In our latest “4 Questions” spotlight, we speak with Jensen Beach volleyball head coach Mike Sawtelle about the Falcons’ 2022 state championship team, as well as an early look ahead to the 2023 season.
Q: Coming off a season that culminated in a state championship, what are your thoughts on what this Jensen Beach volleyball team accomplished?
A: The 2021 season ended abruptly when we lost in the Class 5A regional final. My goal was to make sure we had a team that was mentally and physically strong enough to push through a situation like that this year. We had a young, strong group coming back this season. We came out strong, going 19-0 to start the season. That included winning the Titanium division of the Nike Tournament of Champions and winning the East Coast Challenge. We dropped a couple of matches in the Orlando “Swing for the Cure” tournament, which forced us to refocus and start practicing with a purpose for the playoffs. We went through the playoffs by sweeping all of our opponents and never dropping a single set.
Q: How big of an impact did the 2023 senior class have on this Falcons program, and what will you miss most about that group?
A: The class of 2023 was the difference from a year ago. As sophomores, this class competed in the state championship match, but lost to a tough team simply due to lack of experience. This year was a different story. Three of our nine seniors have been on varsity since their freshman year, and this year they came together to win the state championship. What I will miss most about this class is the dedication, time, and energy they put into every practice. They were one of the most committed group of seniors I have ever coached.
Q: How would you say the Jensen Beach volleyball team compares to some of the previous groups you’ve coached?
A: This class was a close-knit group and they stuck together through all of the conditioning, practices, and off-the-court bonding throughout the entire season. They were all 100% committed to the team concept and bought in to the “team first” mentality over self. Their leadership and commitment was second to none.
Q: Taking an early look ahead, what are your thoughts on what this Jensen Beach team will return in 2023?
A: Although we had a senior-laden group, we have some very talented younger players returning, including our all-area setter, outside hitter and middle blocker. We will also return some very good defensive players, so I am confident that we will put together a strong team for the 2023 season.
