On Wednesday, May 13, three area volleyball players, along with one from North Marion (Citra), held a RADDSports volleyball club signing ceremony to celebrate the opportunity to play volleyball at the next level.
Setter Kara Gibson of Buchholz and OH/OPP Jacelyn Carson (North Marion) signed with South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park, while Dixie County’s Maleigha “Mia” Stalvey (State University of New York at Delhi, NY) and Averleigh McFarlan (Elmira College, NY) are heading north.
“We at RADDSports have been very lucky to be a part of these four young female athletes this past club season,” said volleyball director and coach Jim Bendel, who is also the head coach at Dixie County in Cross City. “All of the athletes have put in the time, work and commitment to have been chosen to play at the next level.”
Gibson had 44 digs, 131 assists, and 13 aces for Buchholz this past season.
“Kara is a head down and get to work type of athlete, and it’s a skill that will help her succeed not only in volleyball but in her future endeavors as well,” said her high school coach Andre Medina, who stepped down in April after guiding the Bobcats to their first district title and most wins (20) since 2019.
She has loved playing volleyball for as long as she can remember and said that continuing at the collegiate level has been her goal for years.
“I’ve worked hard for this opportunity, and I hope younger athletes realize that there are so many paths to playing in college,” Gibson said. “It’s not just about the division, it’s about finding the program where you feel supported, valued, and part of a true volleyball family.”
Gibson said she chose SFSC because every time she visited, she could “feel the passion from both the players and the coaching staff.”
“There’s a genuine sense of connection and support within the team, and it’s clear the coaches are invested in every aspect of their athletes’ lives on the court, in the classroom, and personally,” she said. “Coach Crawford played a huge role in my decision. From our very first conversation, she was honest, encouraging, and showed me exactly how I could contribute to the team, which made me feel confident that SFSC was the right fit for me.”
According to Bendel, Gibson has been a captain on the club team for the past two seasons and will play any position she needs to help the team succeed.
“Kara’s main role has been as our setter in our offense, but she has also contributed as a pin hitter,” he said.
Gibson will be joined at SFSC by Carson, who led the Class 4A-District 5 Colts (10-13) in kills (126) and digs (133).
“Jacelyn is an explosive pin hitter and has an amazing serve,” Bendel said. “She is always smiling when she is on or off the court and cheers for her teammates.”
Carson said that playing at the next level is something she has always dreamed of since she started playing volleyball.
“And it is coming true,” she said. “I get to play the sport I love for another two years at South Florida State College where I will build my skill to then be ready to transfer to a university later on. I believe South Florida State is the perfect college to get me ready for just that.”
Dixie County played in the ultra-competitive FHSAA Rural-District 6, which should help the two Lady Bears who signed.
McFarlan led Dixie County in kills (196). She also had 41 total blocks, 27 serving aces, and 44 assists.
“Averleigh splits her time as a middle blocker or right side,” Bendel said. “She loves to block the opposing team’s attacks. Averleigh also has an amazing jump and standing serve and as a serving middle she understands how important it is to play defense so she can keep serving.”
McFarlan (5’11), who was a first team small school All Area selection, and Carson participated in The Prep Zone All-Star Showcase in November against other athletes who were college-bound.
“It is truly a blessing and an honor to have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level,” McFarlan said. “I couldn’t have done it without the support I’ve had throughout the years including my family, friends, and coaches.”
She said she picked her school because she knew she wanted to go far for college.
“Then I toured the campus and fell in love with it,” McFarlan said. “I’ve also grown very fond of the coach in the past few months. I’m so excited to see the next chapter unfold.”
Stalvey led the Bears in aces (68) and was second on the team with 262 digs.
“Mia is a versatile player who has stepped up to play outside hitter and help steady our defense in serve receive part of the game,” Bendel said. “Mia also has a great serve and scores a lot of points with them.”
One of the reasons Stalvey said she chose her school was because it was small.
“And my coach felt very welcoming,” she said. “He wanted me as an athlete and not as an extra body on the team. I’m super grateful to get to play at the next level and experience something not everyone gets the opportunity to.”