WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — Horizon High School, only in its second year of existence, has one of the best volleyball teams in Central Florida. One of the reasons is junior setter Juliana Neves, who is setting up history at the school.

"She loves playing the game, she is good out on the sand, she is good indoors," said head coach Ernest Rittenhouse. 

"I love feeding my hitters, so it’s fun," said Neves.

What also makes it fun is having success on the court. The Hawks have started 11-1 so far in the season. Neves knows the importance of being the setter for this team.

"I’m the head of the team with strategy and I like that," said Neves.

"The setter (is like) being the quarterback of the team," said Rittenhouse. "Someone who helps make everybody else better and takes ownership of the game and sets everyone up for their big swings. She does a really good job taking a marginal pass and bettering that play and turning that into a hittable opportunity for us to score points." 

Neves has been playing for the last 5 years, and she says she comes from an athletic family.

"My family plays sports and I was searching for a sport and volleyball fits with me," said Neves. "I enjoy playing with my friends and having fun. We learn how to play with people and work as a team and its really good."

Neves and the team enjoy playing on the court with each other.

"Everybody is friends with everybody. We work good together," said Neves.

"It’s a great group of players. Sometimes you are fortunate as a coach if you get personalities that get along and have fun together," said Rittenhouse. "So it’s nice to have that with this group."