On Oct. 1, the Andrew Jackson High School girls volleyball team capped its season with a thrilling home victory over Ed White, winning 16‑25, 9‑25, 25‑17, 25‑18, 15‑9 before a crowd of parents, friends, and community members.
Senior Night Highlights Team Unity
Senior right‑side hitter Natalia Hamilton described the season as “a lot,” noting how it sharpened her communication skills and commitment to give 100 % at all times. “We all have sister bonding outside of practice, outside of games,” she said after the win.
Outside hitter and defensive specialist Brayla Hill echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the mentorship role of the upperclassmen. “I see them as my little sister. They see me as their big sister,” Hill told Jacksonville Today. “We make jokes, we get mad at each other, we argue – it’s like a family over here.”
Addressing a Recent Incident
Last month, a troubling episode at Fernandina Beach High School—where a Black baby doll was displayed during a match—prompted concerns of misogynoir and racial disrespect. The incident led the Raines cross‑country team to forgo a meet in solidarity with the Tigers, and two Raines volleyball players were briefly removed after expressing hesitation about competing at Fernandina Beach.
Duval County Public Schools reinstated the players later that week. The Tigers then defeated Raines 26‑24, 25‑15, 25‑20 in a regular‑season finale.
Community Leaders Respond
Rev. R.L. Gundy presented a letter from Hill to Duval County Superintendent Christopher Bernier, describing the Fernandina Beach incident as “racially offensive” and harmful beyond the sport. Bernier praised the Tigers for seeking solutions and affirmed that students deserve safe venues for athletics.
Bernier, alongside Nassau County Superintendent Kathy Burns, attended a joint meeting at the Jesse Ball duPont Center where students from both schools discussed the impact of racism and the importance of mutual respect.
Academic and Athletic Achievements
Coach Rochelle Strowder, now in her fourth year, highlighted the growth of the program, noting that the school has risen from a “C” rating to an “A” rating over the past two years. Seniors Natalia, Brayla, and twins Davita and Jazmine have all earned National Honor Society honors and plan to pursue higher education—Davita at Florida A&M, Jazmine as an entrepreneur, and Brayla aiming for a pediatric anesthesiology career at Florida State.
Junior Skyler Mitchell, a future college student, reflected on the sisterhood she found on the team, saying, “I learned not to give up. From the beginning of the summer I thought I’d quit, but I kept coming and gained so much experience.”
Looking Ahead
With the volleyball season concluded, the Tigers’ senior class leaves a legacy of resilience, academic excellence, and a strong sense of community. Their story underscores how faith, family values, and personal liberty can thrive together in a supportive school environment.
Original reporting: Jacksonville Today — read the source article.
