Four Southwest Florida schools are headed to the FHSAA volleyball state final four. Lemon Bay, Port Charlotte, Seacrest Country Day School and First Baptist Academy are all semifinals-bound. For FBA, this is another accomplishment in a long list of them this season.
“They’ve made a list and just checked things off one at a time," FBA volleyball head coach Marci Walker said.
FBA volleyball has checked off a lot this year. The Lions are Private 8 champs, district champs, regional champs, and could be state champs very soon. They are headed to the final four for the fourth time in school history and the first time since 2020.
“Obviously, we all need to play our A-game, but when they do bring that, it’s fun to watch," Walker said.
The Lions' not-so-secret weapon this season is Zara Stewart. The senior outside hitter has been named a state all-star and ranks in the top 25 in all of Florida for kills. She was selected as the MVP of the all-stars and will be playing in a state-wide all-star match in November.
“It means everything to me," Stewart said. "Those are some dreams and goals I’ve had ever since I started at FBA.”
Zara has dreamt about the individual accolades and team success since sixth grade — when she first got to FBA. Now, as one of the best players in the state, she is just two wins away from turning a state championship dream into reality.
“That would mean everything to me," Stewart said. "That’s the final goal because the job’s not finished yet.”
Ever since she first got to FBA, Walker has been there to guide Zara. The two have been working together for more than half a decade. Their partnership blossomed and culminated in their best season yet.
“Just watching her grow as a player, but more importantly as a teammate and as a person, it’s been remarkable," Walker said.
Coach Walker has pretty much become family for Zara. However, she also has real family with her every time she steps on the court. Her younger sister, Laila, is a sophomore on the FBA team and is the setter for all of Zara's kills.
“Ever since I was little, I’ve always looked up to her," Laila said. "Being able to play with her for one more season is just the best feeling.”
That feeling would be even better if the Stewarts could help FBA volleyball win its first-ever state title.
“I think this team is very capable of doing it," Zara said.
FBA plays Westminster Christian in the state semifinals on Tuesday, Nov. 5. If the Lions win, the state championship is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 6.