Sports Archives | South Lake Tablet

Montverde Academy Florida All-State Soccer Honors

Michelle Delaney — Sun, 03 May 2026 19:28:33 +0000

Following a historic championship season, three members of the Montverde Academy girls soccer program have earned Florida All-State honors from United Soccer Coaches for the 2025–26 season.

Brianna Burkhalter, Taylor Heaton, and Lola Rey were each recognized for their outstanding play and key roles in leading the Eagles to one of the most successful seasons in program history, which ended with MVA winning the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) state championship for the fifth time in program history.

Burkhalter, a sophomore, emerged as one of the team’s top playmakers, finishing the season with six goals and a team-high 23 assists. Her vision, composure, and ability to create scoring opportunities were instrumental in driving MVA’s high-powered attack throughout the year.

Heaton, a junior, anchored a dominant defensive unit that set the tone for the Eagles’ success. MVA held opponents scoreless in 19 of 23 matches, a testament to Heaton’s leadership, positioning, and ability to consistently shut down opposing threats.

Rey, a junior, delivered a standout season and established herself as one of the top players in the state. She led the Eagles with 27 goals, including a hat trick in the state semifinal and the game-winning goal in the state championship match. Her ability to perform in critical moments made her a constant difference-maker in MVA’s title run.

The United Soccer Coaches All-State honors recognize the top high school players across Florida, highlighting those who have demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and impact throughout the season.

Montverde Academy finished the season with a 21-1-1 record, a state championship, and an impressive 93-6 goal differential, further cementing its place among the elite programs in Florida.

With this recognition, Burkhalter, Heaton, and Rey continue to build on MVA’s tradition of excellence and represent the program at the highest level of girls high school soccer.

About Montverde Academy:

Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.

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“Perfect Weather, Fast Times, and Community Spirit Shine at Clermont Waterfront parkrun”

Michelle Delaney — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:47:34 +0000

by Kevin Grogan, Clermont Waterfront parkrun

Clermont Waterfront parkrun took place on Saturday, April 25, with another beautiful morning greeting participants as runners, walkers, and volunteers gathered along the scenic shoreline of Lake Minneola at Hiawatha Preserve for this week’s 5K.

It doesn’t get much better for late April in Central Florida—63 degrees and sunny at the start, creating near-perfect running conditions for fast times and strong efforts across the field.

This week featured a notable first-time visitor, as Mayor Tim Murry of Clermont spectated his very first Clermont parkrun, and after experiencing the comraderie and community firsthand, he promised to return and bring his wife, Kassier Kyler-Murry, along next time, a great sign of continued local support for this growing event.

The fast conditions translated into impressive performances, with Nicholas Jollye leading the men in 16:42; the 2:30 marathoner showing his speed with a controlled and efficient run, while Lexi Whitehead, the local East Ridge High standout, led the women in 22:30 with a strong effort.

Just a little bit back of Jollye, masters runner Simon Croft of the Red Rose Runners, delivered a standout performance of his own, crossing 14 seconds later, highlighting the continued strength and depth of the masters field that included the likes of Martin Attwood, Jason Fuqua, Kevin Grogan, & Joshua Castleman. The women’s top three were rounded out by sisters Linsey & Annabella Ekebergh respectively.

A mix of experienced runners and first-timers continued to fuel steady participation at Clermont, and the flat, fast out-and-back course along the waterfront once again produced strong finishing times, with the early 7:30 am start helping participants beat the Florida heat and maximize performance potential.

As always, the 15 volunteers made the morning run so smoothly from setup to timing and barcode scanning, and the welcoming atmosphere remained one of the defining features of Clermont parkrun.

Clermont resident Jason Fuqua, who is a weekly fixture at the parkrun event added, “Saturday mornings at parkrun Clermont with my family have become a staple. It keeps us accountable, active, and it’s fun for all fitness levels. I’m a big believer in leading by example, something I didn’t have growing up, but something I’m committed to giving my family now.”

It was another outstanding morning in Clermont, with strong performances, community leadership showing up, and the kind of energy that keeps our parkrun community thriving week after week.

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Florida Sports Hall of Fame Is Moving Its Annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars Event To Steinbrenner Field

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 23:44:42 +0000

Ginger Kane, Florida Sports Hall of Fame

The Florida Sports Hall of Fame is moving its annual Baseball, Bourbon and Cigars event on Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, to Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The event will feature Dave Magadan and Orestes Destrade, along with about a dozen additional Major League Baseball alumni and members of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.

