After a long, hard season, one of Oviedo High School’s very own Lions is committed to college as a Division I athlete. Keely Starnes, senior girls varsity volleyball player, made her commitment to Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, unofficially on March 17, 2025, and signed her letter of intent on Nov. 12, 2025.
Starnes transferred to Oviedo from Hagerty High School this past year. Previously, she also played for a club called Game Point. In her years of playing volleyball, she has faced many hardships.
“During districts [in sophomore year] I broke my finger and I couldn’t play the rest of the season,” Starnes said.
A streak of injuries began with her finger, as shortly after this, she sprained her ankle and began having knee problems. This led to her having to take a break from volleyball.
“Obviously some people are going to be rude or talk bad about you, but I know that I got to where I am for a reason and just to tune the haters out,” said Starnes.
Fortunately, this struggle paid off this past season, when she and her team won the 6A Varsity Volleyball State Championship, and she signed with Stetson University as a Division 1 athlete.
“I am so proud of Keely and her commitment to play at Stetson University,” said Jennifer Darty, Oviedo girls volleyball coach. “She is an incredibly talented athlete and even better person that is an asset to every team she is a part of.”
Starnes has certainly grown in her season at Oviedo, which is best shown in her relationship with her teammates.
“She is just like, such a bundle of joy. Like, she just has so much energy, and she just brings such a fire to our team,” said junior Delaney Sloane, one of Starnes’ teammates.
Stetson University’s indoor volleyball team finished its 2024 season with a 5-22 record. In July, the team received the American Volleyball Coaches Association Team Academic Award for the third consecutive year.
“The coaches [at Stetson] are just really good at what they do. They are super nice and supportive but also tough on you,” Starnes said.
Now, the question arises: What will this athlete do after her college time runs out?
“After college I really want to go into the FBI,” Starnes said. “My dad is in law enforcement and that really inspired me. Ever since I was little it was my dream to be in law enforcement.”
Starnes’ teammates are eager to see where this opportunity goes, but there will always be a home for her at Oviedo.
“She’s just, like, a great hard worker, and she really puts her heart into it,” Sloane said. “Watching her grow over this season, I’m just, like, really, really excited for her.”
