FLEMING ISLAND - Fleming Island High rookie coach Jamie Reed took her lumps last year with a stout schedule testing the former Golden Eagle assistant under Amy Walker, but with the height observed at practice in summer sessions, Reed may have a bit of a twinkle in her eye.

“Height is good,” said Reed, who finished 9-13 last year with losses to the likes of Ponte Vedra, Middleburg, Ridgeview, Bartram Trail and Bishop Kenny, but the 2022 outlook might be different.”

With just four seniors gone; Maya Walker to Wingate University, Bella Hamm, Christina Killingsworth and Rayvn Dunomes, Reed will look to youth to bolster her attack those youngsters are formidable.

One addition to add to her staff and one departure; both standout players in Clay County, Hannah Smith (OPHS, three district titles) and Sara Dandridge (OPHS), will flip the script with Smith being an outstanding net presence for Fleming Island in years past. Smith played two years at Utah State and two years at University of South Florida before returning home and joining Reed. Dandridge, last year’s fiery junior varsity coach, left to pursue her own fitness business in the area and build a family. Reed’s top hitter coming back is Rauly Eason, a six footer at the net, who returns with 145 kills last year.

“She was a top hitter then injured her shoulder but still finish with about 200 kills or touches at the net,” said Reed. “The entire team is returning from last year with three junior varsity players coming up.”

On the defensive back line, Reed named Leeann Maysonet has a starter with sophomore Emily Topp expected to impact at the net with Lily Hough.

A couple of seniors for Reed include defensive specialists Katie Simmons, Maddison Ayers and Mia Smith, all seniors. Bailey Montgomery is a sophomore libero candidate.

“Emily in the middle is a beast,” said Reed. “She played on some good summer teams that went to US Nationals.”

Reed knows that the road to the Final Four again goes through Ponte Vedra.

“Everyone in the district is tough, but Ponte Vedra is the one we all have to figure out,” said Reed.

Fleming Island opens with the Bishop Kenny preseason tournament August 20 with New Smyrna Beach the first regular season contest.