The intimate evening at the famed baseball stadium will showcase Tampa’s colorful baseball heritage and feature baseball legends, sampling of fine bourbons, a free cigar, music, and a panel hosted by Tampa sports broadcasting legend JP Peterson. Autographs will be available throughout the evening. Guests will also be treated to samplings of limited release bourbon/whiskey from Bardstown Bourbon, Knob Creek, Horse Soldier, Green River Distilling Company, Maker’s Mark, Hemingway Whiskey, Booker Noe, The Pointe Distillery.

After playing ball at Tampa Jesuit High School, Tampa native Dave Magadan went to the University of Alabama where in 1983 his .525 batting average led the entire NCAA and ultimately won him the Golden Spikes Award as the best amateur baseball player. He went on to spend 16 years in the major leagues playing for the Mets, Marlins, Mariners, Astros, Cubs, A’s and Padres.

Nicknamed the “Big O”, Orestes Destrade played first base for the Yankees, Pirates and Marlins before enjoying five seasons with the Seibu Lions of the Japan Pacific League. He served on the Tampa Bay Rays’ broadcast team for 11 seasons.

Other players planning to attend include pitchers Anthony Telford, Steve Foucault, Robin Fuson, Roy Smith, Nick Masset, Andy McGaffigan, Barry Cort, Adam Warren, Jeff Carstens, Dan Wheeler (former Tampa Bay Ray), Tampa native Brian Tolberg, OF Jason Michaels, FB Logan Morrison. The event also includes a robust silent and live auction featuring a stay in Key West at the Hemingway Distillery and a full day of offshore fishing with UnReel Fishing Outfitters. DJ Dougie Fresh will be providing the entertainment.

All-inclusive tickets are $125 per person or a two-person discounted ticket for $200. Tickets are limited and can be purchased at https://flasportshof.org/baseball-bourbon-cigars-2026/

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Jizelle Holland Earns Student-Athlete of the Week Following Dominant District Championship Performances

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:00:39 +0000

GJizelle Holland of the girls track & field team has been named the Montverde Academy Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending April 19, following standout performances at the 2026 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A District 6 Championship held on campus this past Friday.

Holland delivered a perfect showing, capturing first place in all three events she entered. She won the 100-meter hurdles in 14.27 seconds, the 400-meter hurdles in a personal-best time of 1:01.16, and the triple jump with a mark of 11.59 meters. Her trio of victories marks the first time in her career that she has claimed district titles in any state series event.

The senior’s breakthrough performances represent a culmination of steady progress throughout her MVA career. Last year, Holland recorded second-place finishes in both the long jump and triple jump at the district meet. Two years ago, she finished as the district runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, and triple jump.

Now in her third year with the program, Holland has firmly established herself among the elite competitors while continuing to elevate her performances on biggest stages.

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Holland is a leader on campus, serving as a Prefect at MVA. A native of Portsmouth, Virginia, she cites Piano Theory as her favorite class and values the school’s culture of dedication to both its academics and athletics programs.

Looking ahead, Holland aspires to become a leader in the engineering or finance field.

Holland also continues a strong family legacy in MVA track & field. She is the younger sister of Micayah Holland ’23, a decorated former Eagle who was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2022. Micayah was a state champion in the 100 and 200 meters and claimed the Adidas Indoor National title in the 60 meters that year as well.

With her recent district championship performance, Jizelle Holland has added her own chapter to that legacy—one defined by perseverance, growth, and championship success.

Holland and the rest of her qualifying teammates return to the track on Friday May 1 for the FHSAA Regional Championships at Wildwood High School in Wildwood.

**The Montverde Academy Student-Athlete of the Week award is sponsored by the 2025-26 Montverde Academy Booster Club.

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Grant McKee Named Student-Athlete of the Week

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:01:21 +0000

Montverde Academy is proud to announce that boys’ weightlifting team member Grant McKee is this week’s Student-Athlete of the Week following a dominant performance at the FHSAA Class 1A District 11 Championship held at Foundation Academy.

Competing in the 183-pound weight class, McKee delivered an outstanding showing by capturing first place in both the Traditional and Olympic categories. In the Traditional format (bench press plus clean & jerk), he totaled 425 pounds, highlighted by a 200-pound bench press. In the Olympic discipline (snatch plus clean & jerk), McKee recorded a combined 375 pounds, including a 150-pound snatch.

McKee’s performance was further punctuated by a record-breaking lift in the clean & jerk, where he posted 225 pounds—setting a new Montverde Academy record in the 183-pound weight class.

