VENICE — On Thursday, 10 Venice athletes across six different sports signed on the dotted line to extend their athletic careers at the collegiate level.
Below is a breakdown of each commitment from the Indians.
GRIFFIN GISOTTI — University of South Florida (football)
Gisotti transferred in from Cardinal Mooney prior to his senior season and made the most of his opportunities.
At 5-11 and 170 pounds, Gisotti used his speed and athleticism at the wide receiver position to grab 30 balls for 576 yards and five touchdowns for Venice as a senior. He was also utilized in multiple ways on special teams, both on kickoff return and in two-point conversion scenarios.
“He was a very, very tough and physical player for us,” said Venice football head coach John Peacock of Gisotti. “He made some big-time catches in big-time moments for us this season. He was a fierce competitor, and we’re expecting big things from him at USF.”
LIJAH CECIL — Wofford College (SC) (football)
Cecil was one of the main reasons Venice had so much success on the ground offensively during the course of the 2023 season.
At right tackle, he and Matt Peavley controlled the right side of the line of scrimmage, opening holes for running backs Jamarice Wilder and Alvin Johnson play in and play out.
“Lijah’s probably one of the most-improved players we’ve ever had over the course of a career,” Peacock said. “He had a great season this year, and he ended up being named the MVP of our offensive line.”
JOSIAH ARCADIPANE — Bethel University (TN) (football)
Arcadipane was the main kicking specialist for the Indians, handling the kickoff and field goal duties.
Arcadipane didn’t get a chance to kick very many field goals, but he was efficient in the extra point department. He went 56-of-62 on PATs, making 90% of his kicks.
“Josiah did everything that we asked of him,” Peacock said. “He was a great teammate, he showed up to work every day and worked hard. He gets better and better each and every day, and he’s always working at his craft.”
JAYDA LANHAM — Anderson University (IN) (volleyball)
Lanham will leave Venice as a three-sport athlete, having played volleyball, beach volleyball and basketball at high levels across the board.
During her time under volleyball head coach Brian Wheatley, Lanham was a consistent contributor for three seasons at outside hitter.
From her sophomore to senior seasons, Lanham had a combined 238 kills, 653 digs, 104 aces and 68 blocks.
“She’s meant a lot to this program,” Wheatley said. “She was a four-year starter here and helped us win a state championship in 2022. She’s a tremendous leader, and she’ll go on to do great things at the college both of her parents attended.”
HILARY HUPP — Doane University (NE) (volleyball)
Hupp has been a staple for Venice volleyball over her four-year career on the varsity team.
The senior had 425 kills (49% kill rate), 125 blocks, 51 digs and 42 aces during her time as middle hitter/outside hitter.
The senior has also been a mainstay on the beach volleyball and girls weightlifting teams as well.
“She’s been so committed to this program during her career here,” Wheatley said. “Like Jayda, she was also an important starter on our 2022 championship team. She really embodies what our program is about, and it’s been a pleasure to watch her grow in the sport.”
KATIE RANEY — New College of Florida (soccer)
Raney came onto soccer in high school and slowly worked her way up to being the team’s starting goalkeeper over the past couple of seasons.
Her size and athleticism at 5-8 allows Raney to have the type of range in net that it takes to be a successful goalie at the college level.
“Three years ago, she came to us, and we stuck her on junior varsity,” Venice head coach Gary Bolyard said. “She slowly worked her way up to varsity, and here we are now, as she’s moving on to play college soccer. We’re very proud of her, and we’re excited she’s going to be staying local.”
SIMON YOCHUM — Davidson College (NC) (baseball)
Yochum has been a key player coming out of the bullpen for the Indians during his four-year career on varsity.
With his unique side-armed delivery, Yochum has had a ton of success since he started taking the mound for Venice as a freshman.
So far this season, Yochum sports an impressive .047 ERA.
“He’s a special young man, and I can’t say enough great things about him,” Venice baseball head coach Craig Faulkner said. “He’s an exceptional student with a 4.0 GPA, which includes an even-more impressive 5.03 weighted GPA. He’s a leader on our team, and has been a four-year starter for us that we’ll miss greatly.”
HARRISON ADAMS — Southern Union State Community College (Alabama) (golf)
Adams was consistently one of the team’s top golfers during his career as an Indian.
The senior helped lead last year’s Venice boys golf team to the program’s first district championship since 2008.
“As Harrison’s dad, I’m extremely proud of what he has accomplished over his four-year career here at Venice,” Venice boys golf head coach Chris Adams said.
MATTHEW GROVES — University of North Florida (track and field)
Originally a soccer player, Groves decided to devote all of his time to track for his senior season in athletics.
So far, the decision to stick with track permanently has been the best decision for the UNF signee.
Groves has excelled in the sprint events for Venice, owning a number of first place finishes in the 100, 200 and 400-meter events this season.
Additionally, Groves broke the school record in the 400, running a 47.98 earlier this year. It was a record that had stood since 1976. He currently ranks fourth in the state in the event.
“Hundreds and hundreds of boys have run the 400 over the years, and this guy is the fastest,” Venice track and field coach Joe Showers said. “I think he has a great chance to make a run at a state championship.”
CHASE GRAZIADEI — Southeastern University (FL) (track and field)
Graziadei is one of the school’s top pole vaulters, having earned a spot at the track state championships in his first year participating in the sport a season ago.
Fast forward to his senior season, and Graziadei already has five finishes in first place, with a number of meets to go. He’s primed to make another appearance at state before his high school career is over.
“With his gymnastics background, Chase has quickly become an excellent pole vaulter,” Venice track and field coach Brenda Clark said. “It’s not easy to get up there and fall 14-plus feet on a daily basis. I’m so happy that he’s found our team, and that he’s excelled in this event.”
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