The Choctawhatchee High School varsity volleyball team made history this season, going undefeated against all Okaloosa County opponents in the regular season for the first time ever.
- The Indians captured the District 1-5A championship on Thursday by defeating Booker T. Washington 3-0. They finished the regular season ranked No. 9 in the state in Class 5A and No. 5 in Region 1-5A under head coach Andy Faulkner and Assistant Coach Challiss Topolski.
“When Challiss [Topolski] and I took this program over four years ago, the goal was always to build the top program in the county,” said Coach Faulkner. “Not just a single team but a lasting program.”
Led by a senior class with several three- and four-year starters, Choctaw relied on balance and depth en route to the district title. Senior outside hitter Morgan Grace directed the offense with 565 assists while contributing 26 aces and 171 digs.
- Fellow senior Lucy Raines paced the team in kills with 221 and added 38 aces and 206 digs.
Three seniors – Raines, Bailey Gable (185 kills) and Stephanie Harrison (169 kills) – topped the squad in kills. Harrison posted a hitting percentage of .360, ranking ninth in 5A in that category. The senior middle blocker also had 34 blocks.
Anchoring the defense were seniors Gianna DeRosa with a team-high 224 digs and 36 aces and Raines with 376 serve receptions. Junior Addison Cudney chipped in 89 kills and 179 digs.
- Against county foes, Choctaw dominated over Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Crestview and Baker.
Faulkner said a key part of building the program has been developing relationships and supporting middle school coaches, as well as improving facilities such as the team’s new locker room.
- “We’ve focused on developing our players into the best student athletes they can be,” Faulkner said.
This was also the first year the Indians had a freshman team, which Faulkner said was needed due to increased enthusiasm and participation numbers in the program.
- “I’m very proud of these upperclassmen who have built the program into what it is,” Faulkner said. “We’re proud to be able to claim that we are the top volleyball program in Okaloosa for 2023 and as of Thursday back-to-back district champions.”
The Indians improved their record to 18-8 overall and 3-1 in district play. They advance to the regional quarterfinals next week against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
