Head Coach Angie Patrick, 2019 Merritt Island Mustangs, Discuss Winning Two Volleyball Championships In One Year

By  //  June 18, 2019

Mustangs open 2019 season at Palm Bay on August 20

ABOVE VIDEO: Merritt Island Mustangs, Head Coach Angie Patrick Discuss Championships In Space Coast Daily TV Interview.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – All Merritt Island does is win in volleyball.

From the gym, to the beach, championships have been the storyline for this storied program when discussing Merritt Island High volleyball.

Angie Patrick, entering her 17th year as head coach, has been a huge factor for the Mustangs success.

In a sit-down interview with Space Coast Daily‘s Jordan Rocco, Patrick reflected on her early years at Merritt Island and her most recent championship when the Mustangs captured the Florida High School Athletic Association 6A state volleyball championship last November.

This past year was extra special for Patrick after she got to coach her daughter, freshman Jordyn Patrick, while the team racked up a 30-2 record in 2018.

“It’s been amazing,” said Patrick, talking about the journey this past year.

“It’s been a fun year of celebrating, awards and team events while capping it off with a beach championship. It’s been a really fun ride.”

The Mustang victory on the beach was especially rewarding for the seniors Jasmine Sayre (Indian River State College), Lexy Denaburg (UCLA) and Shae Henson (Stetson) who played their last game in a Merritt Island uniform, Patrick said.

All three will play college volleyball this year.

The Merritt Island Mustangs won the Sunshine State Athletic Conference Beach Volleyball Championship earlier this year.

“This is such a sweet way for our seniors to go out – two state championships in one year,” said Patrick, who coaches the beach team with Connie Denaburg.

Merritt Island Mustangs have turned their attention to 2019 and defending their state title on the hard surface.

This year’s team will be led by four seniors with strong contributions from four sophomores.

“The now go-to hitter from the middle, outside and back row is Bobbie Schwantz who is a strong 6 rotation player,” said Patrick.

“Penelope Colombo has been leading the team in offseason conditioning and should be a six-rotation player who can spark the team. Senior Emily Callenberger is a strong lefty on the right side who will be called upon a lot this season.

“Emily had to battle an injury down at the end of last season, so if she is healthy she will make a big difference. Christina Liquori didn’t see much time last year, but her quickness and reading abilities will be an asset to the team this year.

“Sophomore Macy Reynolds will be a mainstay on defense and quite possibly the 2019 libero, a player who can play all three front row positions is found in an incredible athlete Macie Sinclair, Katie Callenberger is playing higher and stronger at the net and holding down the middle,  Jordyn Patrick will be taking over the reins setting and will continue to grow in that leadership role,” said Patrick.

Even though this year’s team will be young in leadership, they are filled with talent and a desire to win.

Patrick’s key for success this upcoming season is “defense.”

“Coach Patrick says defending is going to be a big thing for us and we have been working out a lot in the weight room this year to prepare for defending,” said talented sophomore Macie Sinclair.

The Mustangs open their 2019 season at Palm Bay on August 20 with their home opener set for August 22 against rival Satellite.

ANGIE PATRICK – 2014 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAMER

As marine science/biology instructor for the high school, Patrick introduces the wonders and science of the undersea world to her students.

“I love the ocean and teaching marine science at MIHS is another passion of mine,” she said.

The head volleyball coach prepares her Mustangs to play hard and win easy, and success seems the norm these days, but things were very different when she started.

“I remember my very first open gym,” she said.

“I walked in, set up the net in a very hot, non-air-conditioned gym, sick from being pregnant with my first child. It was not a very successful season, but it was the beginning of our successes today. Those girls I coached my first year really hung in there and worked hard. They didn’t have the championships we’ve enjoyed during the past years, but they were part of rebuilding the program. Each and every year, the senior team leaves a different legacy.”

In her bucket list are a few more state championships and the chance to coach her daughter as a Mustang volleyball player. She should have no trouble getting her wishes to come true, for 10-year-old Jordyn Patrick is already being coached by Mom in the Cape Coast 11’s Nike Elite Team. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)
In Angie Patrick’s bucket list are a few more state championships and the chance to coach her daughter Jordyn, above right, as a Mustang volleyball player. This image was taken in 2014. (Image for SpaceCoastDaily.com)

Under Patrick’s leadership, the Mustangs have won 14 straight district championships, earning her the Space Coast Coach of the Year title in 2005, 2006 and 2011 and Brighthouse Coach of the Year kudos in 2011 as the Mustangs won the state championship.

In her bucket list are a few more state championships and the chance to coach her daughter as a Mustang volleyball player.

This past year that wish came true after she coached freshman Jordyn Patrick, her daughter, during Merritt Island’s State Championship season.

“She is blessed to have the opportunity to play club at such a young age,” said Patrick in 2014.

“It would be very special to win a state championship together.”

Mission accomplished.

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