Berkeley hoops star to play volleyball
On the hardcourt, Berkeley Prep's Austin Suarez is among the state's top players. Next spring, we'll see what the 6-foot-6 rising senior can do at the net. That's because, as Suarez confirmed Thursday, he intends to play volleyball in 2009.
"I'm definitely excited," Suarez said.
As a dynamic shooting guard for the Buccaneers, Suarez has interest from several dozen Division I basketball programs. On the volleyball court, he should be a nice addition to a Berkeley Prep program that will be competing in its inaugural season under Randy Dagostino, the legendary coach who has led the school's female program to ridiculously lofty heights (12 state titles).
Boys volleyball is a FHSAA-recognized sport but most programs are isolated to the Orlando and South Florida areas. Berkeley Prep will have one of the first programs in this part of the state. Dagostino coaches Berkeley's middle school boys program; Suarez is one of his former players.
"It's exciting to play for a great coach, like Coach Dagostino," Suarez said.
The addition of volleyball to Suarez's repertoire should make for a busy senior year. In fact, he truly is an athlete for all seasons. Next week, Suarez will begin practice with the Berkeley Prep boys golf team. In that sport, the Bucs reached state last fall. In that event, Suarez posted a 79 in the second round.
--KEITH NIEBUHR
The St. Petersburg Times High School Sports blog is written and compiled by the Times preps sports staff from Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. We invite your participation in the comments area.
Keith,
Any information on what D. 1 schools are interested in him for hoops? BPS hoops should have a pretty good team again this year.
Posted by: Joe Simpson | August 07, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Suarez who??
Posted by: | August 07, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Good Luck Austin!
Volleyball Rocks!
In Good Health,
Barry
www.trainingforvolleyball.com
Posted by: Barry Lovelace | August 07, 2008 at 03:03 PM