Calvary Christian played a schedule that was filled with challenging matches throughout the season.
That was by design.
The Warriors wanted to be tested as much as possible to prepare for a potential state title run.
The payoff came in the postseason. Calvary Christian knocked off a defending state finalist (Bishop McLaughlin) in the region semifinals, a nationally ranked team (Tampa Prep) in the region final and the defending state champion (Ocala Trinity Catholic) in the state semifinals.
That brutal stretch helped the Warriors reach the state championship match for the first time in school history.
So when Calvary Christian faced nationally ranked Miami Westminster Christian in Thursday’s Class 3A final, the players were hardly fazed by the lofty status of the opposition.
Westminster Christian was ranked second in the classification, fourth overall in the state and seventh nationally by MaxPreps.
No matter.
Once again, Calvary Christian beat another formidable opponent, this time via sweep for their first state title.
It was a team effort. Taylor Parks had 40 assists and eight digs. Lauren Cairo finished with 16 digs and 13 kills. Noelle Walsh ended up with 15 kills and 10 digs. And Ava Bonin recorded 14 digs.
Their performance help Calvary Christian became the sixth school from Pinellas County to win a state title in volleyball and the first since 2018 when Shorecrest won in 4A.
To get an idea of just impressive Calvary Christian’s postseason run was, consider that the Warriors beat three teams ranked among the top 35 in the country. Two came via sweeps.
It was quite a leap for a program that had never made it past the region final before.
The were a few bumps. Calvary Christian was swept once by Plant and lost three times to Berkeley Prep during the regular season. After that last loss to the Buccaneers, Calvary Christian gained the confidence that it can not only compete with the best but also win.
That was the turning point. Calvary Christian went to win its final 17 matches of the season, culminating with its first state title.
Pinellas County state volleyball titles
Calvary Christian became the sixth school from Pinellas County to win a state title in volleyball. Here is the list.
| School | Year(s) won title |
| Calvary Christian | 2021 |
| Clearwater | 1997, 2000 |
| Clearwater Central Catholic | 1981, 1985, 2014 |
| East Lake | 2010, 2011 |
| Shorecrest | 2018 |
| Tarpon Springs | 1991 |
