Sweet 16 Action: Lady Paladins Fight Hard, Fall to No. 1 Seed Hebron
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The Fellowship Christian School varsity volleyball team faced the top-seeded team in the Sweet 16 of the GHSA Private State Volleyball Championship.
On Oct. 18 in Dacula, the No. 17 Lady Paladins played a tough match against Hebron Christian Academy, but ultimately came up short in a playoff match, 3-0.
“They were so good,” head coach Carissa Calderone said.
Hebron won the sets, 25-10, 25-10, 25-9.
Despite the loss, the Lady Paladins finished with a 30-13 record.
“I’m incredibly proud of this team,” Calderone said. “They have grown a lot together and have shown resilience. We will miss our seniors and are so thankful for their contribution over the years. We have built a strong culture together. I’m excited with the direction in which we are headed.”
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On Oct. 15, FCS defeated No. 16 Wesleyan School in Peachtree Corners, 3-0, in the opening round of the playoffs. With that victory, Fellowship reached its fifth 30-win season in school history.
Fellowship has qualified for the state tournament 12 times in school history, including 11 times over the past 12 years.
This trip to the Sweet 16 is the farthest the Lady Paladins have advanced in the state tourney since a trip to the Elite Eight in 2018.
(Photos by Jon Cox)
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Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 118:24
Career awards, accomplishments, highlights: With a proven track record at nationally recognized clubs like Palm Beach Juniors and A5 Volleyball Club, Coach Calderone has led teams to the highest levels of competition qualifying for Nationals multiple times. In 2024, she helped guide her team to winning Gold at both the USAV and AAU Nationals and was honored as the LOVB Impact Coach of the Year for her assistant role with coaching 13-1 Karen at A5. In 2025, she led the 13 open division team to the USAV and AUU national championship. Calderone has coached 10-plus years of volleyball at the club and high school level including indoor, beach and boys’ volleyball with Palm Beach Juniors Volleyball Club and the No. 1 ranked club in the nation A5 Volleyball Club. Earned a national bid to compete at USAV National Championship.
Coaching Philosophy: I bring my passion and volleyball experience to Fellowship. I am excited to see how God continues to use me to help shape these future Christian leaders and female athletes. What I love most about coaching is watching the athletes acquire new skills and grow in confidence as they learn what it truly means to be a team player. I am thrilled to be part of the Paladin family as a coach, educator and parent.