Amelia Colon, a record-setting libero and defensive specialist at Land O' Lakes High School, will play Division I volleyball at the University of Louisiana at Monroe beginning August 28.

ULM head coach Reid Gann announced the signing Wednesday, July 29, as part of a 12-player 2026 recruiting class. Colon set dig records at Land O' Lakes High and won a recent AAU national title, according to Patch. She is one of eight high school players in the class, joined by four transfers.

She won't be the only local player at ULM. Wesley Chapel High School middle blocker Zharia Alleyne signed in the same class, giving the Warhawks two freshmen from the greater Tampa Bay area.

Gann, in his second year leading the program, assembled recruits from 10 states including Florida, Texas, Georgia, Indiana, and Nevada. The Warhawks compete in the Sun Belt Conference and open their 2026 season Friday, August 28 against Southern Illinois.

A tradition of Division I talent

Land O' Lakes High, located at 20325 Gator Lane, has produced Division I athletes across multiple sports. The school's Athletics Foundation Hall of Fame includes football's Drew Weatherford, who played at Florida State, along with soccer standout Shannon Aitken and baseball's Brad Baisley. Colon's signing adds volleyball to that list.

Timing for local players

The announcement lands as fall volleyball tryouts are already underway at area high schools. Sunlake High School held girls volleyball tryouts Friday, July 24, marking the unofficial start of the fall sports season across the Land O' Lakes area.

For younger players heading into fall tryouts, Colon's path offers a concrete example of where the sport can lead. She built her resume through club volleyball, earning an AAU national championship, and translated that into a Division I opportunity.

The Warhawks' full 2026 schedule is posted at ulmwarhawks.com.

Upcoming community events

  • Tuesday, August 4: North Tampa Bay Chamber nonprofit showcase
  • Thursday, August 6: Pediatric feeding and speech therapy practice ribbon cutting, Lutz
  • Thursday, August 13: Pasco County schools first day of classes