With his first-place finishes, McKee has earned an automatic qualification to the upcoming Regional Championship on April 23 at Frostproof Middle – Senior High School, continuing what has been an impressive return to competition. After being part of the program last year but sidelined due to injury, the sophomore has quickly established himself as one of the team’s top performers.

Off the platform, McKee is equally engaged in the Montverde Academy community. He cites the school’s close-knit environment as his favorite aspect of being a student at MVA, and he enjoys AP European History as his favorite class.

Montverde Academy congratulates Grant McKee on his accomplishments and looks forward to his continued success at the regional championship and beyond.

**The Montverde Academy Student-Athlete of the Week award is sponsored by the 2025-26 Montverde Academy Booster Club.

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City of Clermont Summer Soccer Training

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 18:27:00 +0000

by Coach Castleman

The City of Clermont is offering summer soccer training at the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center for boys and girls ages 12-17.

The sessions will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from June 2 – June 25 from 9:00 am-11:00 am at a cost of $20 per day. All skill levels are welcome!

Sessions will be led by Coach Castleman, head coach for South Lake HS boys and Clermont FC U-18 boys.

Each session is capped at 30 participants and will focus on passing, finishing, first touch and small-sided games.

Participants can expect to improve on ball control, passing, receiving & finishing with dominant and non-dominant foot and also fitness. Participants can also expect to have fun!

Click the Link to registration for Soccer and the many other offerings at Clermont Arts and Recreation Center: REGISTRATION FORM

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LCRA Makes History at FSRA Sculling Championships with Back-to-Back State Champion and Multiple Top 10 Finishes

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:33:25 +0000

by Dana Kelly, Lake County Rowing Association

At the 2026 FSRA Sculling State Championships held this weekend at Nathan Benderson Park, Lake County Rowing Association (LCRA) delivered a landmark performance, highlighting the program’s competitive depth on the state stage. LCRA ranked 21 out of 47 teams that competed this weekend. The women’s team ranked 11 out of 42 teams!

Leading the charge, Sophia Picciano successfully defended her title in the Girls Lightweight Single, earning back-to-back state championships—a remarkable achievement that cements her as one of the premier lightweight scullers in Florida. Her repeat victory set the tone for a historic weekend for LCRA.

Adding to the historic weekend, teammate Kayla Young captured bronze with a 3rd-place finish in the Girls Lightweight Single, marking a defining moment for the program as two LCRA athletes stood together on the state podium.

LCRA’s presence was felt across the entire competition. Six boats advanced through intense preliminary rounds to reach the A Finals, placing them among the top crews in the state and putting them in real contention for state titles. The depth and consistency across events underscored the strength of the entire roster.

Among the standout performances, freshman Tyler Young made an immediate impact in his debut championship appearance for the Boys’ Freshman Single, qualifying for the A finals and finishing Top 10 in the state.

In the Boys Lightweight Double (2x), the duo of Joshua Bowser and Jack Power delivered a strong performance, racing the 1,500-meter course in 5:56.59, earning them the 7th fastest time in a competitive field of eighteen crews.

The Freshman Girls 2x of Stella Melendez and Ryan Caridi entered the finals ranked 2nd out of 18 crews after a strong qualifying performance, and went on to secure an impressive 6th place overall.

LCRA delivered an outstanding performance in the Girls Jr 4x competitive heats, fielding two crews in the same event. Both crews pushed through fierce competition at the A finals, securing 6th and 7th rank in the state. With meaningful milestones achieved, LCRA leaves Sarasota grateful for the progress made and proud of the effort shown by every athlete. Next up: FSRA Sweep Championships, April 25–26.

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Mascotte Student-Athlete Anthony Brooks Shines as Lake County’s Top Middle School Sprinter

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:15:05 +0000

Councilwoman Robin Hughes Spotlights Rising Student-Athlete Anthony Brooks

In every community, there are young people whose discipline, talent, and determination remind us exactly why investing in our youth matters. Today, I am proud to highlight one of our own rising student-athletes, Anthony Brooks, who is quickly making a name for himself on the track.

Anthony, a student-athlete at Cecil E. Gray Middle School, has emerged as one of Lake County’s standout middle school sprinters. Entering the county meet as the top-seeded runner in the 100-meter dash, Anthony is not only representing his school with excellence, but he is also carrying the pride of his family and community with every stride.

Beyond the track, Anthony is also a scholar excelling in the Cambridge program, demonstrating that his commitment to excellence extends far beyond athletics. His academic discipline mirrors the same focus, preparation, and determination he brings to every race, making him a powerful example of what it means to lead with both talent and intellect.

