KISSIMMEE, Fla. — When the prep volleyball season begins in the fall, Osceola High School in Kissimmee will return with one of the nation’s top players in rising junior, Cate Palmi.

Her passion for the sport is something that runs in the family.

“The game is always something I love to do,” said Palmi. “I’m very excited for the high school season. I think it will be one of our better years yet.”

Palmi comes from a very athletic background, with both parents being college athletes at Jacksonville University.

“My dad played football in college, and my mom played volleyball in college, and all my brothers played baseball and all the girls played volleyball in my family,” she said. “We are all very athletic and very competitive.”

That competitive drive helps her on and off the court.

“Definitely getting into the gym everyday is one of my main goals and I have been doing that,” said Palmi. “It’s been definitely helping to improve from the 4 day tournaments, having to stay fresh.”

And the work paid off. One of those 4-day tournaments was held at the Orange County Convention Center in June. Her team placed third in the open division and she was named All-American. 

“I was very proud of my team to get to that moment, because I wouldn’t have done it without them,” said Palmi.

There is a sense of pride to see the Palmi’s name on the record board.

Her sister, Allison, went on to play at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. But she isn’t the only family member connected to the program: her mom is the head coach — something she doesn’t take for granted.

“It’s something I wouldn’t want to trade ever, because we have a such a close bond, it’s definitely something very special,” she said.

Palmi is hoping to play at the next level when she is done with her high school career.

“I definitely can’t see myself walk away from it all these years. It’s just something I love to do,” she said.

Osceola will begin their 2024 season at home against Celebration on Aug. 20.