Through early mornings, late practices, and every match in between, the Pembroke Pines Charter Girls Varsity Volleyball team has built a season defined by growth and grit. As the Jaguars prepare for the regional quarterfinals, two seniors stand at the center of their success: captain Sophia Peterseil and standout Abigail Reynolds.
The Jaguars closed their regular season with a winning record of 11–8, earning the No. 33 ranking in Class 5A and one of the strongest finishes in recent Charter history. What has defined their run, however, is more than just skill. Instead it was the bond and leadership between Peterseil and Reynolds: a duo whose connection has shaped the team’s identity on and off the court.
For Senior Abigail Reynolds, volleyball has been part of her Charter story since freshman year. After earning a varsity spot as a sophomore, she grew into one of the team’s most reliable players. She admits that her mindset has evolved as much as her skills.
“In the past, I was focused on showing how good I could be,” Reynolds comments. “But now, I’ve learned it’s about consistency and being the kind of player my team can rely on.”
That consistency became essential when captain Sophia Peterseil went down with a multi-ligament knee injury at her senior night right before districts. Reynolds, who calls Peterseil her best friend both on and off the court, said she felt a responsibility to lead with the same intensity.
“Every game, I try to play the way she would: with heart, focus, and grit,” Reynolds adds. “She brings so much energy, and now that she’s out, I want to carry that energy for her.”
That shared energy has driven the Jaguars’ success, carrying them through tight matches and emotional wins. One of those moments came during their home victory over Cardinal Gibbons: a first in program history.
“It was a home game with barely ten people in the stands, but we played our hearts out,” Reynolds said. “It showed how much fight this team really has.”
While the duo leads the charge, they are quick to credit the full roster. Juniors like Sophia Alan, who shares the captain role, and teammates such as Daniela Camacho and Eva-Sofia Hanson have helped anchor the team’s depth and balance. Thereby, proving that every win is a group effort.
For Sophia Peterseil, however, the journey has always been about more than wins. As a four-year varsity player, she has watched Pines Charter Volleyball grow from a small, hardworking group into a connected family.
“Over the years, I’ve seen the team grow not only in skill but also in culture,” Peterseil said. “We’ve built a strong bond and a sense of accountability that wasn’t always there. Being captain this season is a full-circle moment for me. I’ve gone from looking up to older players to now being the one others look to for guidance.”
Despite her injury, Peterseil’s leadership and voice still continues to anchor the team. Only this time from the sidelines.
“Getting injured on senior night was tough,” she said. “It’s not how I pictured my last season going. But being a leader isn’t just about playing. It’s about showing up in any way you can, keeping your team confident and connected.”
Both seniors agree that their biggest goal this season has been to leave a lasting mark. Competing against schools that recruit top athletes has only strengthened their belief in connection and trust over talent.
“We don’t recruit players, so going up against teams that handpick rosters is tough,” Peterseil states. “But when you play with real chemistry, you can beat anyone. Abigail and I wanted to build a program where everyone feels valued and every voice matters.”
That legacy, Peterseil mentioned, is what she hopes defines their time together.
“I hope people remember that we played for each other,” she said. “We gave everything we had every time we stepped on the court, and I want the younger girls to carry that same family atmosphere for years to come.”
Together, their impact is clear. Peterseil and Reynolds have reimagined what leadership looks like at Pines Charter. As the Jaguars enter the postseason, they do so with a belief that their connection can carry them as far as their talent can take them.
