The Venice Lady Indians are back in familiar territory. Friday morning, the varsity volleyball team faces Horizon in the state semifinals in Winter Haven, two wins away from the program’s seventh state championship.
Head coach Jay Lanham knows the stage well. He served as an assistant on Venice’s last five title teams, the most recent in 2022, but Friday marks his first trip to States in the top job. He calls this group special and credits a season-long consistency that got them here. Captain Amelia Anselmi said the players want this championship for Lanham and for the coaches who laid the foundation before them.
The team’s approach stays simple. One point at a time, one game at a time, and take a moment to enjoy how far this season has gone. Local fans who may have watched those five previous title runs will tell you that philosophy is part of why Venice keeps finding its way back.
Are you following the match Friday morning? Tell us your favorite Venice volleyball memory in the comments.
