Third Annual Crafty Gemini Preseason Showdown set for August 13 in Alachua
Press release from Crafty Gemini Youth Development
ALACHUA, Fla. — Crafty Gemini Youth Development will host the Third Annual Crafty Gemini Preseason Showdown on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, located at 15400 Peggy Road in Alachua.
The FHSAA-sanctioned girls high school volleyball event will feature eight local teams competing for division trophies while gaining valuable experience in a competitive, game-like environment before the start of the 2026–2027 regular season.
Participating teams include Aucilla Christian, Branford, Buchholz, Lafayette Mayo, Newberry, Ocala Forest, Santa Fe, and Union County. The first matches will begin at 5:30 p.m.
Coaches say the tournament provides an important opportunity to evaluate their teams and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming season.
“The team chemistry with this year’s team is excellent. This group loves to compete, and the leadership on this team is outstanding,” said Ocala Forest High School Coach Jimmy Collins. “We are very young and only have two seniors this year, so we will have several freshmen and sophomores in our starting rotation.”
Collins said the Showdown offers his team the type of experience it needs before regular-season play begins.
“The Preseason Showdown provides excellent competition, and I like that our team has to travel an hour to play,” Collins said. “It gives us an experience similar to an away game and helps prepare us for the start of the season. Our goals are to win our conference and district championships and to win at least one game in the state playoffs.”
Lafayette High School Coach Ismael Moreno is also encouraged by the progress his team has made during the offseason.
“What excites me most is the work ethic this new group has demonstrated throughout the summer as they prepare for the upcoming season,” Moreno said. “One of our biggest challenges is replacing four of our six starting positions from last season, but our returning players have stepped up and are working hard to fill those roles.”
Moreno added that the annual event gives his team an early measure of its progress.
“The Crafty Gemini Preseason Showdown is a great tournament every year because it gives us an opportunity to see where our team stands before the regular season begins,” Moreno said. “We still have a long way to go, but this group has grit. I believe they have the potential to be very successful this season.”
The Preseason Showdown also serves as a fundraiser for Crafty Gemini Youth Development, a nonprofit organization that provides senior citizen recreation programs and youth craft and entrepreneurship courses throughout Alachua County and surrounding communities.
Tournament proceeds help the organization continue providing fun, functional, and creative outlets for area residents at little to no cost.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Students will also receive one free slice of pizza and a drink with paid admission.
Community members are encouraged to attend, support the participating teams, and help Crafty Gemini Youth Development continue its mission of serving the community through recreation, creativity, education, and entrepreneurship.
Event Details
Event: Third Annual Crafty Gemini Preseason Showdown
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
First Matches: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL
Admission: $10 adults; $5 students
Teams: Aucilla Christian, Branford, Buchholz, Lafayette Mayo, Newberry, Ocala Forest, Santa Fe and Union County