Manta Rays Close Out the Season with Sweep and Sophomore Celebration

FSCJ Volleyball closed out their 2025 indoor volleyball season with a dominant sweep inside The Reef, defeating the Trinity College of Florida Tigers. The evening was filled with energy, emotion, and celebration as the program honored its sophomore class — a remarkable group of student-athletes who left an enduring mark on FSCJ Volleyball both on and off the court.

Each sophomore was recognized for her contributions, leadership, and commitment to the Manta Rays family.

#1 Brianna Gutierrez

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida
High School: Fort Myers High School

Brianna thanked her mom and dad for their unwavering support and for continually pushing her to grow and become better. She was deeply grateful for their love and encouragement.
She explored opportunities to continue playing at a higher level while also considering continuing her academic journey at Florida Atlantic University, where she planned to study Business Management.
One of her favorite memories at FSCJ was spending time with her teammates at the lake house during the season.

#3 Hailey Tharp

Hometown: Newberry, Florida
High School: Newberry High School

Hailey expressed her gratitude to her family, friends, and coaches for their endless love and support. She was especially thankful to her Lord and Savior for blessing her with the ability to play in His glory.
She planned to continue her athletic career while pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy.
Hailey cherished the moments she shared with her teammates, describing them as lifelong friends who made her FSCJ experience unforgettable.

#4 Lexi Pacheco

Hometown: Orange Park, Florida
High School: Orange Park High School

Lexi thanked her dad for always being there when she needed him most, as well as her Abuela, Abuelos, family, and friends for their constant love and encouragement.
After her time at FSCJ, she planned to pursue an online program to become a Certified K9 Trainer, specializing in training military and police dogs.
Lexi especially enjoyed getting to know her teammates and other FSCJ athletes, forming friendships and memories that she said she would treasure forever.

#5 Malayna Loadholtz

Hometown: Sanderson, Florida
High School: Baker County High School

Malayna expressed heartfelt thanks to her parents, Donna and Dennis Loadholtz, along with all of her previous coaches for their support and guidance throughout her athletic journey.
After earning her bachelor's degree from FSCJ in the summer, Malayna planned to pursue a Master's degree, potentially outside of Florida.
She said that the teammates she met along the way made every season memorable and exciting, and she hoped to remain close with them in the years to come.

#6 Quinn Kraljic

Hometown: New Smyrna, Florida
High School: New Smyrna High School

Quinn thanked her parents for the sacrifices they made to help her achieve her collegiate volleyball dreams. Their love and support were instrumental to her success.
After FSCJ, she planned to transfer to the University of North Florida to complete her Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, with the goal of pursuing a career in Athletic Physical Therapy.
One of her favorite memories at FSCJ was winning Broadway tickets with her teammate Bri at the 2025 FSCJ Golf Classic.

#7 Sophia Bou-Velez

Hometown: Kissimmee, Florida
High School: Tohopekaliga High School

Sophia thanked her mom for being her greatest inspiration and for teaching her that with hard work and determination, anything was possible.
After FSCJ, she planned to continue playing volleyball while pursuing a career in Criminal Justice and hoped to join the Air Force in the future.
Sophia said her teammates became like sisters — always there to lift her up and remind her she never had to face anything alone.

#9 Kennedy Walker

Hometown: Branford, Florida
High School: Branford High School

Kennedy expressed deep gratitude to her family, friends, teammates, and coaches for their constant support throughout her time at FSCJ.
She planned to continue her education and pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, though she was still deciding where she would attend next.
Kennedy said she would forever cherish her two years as a Manta Ray and remain proud to represent the program.

#10 Julissa Rivera

Hometown: Orange Park, Florida
High School: Oakleaf High School

Julissa thanked her parents, sisters, teammates, and coaches for their support over the past two years.
After FSCJ, she planned to transfer to the University of South Florida to pursue a Business Management degree.
Her favorite memories came from travel days filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable team moments that she said she would hold close to her heart forever.

#11 Carly Rivera

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
High School: Bishop Kenny High School

Carly expressed her gratitude to her family, coaches, and teammates for their unwavering support throughout her collegiate journey.
After FSCJ, she planned to transfer to Florida State University to pursue a degree in Business.
Her favorite memories were the van rides with her teammates, filled with laughter, music, and joy — moments she said she would never forget.

#13 Maison Turner

Hometown: Lee's Summit, Missouri
High School: Lee's Summit North High School

Maison thanked her family for their unwavering support throughout her journey. She credited her parents for their sacrifices, her sister for inspiring her drive, and her little brother for being her biggest fan.
After FSCJ, she planned to continue playing volleyball while pursuing a career in Criminal Justice, possibly specializing in Forensic Psychology.
Maison said she would forever cherish the friendships and memories made at FSCJ — from dance parties in the locker room to Coach Hinck's playful arm squeezes during lighthearted moments.

#14 Ella Jonášová

Hometown: Bratislava, Slovakia
High School: Gymnázium Federica García Lorcu

Ella thanked her family, friends, coaches, and teammates for their unwavering support.
She planned to continue her studies while keeping volleyball a part of her life, whether in the U.S. or abroad in Europe.
Ella said she would always treasure the laughter and memories shared with teammates who became like family.

#19 Ashley Strefling

Hometown: Galien, Michigan
High School: River Valley High School

Ashley thanked her parents for their sacrifices and for supporting her move across the country to pursue her volleyball dreams. She also thanked her extended family and teammates for their encouragement throughout her career.
She planned to continue studying Hospitality Management and Tourism, following her dream of traveling the world.
Ashley said the friendships and memories she built at FSCJ would stay with her forever.

A Legacy of Leadership and Heart

On behalf of the FSCJ Volleyball Coaching Staff and the entire Manta Rays family, the program honored these sophomores for their dedication, resilience, and leadership. Their impact on and off the court helped shape the legacy of FSCJ Volleyball.

The Manta Rays family remains deeply grateful for each of them — for their hard work, determination, and heart, which have elevated this program and inspired future Manta Rays to follow in their footsteps.

A Message from Coach Hinck

Head Coach Chelsea Hinck shared heartfelt words about this special class, reflecting on what they've meant to the growth of the program.

"This sophomore class will always hold a special place in my heart," said Coach Hinck. "They were my first full recruiting class here at FSCJ and the first group to experience the complete rebrand and new era of Manta Rays Volleyball. Over the past two seasons, they've helped build the culture and new identity of our program from the ground up — setting the tone for what it means to compete with pride inside The Reef. Watching their growth, leadership, and belief in new vision has been incredible. They've established a legacy of hard work, heart, and unity that future Manta Rays will build upon for seasons to come. I couldn't be more proud of who they've become, both as athletes and as people, and I'm excited to see what their next chapter will unveil."

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