Each week, The News-Press and Naples Daily News will rank the Top 10 teams in SW Florida. It'll be based on record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head.
Each week, The News-Press and Naples Daily News will rank the Top 10 teams in Lee County, Collier County, and LaBelle. The power rankings will be based on their record, strength of schedule, and head-to-head matchups.
Here are our Top 10 rankings after one full week of action:
Games played through Tuesday, Aug. 26
1. First Baptist (3-0)
Preseason ranking: 1
Analysis: The Lions have done nothing to warrant losing the No. 1 spot, especially with wins over Canterbury, Charlotte, and Naples. First Baptist looks every bit like the top squad in Southwest Florida, and will look to continue that narrative on Thursday against CSN, followed by Palmetto Ridge next Tuesday.
2. Gulf Coast (3-0)
Preseason ranking: 4
Analysis: There was a lot of optimism behind the scenes from opposing area coaches about the Sharks this year, and they're proving it so far. A season-opening win on the road against Canterbury, followed up with wins over Seacrest Country Day and Lely is the start John Alvarez's team was looking for. Next up is Aubrey Rogers on Thursday followed by CSN next week.
3. Marco Island (2-0)
Preseason ranking: 3
Analysis: The Rays looked good in both of their wins over Donahue Catholic and Bonita Springs but hold the No. 3 spot lacking a quality win. Medney Garraux looks solid to start this season, averaging 7.2 kills per set with just one attacking error. Not to say Marco Island won't get their share of opportunities, taking on a pair of solid programs over the next week in Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy and Oasis.
4. St. John Neumann (2-0)
Preseason ranking: 5
Analysis: The Celtics are a solid group this year and have grabbed a pair of regular season wins over Riverdale and Canterbury, both of which came in four sets. Callee Jones, Hailey Scheffler, Sofia Vargas, Grace Thompson, and others have played pivotal roles thus far for Jan Class and company. Next up are contests with Lely and SFCA.
5. Canterbury (0-3)
Preseason ranking: 2
Analysis: The Cougars are arguably the area's biggest surprise right now, starting out 0-3. On the flip side, they've lost to No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4 in this poll. Canterbury's been unable to find its footing after graduating hitter Brighten Sedmack and libero Aaliyah Harlow, as the defense has had to keep them in games. Expect Canterbury to grab a win on Thursday against Bonita Springs.
6. Estero (4-0)
Preseason ranking: 6
Analysis: There's lots to like about this Estero team early, starting 4-0 with wins over Aubrey Rogers and three LCAC programs in Riverdale, Ida Baker, and Fort Myers. Brooke Smith's been a catalyst offensively averaging north of 5 kills per set, while Delayna Kerry has been a good asset at the setter position. Kassia Perkins is emerging as well, which is a positive sign for John Ban's squad. Next up for Estero is South Fort Myers and North Fort Myers.
7. Bishop Verot (5-1)
Preseason ranking: 7
Analysis: The Vikings hold firm at No. 7 in this week's poll, thanks in part to a 4-1 performance at the SSAA Tournament. Carley Himschoot has emerged as the team's No. 1 hitter, with 51 kills, followed by Caroline Hathaway in the middle with 44 kills. With Sidney Blackwood at the setter spot and having positive results with a younger group, that'll yield positive results moving forward. Verot aims to continue the upward trajectory on Thursday against Imagine School, before hosting the inaugural Catholic Schools Tournament that'll feature eight squads.
8. Seacrest Country Day (1-1)
Preseason ranking: 8
Analysis: The Stingrays started their season with a sweep to Gulf Coast but rebounded nicely with a four-set win against CSN. Andy Wimmer's team is still super young, which will likely show this weekend in the Nike Tournament of Champions featuring a pool of Alachua Santa Fe, Gainesville Oak Hall, and Miami Ransom Everglades.
9. Oasis (3-0)
Preseason ranking: 10
Analysis: The Sharks move up one spot following three wins over LaBelle, Gateway Charter, and North Fort Myers. It's a strong start for Justin Altman, who is off to his best start in four seasons coaching the team. They'll look to stay unbeaten against Cape Coral, followed by No. 3 Marco Island.
10. Community School (2-3)
Preseason ranking: 9
Analysis: The Seahawks have seen solid competition early in each of their three losses, which have come to Seminole, Clearwater Calvary Christian, and No. 8 Seacrest. They've also beaten Naples Classical and Aubrey Rogers but have a tough stretch ahead against No. 1 First Baptist and No. 2 Gulf Coast.
The Next Five: Riverdale (0-2), North Fort Myers (1-1), SFCA (6-2), Barron Collier (1-0), Fort Myers (2-1)
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Who's atop the 2025 Southwest Florida volleyball rankings?
Category: General Sports
