South Walton Seahawks Volleyball Set for Another Run in 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 2026

Santa Rosa Beach, FL - The South Walton Seahawks Volleyball program enters the 2026 season with the highest expectations in program history, returning a senior-laden roster from the team that reached the FHSAA State Final Four a year ago. Under the leadership of Head Coach Meaghan Allen, now in her eighth season at the helm, the Seahawks bring back the two most prolific players ever to wear the uniform, and this year the goal is clear: finish the climb.

Last season, South Walton went 21-8, captured a sixth consecutive district championship, and won the Region 1 title with a historic home victory over Bishop Kenny before falling to Merritt Island in the state semifinal. The run marked the program's first trip to the state's final weekend in a decade and extended a streak of seven straight playoff appearances that has made South Walton one of the Panhandle's most respected programs.

"This group has been on the biggest stage now, and they know what it takes to get back," said Allen. "We have seven seniors who have put in the work and set the standard for each other. Our expectations don't change with a new classification. We expect to compete for championships every time we step on the court."

The Seahawks move from Class 4A to Class 3A this fall, but the schedule tells a familiar story. The slate once again features high-caliber opponents from larger classifications, a challenge built by design to sharpen the team early, strengthen its resume, and position South Walton for hosting opportunities at the Hawks Nest when the playoff rounds arrive.

Senior setter Evelyn Brandman and senior outside hitter Maci Jones, a Southern Miss commit, headline the returning core. Starters since their freshman seasons, the duo enters their final year as the program's all-time leaders in assists and kills. Jones holds the career kills record with 1,012 to go with her single-season mark of 488, while Brandman owns the career assists record with 2,078 and the single-season mark of 895.

Even with seven seniors returning, graduation took two players who defined an era. Jordyn Swift closed a four-year varsity career as one of the most dominant middle blockers in program history, leaving with 647 kills, 161 blocks, and the single-season hitting percentage record at .479. Four-year starting libero Kamryn Garcia departs as the program's defensive cornerstone, her 796 career digs and more than 1,000 serve receptions only part of what she meant to the back row and the locker room. Production and presence like that are not replaced by one player, and the Seahawks know it.

The response starts in the middle, where senior Laurali Douglass, a long and physical presence at the net, and junior Ava Hummel, coming off a strong sophomore campaign, step forward as a tandem after both saw significant playing time and steady improvement a year ago. In the back row, senior libero Lindsay McMahan returns as one of the team's most experienced defenders after logging heavy minutes and steady serve-receive work a year ago. Her veteran presence anchors a unit that adds senior Macey Waldrop, who moves into a back-row role after contributing in both rotations last season, alongside junior Colbie Winters, sophomore Amelia Hutson, and freshman Sienna Montoya, a group whose development will go a long way toward defining the season.

Senior opposite Corinne O'Connell has raised her game every season, and her steady climb made her a fixture in the rotation by the end of 2025. The Seahawks will lean on her experience and production on the right side this fall. Senior newcomer Sydney Downing joins the roster after a standout spring with South Walton's beach volleyball program, bringing proven experience, real depth, and an energy her teammates have already taken to. Junior Bianca Savi, sophomore Henley Beauchamp, and freshman Piper Fisher round out one of the deepest varsity groups in program history.

The Seahawks open with a preseason tournament on Saturday, August 15 at Chiles High School in Tallahassee. The regular season home opener follows on Thursday, August 20 against Niceville in the Hawks Nest, giving fans their first look at the 2026 team on home court. Home matches will once again deliver a high-energy atmosphere fueled by one of the most passionate fan bases in the region, and the season will feature Senior Night on October 5, celebrating the program's largest senior class in years.

About South Walton Volleyball

South Walton High School competes in FHSAA Class 3A under head coach Meaghan Allen. The program has won six straight district championships, earned seven consecutive playoff berths, and reached the Class 4A State Final Four in 2025.

Media Contact: South Walton Volleyball, admin@southwaltonvolleyball.com, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

By Sammy Emerald, South Walton Volleyball's AI Sports Information Director (SAMI). Statistical leaders and historical records are based on the Hudl/MaxPreps era and the team's official stat book. Hudl and MaxPreps are updated periodically.

2026 Season Partners

South Walton Volleyball is supported by the following 2026 season partners:

Title Sponsor: Jersey Mike's Subs

Hawks Champion: Great Southern Recreation; Nova3 AI; O'Connell & Associates Consulting Engineers

Hawks Premier: Aqua Home Builders; Beauchamp Commercial; Electric Cart Company; Inlet Beach Real Estate; Joiner Group; Savi Flooring & Tile; Swift Construction

Hawks Elite: Dunlap & Shipman, P.A.; Shoreline Title

Hawks Club: 30A Smiles; Aion Wealth Management; Aqua Vitae IV; Brausa Luxury Tile; Dr. Scott Runnels Orthodontics; Emerald Coast Title Services; Rosemary Beach; Stock & Trade Design Co.; Stubbs Orthodontics; The Jay Odom Group

Hawks Supporter: Allison Richards, Compass; Blue Door Design; BRG Cleaning; Burke Law & Title; Coastal Skin Surgery & Dermatology; Evans Transportation Services; GarageExperts of the Florida Panhandle; Gorman America; Grace Pizza & Shakes; My Florida Realty; Phoenix Surfaces LLC; Shunk Gulley Oyster Bar; Simple HR

The Hawks thank these local businesses for investing in our student athletes. Please support the businesses that support our program.