PALM BEACH 5A-2A GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: KELLY FRANKLIN, LAKE WORTH CHRISTIAN JUNIOR

For Lake Worth Christian, it was another Franklin-led state championship in 2020. Following in her sister’s footsteps, Defenders junior Kelly Franklin starred as Lake Worth Christian (18-2) successfully defended their FHSAA Class 2A state title with a 29-27, 25-18, 25-9 victory over Tallahassee’s St. John Paul II. It was their fifth state championship overall, all coming since 2011. One year removed from sister Sarah, now at Michigan State and last year’s Sun Sentinel Class 5A-2A Player of the Year, guiding the Defenders to the state championship, the outside hitter has emerged from that shadow and the comparisons and is making her own history. She finished the year with 294 kills, 64 aces, 206 digs, and 28 blocks. “This year was definitely hectic, but I am super thankful that the school was able to organize games, practices and even being able to play in a state tournament around this whole COVID situation and keeping us super safe,” said Franklin, who had 16 kills and six digs in the title match. “The most memorable part of the entire season was the road to states,” Franklin added. “I think we were all thankful to go to practice and learn and then compete in district, regionals and state…I think it we each other accountable and every girl was super cautious of where they went in their off time. I am looking forward to next year because I think we have a chance to repeat and that would mean so much to me. We’ve never won three in a row.” King’s Academy also reached the FHSAA Class 3A state semifinals before falling to the eventual state runner-up Westminster Christian (Miami). Coach of the Year: Terri Kaiser, Lake Worth Christian; First Team: Sophia Blair, St. John Paul II Academy junior; Sophia Buller, Benjamin sophomore; Emily Caputo, Lake Worth Christian junior; Parker Folino, Lake Worth Christian senior; Karly Horn, Lake Worth Christian junior; Alexis Jacobs, Lake Worth Christian junior; Abby Nieporte, Oxbridge senior; Katelynn Robine, Kings Academy senior; Annie Smith, MB, King’s Academy senior; Sarah Stokes, St. Andrew’s senior; Michelle Taylor, Boca Raton Christian junior; Olivia Wanicka, Kings Academy senior.

PALM BEACH 5A-2A GIRLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR: KELLY FRANKLIN, LAKE WORTH CHRISTIAN JUNIOR

Photo Credit: Just To See You Smile Photography

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