Behind Anthony’s success is a strong support system, led by his mother, Asia Williamson, a proud Mascotte resident who continues to pour into her son’s growth, discipline, and success. Her commitment, encouragement, and presence are helping shape a young man who is already showing what focus and hard work can produce.

As the Councilwoman for Mascotte, I am especially proud to recognize one of our own youth residents, Anthony Brooks, for the remarkable standard he is setting through both athletic excellence and academic achievement. His success on the track and in the classroom is a powerful reminder to other young people that with discipline, focus, and determination, greatness can begin right here at home and reach far beyond our community.

As a longtime advocate for youth development, moments like this are important to celebrate. Anthony’s success is bigger than a race time. It represents what can happen when talent meets opportunity, when parents stay engaged, and when young people commit themselves to excellence.

This is exactly the kind of story I believe deserves to be highlighted, young people rising, families supporting, and the next generation showing what excellence looks like.

We are cheering Anthony on as he continues his season, and I look forward to seeing how far his talent and discipline take him.

As the Councilwoman for Mascotte, I am honored to shine a light on Anthony’s bright future and the standard of excellence our youth can represent.

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The Sunshine State Invitational Regatta Hosted By Lake County Rowing Assoc.

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 02:40:05 +0000

By Patrick Delaney, South Lake Tablet

Eight Division II collegiate rowing programs from across the United States recently converged in Clermont, for the Sunshine State Invitational Regatta (SSC)—a rare and highly anticipated opportunity for DII teams to compete head-to-head ahead of championship season.

Hosted by the Lake County Rowing Association, the event successfully addressed a longstanding gap in the Division II rowing calendar by creating meaningful, high-level competition outside of traditional conference and championship events.

Event organizers emphasized the importance of the regatta, noting that opportunities like this were incredibly valuable for Division II programs. Bringing multiple teams together in a competitive environment so close to championship season allowed athletes and coaches to benchmark performance, build connections, and elevate the overall level of racing across the division.

Participating programs included Cal Poly Humboldt, Seattle Pacific University, University of Central Oklahoma, Rollins College Rowing, Barry University Rowing, Nova Southeastern University Rowing, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Vanderbilt University.

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Angelica Wolfe Earns Student-Athlete of the Week Honors

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:04:57 +0000

Competing against some of the top talent around, Wolfe, an eighth grader, delivered a breakout performance in the 800 meters, finishing fourth overall with a personal-best time of 2:11.38. The mark not only shattered her previous best but also ranks as the second-fastest time in the nation for a middle school athlete this season.

Wolfe’s impact extended far beyond her excellent individual performance. She played a key role in two relay races at the meet. She was a member of the 4×800-meter relay team that captured gold with a time of 9:23.93—finishing just 1.5 seconds shy of the all-time meet record in that event. Serving as the anchor runner, MVA held a slim lead at the exchange before Wolfe gradually increased MVA’s lead over the final 800 meters, eventually winning by six seconds. She also contributed to a fourth-place finish in the 4×400-meter relay in 3:52.99, as the Eagles continued to stack points en route to finishing first of 70 teams at the event.

By winning this award, Wolfe becomes just the third MVA student-athlete to win the student-Athlete of the Week award as a Middle School student. Coincidently two of Wolfe’s 4×800-meter teammates this weekend, Lyla McMillen and Alafair Scelfo, were the other two student-athletes to win the award as middle school students. Scelfo earned the award last year as a seventh grader during the Fall 2024 cross country season, and McMillen earned the recognition in Fall 2023 while also competing at the Middle School level as part of the girls cross country team.

Her success is no surprise to those who have followed her rapid rise. Wolfe has been competing with the Upper School program since sixth grade, and her resume continues to grow. As a sixth grader in 2024, she claimed both district and regional championships in the 800 meters. She followed that up last year by helping the 4×400-meter and 4×800-meter relay teams secure district and regional championships, while also earning a top three finish in the 800 meters at the state championship meet.

Now in her third year with the program, Wolfe continues to build on an already impressive legacy—one that blends elite performance with remarkable consistency.

Off the track, Wolfe excels in the classroom, where math is her favorite subject, and brings a unique flair with her ability to juggle—just another example of her well-rounded skill set.

Wolfe and the rest of her track & field teammates return to the track this weekend for another highly prestigious meet, the Pepsi Florida Relays in Gainesville, Friday & Saturday April 3 & 4.

**The Montverde Academy Student-Athlete of the Week award is sponsored by the 2025-26 Montverde Academy Booster Club.

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