SNEADS, Fla. (WTXL) — Sneads is a small town on the edge of Jackson County, with about 2,000 people. It is also the Sneads Lady Pirate volleyball team's home, and they're looking to add to their dynasty this weekend.
Sneads is a little town with a lot of love for its high school volleyball team.
"I love this small town," said Heather Edge, the head volleyball coach at Sneads. "This small town is behind all their athletics."
"They're always backing us up, always coming to games, always posting on media, and congratulating us and wanting us to win," said Lily Glover, a Sneads sophomore.
The Sneads High School gymnasium is the home to the Lady Pirates, the seven-time defending Class 1A State Champions.
"Just playing with all those girls that created the legacy, playing on the same court, it just means so much, and it's so special to all of us," said Brooke Ann Smith, a Sneads senior.
"It's an emotional feeling," said Kiara Garrett, a Sneads senior. "I started here, and now I get to finish here. All four years in this gym. It's very emotional."
It's a dynasty that began in 2013 with current Florida High coach Sheila Roberts, who won the first five State Championships at Sneads.
Heather Edge has won the last two, and if they can win another Friday, the Lady Pirates would set a state record for consecutive state titles.
"I'm more nervous this year than I was my first year," Edge said. "My first year, I had the pressure of following the footsteps of Sheila Roberts. This year, it's the pressure of breaking a record."
"I try not to think about the pressure," said Garrett. "It's a game. I'm going to go out there, I told them, this is my sanctuary. This is where I come to let everything out. That's all I'm going to do. I'm going to go and play volleyball."
No pressure for a team that's thrived with a target on their backs.
"I know all seven of our seniors it'd mean so much to us because we'd add to that legacy and not lose it," said Smith. "It's crazy to think that it's happening for us again."
Eight times in a row.
Sneads faces Newberry Friday for the 1A title.
Fun fact, Newberry beat Sneads earlier this season, their first loss to another 1A program since 2012.
Friday's state title match is set for 3 p.m.
