michelle to get back on the court yet. Hopefully she will be release during the season and can get back in action.

Currently Michelle is making a great contribution to the team by assisting the coaches with statistics and video.

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida                           High School: Fletcher High School

Major:  Education