Owen Ekk – Chiles

Owen Ekk enters the 2026-2027 season as one of the top returning swimmers in Leon County after a dominant 2025-2026 campaign. Ekk won two individual state titles, placing first in the 100 freestyle with a season-best time of 44.74 and the 200 individual medley with a personal-best time of 1:46.23. He also helped Chiles finish second in the 200-medley relay alongside teammates Crosby Fenniman, Tyler Wang, and Will Bracken.

Ekk finished the season with the fastest returning times in Leon County in the 50 freestyle (20.97), 100 freestyle (44.56), and 200 IM (1:46.23), making him one of the most versatile swimmers in the county.

Jacob Askey – Leon

Jacob Askey returns as one of the top distance swimmers in Leon County after a strong 2025-2026 season. Askey placed 13th in the 200 freestyle finals at the FHSAA Class 3A State Championship with a time of 1:44.03 and finished the season as the county leader in both the 200 freestyle (1:43.80) and 500 freestyle (4:39.17).

Along with his distance success, Askey also recorded a 22.82 in the 50 freestyle, showing his ability to contribute outside of traditional distance events.

Kipton Fenniman – Chiles

Kipton Fenniman returns after a strong season that included a state championship appearance in the 500 freestyle. Fenniman placed eighth in the 500 freestyle finals with a time of 4:43.01 and finished the season with one of the top returning distance times in the county.

Fenniman also recorded a 1:55.93 in the 200 IM, 51.07 in the 100 freestyle, and 24.30 in the 50 freestyle, making him one of the county’s most versatile returning swimmers.

William Chen – Maclay

William Chen returns as one of Maclay’s top swimmers after a standout 2025-2026 season. Chen placed among the county’s fastest swimmers in the sprint events, recording a 21.96 in the 50 freestyle and a 48.78 in the 100 freestyle. His speed gives Maclay one of the top returning sprint threats in Leon County heading into the 2026-2027 season.

Manny Squiter – Chiles

Manny Squitier enters the season as another key returning swimmer for Chiles after competing at the state championship level during the 2025-2026 season. Squitier recorded a 22.67 in the 50 freestyle, 48.76 in the 100 freestyle, and 1:44.44 in the 200 freestyle. He also posted a 54.88 in the 100 butterfly, showing his ability to compete across sprint freestyle and stroke events.

Tyler Wang – Chiles

Tyler Wang returns as one of the county’s top swimmers across multiple strokes after helping Chiles earn a second-place finish in the 200-medley relay at the state championship. Wang was part of the relay team alongside Owen Ekk, Crosby Fenniman, and Will Bracken.

Individually, Wang recorded one of the county’s strongest performances in the 100 butterfly with a time of 53.68, the fastest returning time in the event. He also posted a 1:00.02 in the 100 breaststroke, giving Chiles another elite-level swimmer in multiple events.

Case Moore – Lincoln

Case Moore returns as one of Lincoln’s top swimmers after leading the Trojans in several events during the 2025-2026 season. Moore recorded the fastest returning time for Lincoln in the 200 freestyle with a 1:52.98 and also posted a 59.07 in the 100 backstroke and a 24.29 in the 50 freestyle. With his versatility across multiple events, Moore enters the season as one of Lincoln’s swimmers to watch.

David Paquette – Maclay

David Paquette returns as one of Maclay’s strongest distance swimmers after posting some of the top freestyle times in the county during the 2025-2026 season. Paquette recorded a 1:49.93 in the 200 freestyle and a 5:01.59 in the 500 freestyle. His distance performances give Maclay a strong returning presence in longer freestyle events.

Brennan Abatecola – Maclay

Brennan Abatecola returns as one of Maclay’s most experienced freestyle swimmers. Abatecola recorded a 51.84 in the 100 freestyle, a 1:54.00 in the 200 freestyle, and a 24.72 in the 50 freestyle during the 2025-2026 season. His ability to compete in multiple freestyle events makes him an important returner for the Marauders.

Grant Hudnall – Leon

Grant Hudnall returns as one of Leon’s top returning sprinters after recording strong performances during the 2025-2026 season. Hudnall posted a 24.13 in the 50 freestyle and a 1:04.04 in the 100 butterfly. With several top swimmers graduating, Hudnall will look to take on a larger role for the Lions during the 2026-2027 season.

Chipola

As an infielder for the Indians, Correa quickly established himself as one of Chipola’s most productive offensive players during his freshman season. Appearing in 53 games, he batted .372 with 68 hits, 50 runs scored, 51 RBIs, eight doubles, four triples, and five home runs. Correa also displayed excellent plate discipline, drawing 33 walks while striking out just 17 times, helping him post a .473 on-base percentage and a .541 slugging percentage.

Correa’s consistency carried over into conference play, where he hit .325 with 25 hits, 20 runs, and 20 RBIs in 21 games. He added three doubles, two triples, and a home run while maintaining a .443 on-base percentage. Along with his production at the plate, Correa contributed on the bases with seven stolen bases and showcased the all-around skill set that made him one of Chipola’s top performers and ultimately earned him an opportunity to continue his career at Florida State.

