Bright Futures for Falcon Sophomores
The Lady Falcons finished the 2019 season 16-10, competing in the 2019 Regional Tournament. The success of the season is a direct result to the commitment and excellence of an impressive sophomore class.
Daytona State had seven sophomores on the roster this season. Regardless of court time and points scored for the Falcons, each sophomore played an integral role in the program's success. Each have signed letters of intent to move on to their next university in 2020.
Nicole Rodriguez, sophomore libero for the Lady Falcons, was a two-year starter for Daytona State. She has set landmark records for the Lady Falcons. Nicole has set the all-time program record for digs in a set with 38. Rodriguez was voted to Second Team All-Conference for the MFC. Rodriguez recorded 969 digs in her career at Daytona State, nearly 5 digs per set. She has signed a letter of intent to play at Norfolk University (NCAA DI) for fall 2020.
Gabrielle Soto, a sophomore outside attacker, played a defensive specialist role for the Falcons in 2018, and saw her role and responsibilities advance to attacking in 2019. She finished her career at Daytona State College with 153 kills and 309 digs. Soto has signed her letter of intent to play beach and indoor at Lincoln Memorial University (NCAA DII).
Gabriela Abreu, a transfer opposite, expanded her roles and responsibilities outside of her comfort zone as a right-side attacker for Daytona State this year as she transitioned to a middle blocker this season. Abreu transferrred to the Falcons spring 2019. Abreu recorded 70 kills on the season, hitting .238 on the year. She also recorded 39 blocks on the season. Abreu, graduated in December from Daytona State College, and has transitioned to Lincoln Memorial (NCAA DII) where she will play both beach and indoor for the Railsplitters.
Bruna Avila, Falcon's All-American setter, had an exceptional sophomore season for Daytona State. Avila recorded 1400 assists in her career at Daytona State College. She also terminated 141 kills over a two-year span. Her exceptional sophomore season earned her honors for First Team All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American. Not only has Avila been a sensational volleyball player, but an exceptional student as well, graduating in December with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Avila signed a letter of intent to play her 2020 season with USC-Upstate (NCAA DI).
Madison Tapp, a sophomore defensive specialist, found critical ways to contribute to the success of the Falcons as a leader and hardworking teammate. Tapp played in 26 matches in her two-year career with the Falcons. Tapp will be continuing her education at either Florida State University or University of Florida in the fall.
Carla Hernandez, a sophomore outside, has played a major role for the Lady Falcons in both of her seasons at Daytona State College. Hernandez has played in every single match during her two-year tenure with the Falcons. She recorded 582 kills in her two seasons in a Falcon jersey, hitting .202 on her career. Additionally, she had 460 digs as a Falcon. Her exceptional 2019 season provided her the opportunity to earn the accolade of First Team All-Conference. Hernandez has signed her letter of intent to play at University of Saint Francis NY (NCAA DI) in 2020.
Alexis Thompson, a sophomore middle blocker, has amassed 245 kills in two seasons as a middle blocker for Daytona State College. This undersized, but athletic middle has been a key offensive and defensive player for the Falcons the past two seasons. In addition to a .274 attack percentage, Thompson amassed 111 blocks as a Falcon. Her athleticism, speed, and vertical garnered the attention of many coaches, but Thompson quickly targeted Stetson University (NCAA DI) as the school and program where she would like to advance her playing career. Thompson will don a Hatter jersey in 2020.
"This has been a fun group of sophomores to coach. They have been extremely committed to putting in the work, growing the Falcon Standard, and excelling academically during their time at Daytona State. I am extremely proud of this group and grateful for the opportunity to have them call me coach," commented Stegall on the 2019 sophomores.
The Lady Falcons, led by hardworking sophomores, finished the fall semester with an impressive 3.68 team GPA in the fall (2019). Daytona State will look forward to watching these ladies soar at their next destinations as they continue to represent Daytona State College in their future endeavors.