St. Edward's High School has announced a change in leadership for its volleyball team. Kelsey Fox will now serve as head coach following a remarkable 2025 season in which the Pirates reached the Class 1A state championship game for the first time in school history. Fox was officially named to the role on Monday, Aug. 3, during the same day’s tryouts for the upcoming 2026 season.
During the tryouts, Fox observed a mix of talent and personality that left her optimistic about the team’s future. She noted that while the players are already showing promise, there is still a lot of potential to be unlocked. Her vision for the program includes building on the recent success and aiming for even greater accomplishments in the coming years.
Fox's coaching background
Fox brings 17 years of experience to the role, most of it at the club level. Prior to joining St. Edward's, she worked at Jupiter Christian, where she held dual roles as the varsity assistant coach and the junior varsity head coach. Her coaching career also includes time at the middle school level at King’s Academy, where she helped develop young athletes.
Fox’s coaching philosophy is centered on fun and discipline. She emphasized the emotional and developmental benefits of sports. "We play volleyball because we love it, first and foremost," she said during her introductory remarks. "And then we hold ourselves to a high standard because there are so many life lessons that can be learned from a team sport like this." Her approach combines enjoyment with clear expectations, fostering a culture of growth both on and off the court.
From Brassard to Fox
Fox takes over for Seth Brassard, who coached the Pirates for four seasons and compiled a record of 54-38. In 2025, Brassard was named TCPalm's Volleyball Coach of the Year after leading the team to its first-ever regional title and a state runner-up finish. His departure has been shrouded in some confusion, with differing accounts from the school and himself.
Brassard claimed he was let go in May and had no control over the outcome. He described the situation as being influenced by internal politics. "They told me they wanted to go in a different direction, but they never really gave me a direct answer on why," he said, expressing frustration about the lack of clarity in the decision.
On the other hand, athletic director Eileen Pliske stated that Brassard stepped down in order to focus more on his business. The 2025 season saw the team overcome a slow start, improving from an 11-10 record in October to finishing with a 19-12 overall record. This late-season surge included a notable eight-win streak in the final 10 matches, leading to a deep playoff run.
The Pirates delivered a strong performance in the 2025 postseason. They defeated Brevard HEAT twice during the regionals and pulled off a dramatic five-set upset against top-seeded Geneva in the semifinals. They then went on to avenge their earlier district loss to the Firehawks by winning the regional final. In the state tournament, the team made it to the championship match, losing to top-ranked Boca Raton Christian after a hard-fought five-set semifinal victory over Harvest Community School.
Despite the success, four key players from that team have now graduated, leaving Fox with a challenge to maintain the same level of performance. Still, she is eager to build on the program’s momentum and continue its upward trajectory.
Fox has a unique connection to volleyball, having played collegiately at Palm Beach Atlantic. She carries a clear vision for the team, aiming to develop not only athletes but also young women who are ready to face the challenges of the real world. "I am developing athletes, but I'm also developing future young women to step into the workplace," she said. Her approach reflects a long-term commitment to both sports and personal growth.
This article was originally published on Yahoo Sports.