In a season where there was little separation between the Osceola County’s top five boys volleyball teams, there was also little separation among the top players. But at the end of the day, St. Cloud’s Enrique Soto edges Celebration’s Daniel Santiago as Osceola News-Gazette Boys Volleyball Player of the Year.
It was a clean sweep for Soto, who was also named Orange Belt Conference Player of the Year last month by the county coaches.
Soto, a senior, concluded his career with a dominating season. He finished the year with a team-leading 379 kills with 44.4% kill percentage. He also led the Bulldogs in aces (39) and digs (179); while contributing 26 total blocks as St. Cloud finished the season 11-12 with a second place OBC finish.
The outside hitter enjoyed a solid career with St. Cloud. The three-year starter and four-year letter-winner ended his career with 737 career kills and 74 aces.
“It’s an honor to be recognized as Player of the Year,” Soto said. “Volleyball is a team game, however, and I share it with my teammates and coaches.”
While the Storm did not have its normal dominating season, Celebration managed to win their fifth consecutive OBC championship. Santiago had 329 kills and 40 aces. Harmony libero Cesar Gandia (483 service receptions, 221 digs) was also considered for top honors.
All-County Boys Volleyball
Player of the Year: Enrique Soto, St. Cloud, Outside Hitter, Sr.
All County Team: Harmony — Jameson Benken, Setter, So.; Cesar Gandia, Libero, Sr.; Celebration — Oliver Binet, Setter, Sr.; Davi Jardim, Libero, Jr.; Daniel Santiago, Outside Hitter, Sr.; Liberty — Daniel Duque, Libero, So.; Gateway — Janiel Flores, Middle Blocker, Sr.; Poinciana — Jordan Isaac, Outside Hitter, Sr.; Jayden Jeffreys, Middle Blocker, Jr. St. Cloud — Dante Cayaban, Outside Hitter, Sr.; Eddier Rodriguez, Setter, Sr.
Coach of the Year: Javier Rodriguez-Santiago, St. Cloud
