Sky's limit for Hawks

The HCC volleyball team is hoping to continue its success from last season.

By Joe Smith
Published August 18, 2007

The Hawks are coming off a record-breaking season in which they won their first FCCAA state championship and made their first appearance at nationals. HCC's state championship last year marked the first time since 1988 a team other than Miami Dade College took home the title. Can they repeat the feat? Times staff writer Joe Smith breaks down the Hawks.

HCC freshman Le'Derrianne Golden had an unforgettable dinner date in late June. ¶ The junior beach volleyball champion was eating at the Tiki Bar in Siesta Key when her coach, Cindy Phillips, brought in a surprise guest. ¶ It was Karch Kiraly, arguably the greatest beach volleyball player of all time. ¶ "It was one of the greatest experiences of my life," Golden said. "I got an autographed picture and everything." ¶ Golden, 17, had her own chance for sand stardom this summer, but turned down her spot at Junior Nationals in Long Beach, Calif., for tiring two-a-days with the Hawks. ¶ The Miami native said she had made a commitment to HCC coach Gary Larkin, and "I didn't want to let him down." ¶ "I want to be an impact freshman," said Golden, a short but spunky outside hitter. "This team has a chance to be special."

Five things you should know about the Hawks

They go to "boot camp" - For 10 days in August, the Hawks do two-a-days at a local warehouse. The "dome," as they call it, has two courts and no air conditioning. Players work up a sweat walking in, but say it makes them stronger. "You use two shirts for practice," Golden said with a grin, "and one for the ride home."

They have their own rap song - Sophomore Brittany Wilson, a blond-haired ball of energy, loves to sing and dance - even to her own tunes. Wilson, one of the team captains, wrote an "HCC" rap song; Golden joked the lyrics aren't fit to print.

They've got local flavor - The Hawks boast six former county standouts, including Wilson, Durant, Jasmine Chriss (Freedom) and Jamie Gonzalez (Armwood).

They have a Puerto Rican pipeline - Several players came to HCC from Puerto Rico's Bayamon Military Academy: last year's second-team All-America setter (Madi Gonzalez), sophomore setter (Mari Padilla) and freshman Nallelis Sanfeliz.

They bond in a boat - The Hawks' team-building trip this year was a canoeing adventure at Weeki Wachee Springs. "It was scary," Golden said. "There were snakes, turtles and spiders the size of your head."

About the coach

Gary Larkin, 37, a former Boston College lacrosse player, was named 2006 FCCAA State Coach of the Year. He has posted 20-win seasons in three out of his four years at HCC.

Player to watch:

Emily Calderon, freshman outside hitter - The 5-foot-8 feisty freshman could be one of the Hawks' biggest recruits ever. A member of the Puerto Rico Junior National Team, Calderon is a heavy hitter and extremely fast sideline-to-sideline.

Must-see matches

Aug. 30 vs. Webber International University, 3 p.m. - The Hawks host the Warriors, a strong NAIA program that finished second in their region last season.

Oct. 9 vs. St. Petersburg College, 7 p.m. - In a rematch of last year's state title game, HCC will go toe-to-toe with a tough conference foe. The Hawks travel to SPC on Sept. 20.

Oct. 26-27, HCC Tournament - Hawks wrap up season by hosting a weekend draw, starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday and 10 Saturday.

If you go: The Hawks play at HCC/Dale Mabry Campus (4001 West Tampa Bay Blvd). Admission is free.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or at (813) 226-3353.

[Last modified August 18, 2007, 00:30:36]