Local coaches team up to compete in national tournament

The West Florida Waves Women’s Volleyball Team, with the help of some Coastal Crush coaches, won the Bronze Division at the recent 2025 USA Volleyball Open Championship in Denver. They are (bottom, from left): Bailey Burns, Claire Stewart, Laura Pelfrey and Megan Engelbretch. Back row (from left): Chelsea Kroll, Dannielle Ehlers, Anne Ellenberger, Nylah Demps, Brittney Engelbretch and Jasmine King. Courtesy Photo

Several current and former GBHS players and coaches, as well as some West Florida Waves and Coastal Crush coaches helped the Waves’ Women’s Volleyball team won the bronze division at the recent USA Volleyball Championships in Denver.

Among the players were former GBHS coach (and now UWF volunteer coach) Jasmine King, GBHS varsity assistant coach Nylah Demps and beach volleyball coach Chelsea Kroll.

Also on the team were Bailey Burns, Claire Stewart, Laura Pelfrey, Megan Engelbretch, Dannielle Ehlers, Anne Ellenberger and Brittney Engelbretch. Burns played for the Lady Dolphins a decade ago.

Competing in the Women’s B Division, the Waves finished tied for 39 in the 74 team field.

The Waves lost a pair of three-setters before winning six straight to win their bracket.

Results were as follows:

Waves lost to Albuquerque Fury 25-21, 21-25, 15-13

Waves d. Mochi Motion (NE) 25-16, 25-21

Waves lost to Super Smash Sisters (NE) 25-23, 22-25, 15-11

Chelsea Kroll talks to the beach volleyball team after they won their second consecutive state championship. Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News

Waves d. Awesome Sets (SC) 25-10, 25-16

Waves d. SHEGO GIRLS (WE) 25-15, 25-15

Waves d/. Block It Like It’s Hot (GW) 26-24, 25-10

Waves d. BONY (NE) 25-20, 25-16

Waves d. *NSYNC – RVC (OD) 24-26, 25-20, 15-10

Waves d. Pancakes and Waffles (NE) 25-18, 25-20

Jasmine King celebrates a point during last fall’s state championship match. Jason Thompson/Gulf Breeze News