Aquinas’ Van Cott and Pine Crest’s Gold are Broward Volleyball Players of the Year
St. Thomas Aquinas senior Sydney Van Cott was the centerpiece of one of the state’s top programs’ efforts to return to the top.
And at Pine Crest, sophomore Mia Gold may be following a similar path as her team builds toward a possible championship.
Each put together impressive seasons as Van Cott led Aquinas to its seventh state title and first since 2018 while Gold helped the Panthers advance to the Class 4A regional finals before losing to eventual state champ Gulliver Prep.
For this, Van Cott and Gold are the Miami Herald’s Broward County girls’ volleyball Players of the Year.
Van Cott wins her first such award after totaling 315 kills and 135 digs this season and emerging as the leader of one of the most talented squads in the state.
“I’ve always wanted a state championship and this being my senior year was the cherry on top,” Van Cott said. “The more games we played the more chemistry we built and that’s why we were able to win. As one, we executed our goal.”
Van Cott dominated at the net and was precise in her attacks with a 45.3 percent kill percentage while also providing consistent defense.
A versatile player who played right side and middle in the past, Van Cott thrived from the outside hitter spot.
“I’ve seen a lot of mental growth and as I got older I realized I had to step up into the role of being a leader and be someone the younger players look up to,” Van Cott said.
Van Cott signed with Mercer University where she will look to continue developing into an all-around player.
“It’s a great program and I feel like we’ll be able to win our conference with the players we have coming in,” Van Cott said.
Gold’s dominant career is just starting as she adds another big accolade with the Herald’s 4A-2A Player of the Year honor. Gold said she didn’t expect to win it, but it was hard to argue the choice after she totaled 398 kills, 310 receptions and 260 digs for the season.
“It’s unexpected but it was a great surprise,” Gold said. “Hard work pays off. I really tried to lead the team and get better as the season went on.”
Gold said one of the biggest improvements she made came with better decision-making at the net.
“My hitting got better and I started hitting way smarter,” Gold said. “Instead of just hitting the ball to hit. I learned to hit it to spots better and have a purpose to each hit.”
Gold, who is already on the radar of Division-I rosters, said her goal for the next two seasons is to lead the Panthers to a state title, something they have not done since winning three in a row from 2001-2003. With Pine Crest losing only one senior from its starting lineup and juniors Isabella Medeiros and Ali Natt - both All-Broward first team selections - returning next season, the Panthers figure to be in the mix for a state title once again.
“I think I’m going to build off this and get better for sure,” Gold said.
This story was originally published January 4, 2024 at 7:40 AM.
