By Rod Gipson
MaxPreps.com
It's safe to say Tampa Prep's Chelsea Klotz is off to a hot start this soccer season. The senior forward has scored 24 goals in the Terrapins' first eight games. Klotz, who has signed a scholarship to play for the University of South Florida, scored her latest two goals Nov. 29 in Tampa Prep's 2-0 win against Tampa Cambridge.
Klotz's play has just been a part of the Terrapins torrid start. Tampa Prep (8-0) has outscored its opponents 48-3 during its eight game streak. Tampa Prep plays two of its next three games on the road (at Miami Westminster Christian and at Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin Catholic) before playing at the Sarasota Invitational tournament during the Christmas break.
Volleyball Honors
The Florida Dairy Farmers have honored Tampa Plant and Tampa Bayshore Christian's volleyball teams. The FDF named Plant senior setter Kellie Catanach as its Class 5A Player of the Year and Leanna Taylor as its Coach of the Year. Catanach, a Duke University signee, led the Panthers to their second straight 5A state title in November. Catanach had 715 assists and 225 digs this season.
Bayshore Christian coach Melanie Humenansky was named Class 1A Coach of the Year and Bayshore outside hitter Jannica Mollett was honored as the 1A Player of the Year. The Faith Warriors won their fourth state title in program history this season.
College Signings
Riverview and Land O'Lakes had a bevy of signings during the recent college signing period. Riverview baseball players Anthony Ferrara (University of South Florida) and Colby Fairfax (Florida Southern) announced their plans while softball players Ashley McClain signed with Florida International and Brittany Yates and Dianne Gonzalez both signed with Saint Leo University.
Meanwhile, Land O'Lakes volleyball players Jessica Bryant and Danielle Priest will play for Saint Leo and Hillsborough Community College, respectively. And Kayli Keough, a basketball player for Land O'Lakes, will attend Florida State.
But the biggest signing announcement during the past week was not an announcement really but more of a narrowing of choices. Armwood standout running back Eric Smith has narrowed his college choices to Auburn and Clemson.
Smith, 6-feet and 225 pounds, has run for 1,192 and 15 touchdowns this season while dealing with minor injuries throughout the season. Still, he managed to lead the Hawks in rushing while helping them stay unbeaten (13-0) and one win away from playing in the Class 4A state championship game.
He may make a decision in January after official visits.
