Sophomore Emily Hyrczyk is a six-rotation pin hitter on the Aubrey Rogers High School varsity volleyball team. She is coming off a great 2023 season where she compiled 130 kills, 100 digs, and 20 blocks. Coaches say Emily is already one of the team leaders in kills and passing percentage this season and is expected to continue to be a breakout player for a young Patriots varsity team.

Jacob Werner is a senior captain on the Barron Collier boys swimming team. After a strong preseason, he is posting some impressive competitive times. In a recent meet against Bishop Verot, Jacob swam 52.60 in the 100m freestyle and recorded a 100m backstroke time of 59.56. At last year’s State Championship, Jacob helped the 400m freestyle team finish 4th overall. He shows strength in the classroom as well with a weighted 5.06 GPA entering his senior year.

Sophomore Alex Cruz runs cross country at Everglades City School. As a team captain this year, he is off to a fantastic start. Alex has already set a personal best 5K time of 22:18.0 (which is 14.4 seconds less than his best time last year) and finished 17th overall in his first meet this season. Coaches say Alex put in work over the summer to elevate his performance this season.

Miah Galban runs cross country for Golden Gate High School and is a member of the track and field team. In her first 2 cross-country races this season, Miah earned 38th place and 12th place in the 5K. She is coming off a year where she was the fastest freshman female in Collier County, finishing 15th at the District Meet. At that same meet, Miah had 2 top 5 finishes in track, placing 3rd in the 800m and 2nd in the 4x800m team relay.

Sophia Schultz is a junior outside hitter on the Gulf Coast High School varsity volleyball team. She’s on fire so far this season, collecting 37 kills, 22 digs, and 5 serving aces in just 4 games. Sophia is averaging an incredible 3.2 kills per set. Coaches say they are very impressed by her development, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to the game and her teammates.

Senior Jontay Hais is a running back and middle linebacker on the Immokalee High School Indian's football team. He’s had an explosive start to the season, rushing for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns in a big win against Barron Collier. This team leader and versatile player makes big plays from his middle linebacker position on defense and contributes to special teams as well. Coaches say Jontay has been a big part of the resurgent IHS football team.

Sophomore Ninaud Joseph is a team captain and running back on the Trojan varsity football team at Lely High School. To start the season, he’s compiled 188 rushing yards, along with 2 catches for 65 yards and 5 total touchdowns (4 rushing, 1 receiving). Ninaud works hard in the classroom as well, earning a 3.3 GPA.

Madison Bates is a dual threat on the Naples High School swimming and diving team. As a captain on the diving team, she is leading the way for the Lady Eagles, placing first in every meet so far this season. On the swimming side, Madison recently placed 2nd in the 50m freestyle with an impressive time of 29.38.

Senior captain Michael Nguyen is a two-year starter on the Palmetto Ridge High School varsity football team. Michael anchors the offensive line from his center position and is a defensive tackle for the Bears’ defensive line. Coaches say Michael is a strong voice on the team, always encouraging his teammates and holding them accountable. He leads in the classroom as well, posting a 4.53 GPA entering his senior year.