MIDDLEBURG – Two former Middleburg High volleyball standouts; Julia Sypniewski and Jenna Erwin, took to the skies to spend a Saturday observing the Amelia Island area via parachute.

“I went skydiving to celebrate my birthday and because I have always wanted to skydive,” said Sypniewski. “.

Sypniewski, a 2015 Middleburg High graduate, was celebrating her birthday with a former teammate Jenna Erwin, who graduated in 2016, both were integral parts of the Broncos 24-7 overall record and Final Four finish in 2014. Middleburg lost in the Class 6A state semifinal to Ocala Vanguard the eventual runnerup to Venice High School.

“One of my best game memories was when we had our Elite 8 game on a Saturday and our home gym was completely filled with fans and we beat Nease in a close one to advance to the final four,” said Sypniewski.

“I continue to support Bronco Volleyball because my little sister, Jenna, is now a junior on the team. Once a Bronco, always a Bronco.”

In 2013, the duo also fueled a 6A Final Four run that ended in the state semifinal with a loss to Jensen Beach, also the eventual runnerup.

“My favorite game memory was as a junior at Middleburg, smacking a hit down the line as an outside hitter,” said Erwin. “It was the hardest ball I had ever hit, after I landed I looked at the rest of my team and they were so happy for me. I finally proved myself.”

After Middleburg, Sypniewski, a setter, finished an Associate’s Degree in Science from St. Johns River State College. Sypniewski is now a radiologic technologist at Orange Park Medical Center with a goal to finish her education in Healthcare Administration.

Erwin continued her volleyball with a season at Gulf Coast State College before transferring to Indian River State College where she was a First Team All-Conference selection.

“I went skydiving because I love adrenaline rushes and I’ve always wanted to do something that crazy,” said Erwin, who graduated from Indian River and is now at University of North Florida also pursuing a degree in Healthcare Administration (Class of 2020).