Westminster’s Artiles and Thomas are Dade Beach Volleyball Players of the Year
Westminster Christian’s Gigi Artiles knew she needed a new partner on the beach volleyball court this spring.
After two years forming one of the most formidable pairs in the state with former Westminster star Zoey Matias, the transition wasn’t difficult at all when one of your closest childhood friends is also on the team.
Such was the case with Artiles and fellow senior Cassie Thomas, who teamed up to lead the Warriors back to the Class 1A state final four.
Artiles and Thomas are the Miami Herald’s Miami-Dade County Beach Volleyball Players of the Year.
“We’ve been best friends for years so the chemistry on the court was already there,” Artiles said. “It was so much fun. She’s one of the most energetic and positive teammates I’ve ever had. It made it so easy and great to play with one of my best friends.”
Artiles, who is headed to play indoor volleyball at the University of Georgia this fall, wins Beach Volleyball Player of the Year honors for the third consecutive season. For Thomas, it is her first.
Artiles combined with Thomas, who is headed to the University of Tennessee on an academic scholarship, to win 18 matches overall this season.
At the top of another tough Westminster lineup, Artiles and Thomas made sure Westminster went through the season unbeaten against Miami-Dade County competition.
The chemistry on the court wasn’t difficult to develop as both have been integral parts of the Warriors’ indoor squad for years. Even going from six players on the gym floors to just two on the sand didn’t affect Artiles and Thomas one bit.
“We’ve been close for years and I think that she’s not just an amazing player, but an amazing person,” Thomas said.
Both Artiles and Thomas agreed that being each other’s biggest supporter and motivator in tough times was one of the biggest reasons they had success together in their high school finale.
“We’re both very competitive and we can be honest with each other and hold each other accountable on the court,” Artiles said. “I never feel uncomfortable asking her to do something and be tough with each other.”
