Jay Lanham leads Venice to state semifinal bid for seventh title
Lady Indians aim to add another championship to their record in Friday's semifinal match in Winter Haven.
By Ryan Davidson ·
The Venice varsity volleyball team will face Horizon High School in the state semifinals on Friday morning in Winter Haven. A victory in this match would position the Lady Indians to compete for their seventh state championship in program history.
Head coach Jay Lanham noted that the team is two wins away from completing their annual goal. He described the opportunity to compete for a state title as exciting, regardless of whether it is a district, regional, or state final. Lanham has been part of the program for several years, serving as an assistant coach for the last five state championship teams. The most recent of those titles was secured in 2022.
This season marks Lanham's first time reaching the state tournament as the head coach. He acknowledged that the role differs from his previous experience as an assistant. "It's a different role going there for the first time as a head coach," Lanham said. He added that the current roster has been special throughout the year.
Team captain Amelia Anselmi stated that the players are eager to secure a title for their coaching staff. Anselmi said the team wants to win for Lanham and the other coaches, as well as for those who came before them. "We want it just as bad for him, the other coaches, everyone that's came before us and just building on the legacy and keeping the tradition alive," Anselmi said. She emphasized that the team is united in their desire to execute their game plan.
The coaching staff has focused on maintaining the habits that brought the team this far in the season. Lanham said the message to the players is to continue doing what they have done all season. He emphasized a simple approach to managing the pressure of a high-profile school. "One point at a time," Lanham said. "One game at a time. We want to make sure we are giving ourselves a chance, and definitely enjoying the moment."
Venice will take the floor in Winter Haven on Friday morning. The Lady Indians must defeat Horizon to advance to the final match for the state championship.