Chiles

During his time at Chiles, Correa established himself as one of the program’s top offensive contributors, finishing his varsity career with a .390 batting average across 110 games. Over four seasons, he recorded 135 hits, 115 runs scored, 58 RBIs, 30 doubles, one triple, and four home runs. Correa also showed consistent production throughout his career, posting a batting average above .340 in each of his four varsity seasons.

His strongest season came during his senior year in 2024-2025, when Correa hit .485 with 47 hits, 29 runs scored, 19 RBIs, and nine doubles in 31 games. The performance capped a highly productive high school career and helped solidify his reputation as one of the area’s premier infielders before continuing his baseball career at Chipola College.

Defensively, Correa provided versatility and reliability in the infield throughout his four seasons at Chiles. In 110 varsity games, he recorded 124 putouts and 179 assists while finishing with a .944 fielding percentage. Correa’s strongest defensive season came as a junior in 2023-2024, when he posted a .977 fielding percentage with 56 assists and just two errors across 88 total chances. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball made him a valuable piece of the Timberwolves’ lineup and helped prepare him for the next level of collegiate baseball.

Chiles

After a successful state title run during the 2025-2026 season, the Timberwolves hope to replicate that success with a new squad in 2026. With a lot of the Timberwolves star power from last year graduating, their are multiple players that have the chance to step up and help Chiles stay at the top spot in Leon County.

Senior Loganne Abernathy returns as the most efficient hitter among the team’s returning offensive players. During the 2025 season, she recorded 153 kills while posting a team-best .370 hitting percentage on 330 attempts. Her ability to consistently produce points while limiting errors makes her a key returning piece heading into the 2026 season.

Junior Sterling Carlile enters the 2026 season as one of the top returning offensive weapons after ranking second among returning hitters in kill %. As a freshman, Carlile recorded 209 kills across 97 sets, averaging 2.2 kills per set while taking 601 attempts. With another year of experience, Carlile will be expected to take on a larger role in the offensive attack.

Chiles setter Riley Boykin is expected to fill in the void of star setters Natalie Gibson and Eva Goodson this year as the Timberwolves look to continue their domination in Leon County. In 2025, Boykin recorded 46 assists while averaging 0.5 assists per set across 92 sets. With the graduation of both setters Boykin will have an opportunity to take on an expanded role and help lead the team’s offensive attack.

Florida High

Florida High enters the 2026 season looking to continue the success of a strong 2025 campaign that saw the Seminoles advance to the regional semifinals of the 3A FHSAA State Championship. Florida High finished the season with a 20-6 record, including a district championship after defeating Marianna in straight sets. With several key contributors returning, the Seminoles will look to build on last season’s postseason run and compete for another district title.

With the graduation of senior Hunter Cook, who led Florida High with 369 kills during the 2025 season, Addison Mayernick returns as the Seminoles’ top returning offensive contributor. Mayernick finished second on the team in kills last season, recording 250 kills across 86 sets while averaging 2.9 kills per set on 713 attack attempts. With Cook no longer leading the attack, Mayernick will be expected to take on an expanded role as one of Florida High’s primary offensive options during the 2026 season.

Riley Maynard returns for her Senior season after contributing 82 kills during Florida High’s 2025 campaign. She appeared in 78 sets and recorded 1.1 kills per set while providing additional depth to the Seminoles’ front-row attack. With the departure of several key offensive contributors, Maynard will have an opportunity to take on a larger role as Florida High looks to replace production from last season.

Olivia Woods returns as Florida High’s primary setter after leading the Seminoles’ offense during the 2025 season. She recorded 732 assists across 86 sets, averaging 8.5 assists per set while helping facilitate a balanced offensive attack. Entering her Senior season, Woods will be expected to continue leading the Seminoles’ offense and play a key role in Florida High’s pursuit of another successful postseason run.

Leon

Leon enters the 2026 season after finishing 13-13 overall and placing second in District 3A-2 with a 2-2 district record. While the Lions finished with an even record last season, they return several experienced players who will look to help the program take the next step and contend for a district championship in 2026.

Bentley Barnard returns as Leon’s top defensive player after leading all returning Lions with 160 digs during the 2025 season. She averaged 2.4 digs per set across 67 sets, providing a steady presence in the back row. With the graduation of the team’s top two defenders, Barnard will be expected to take on an even larger role in anchoring Leon’s defense during the 2026 season.

Riley Perezluha enters her senior season after contributing 90 kills during the 2025 campaign. She averaged 1.4 kills per set while posting a .175 hitting percentage across 66 sets. With another year of varsity experience, Perezluha is expected to be one of Leon’s primary offensive options as the Lions look to improve on last season’s 13-13 record.

Lincoln

Lincoln enters the 2026 season after finishing 13-10 overall and placing third in District 3A-2 with a 2-4 district record. The Trojans put together a winning season in 2025 and will look to build on that foundation with returning experience as they aim to climb the district standings and make a deeper postseason push in 2026.

With the graduation of senior Mackenzie Poppell, who led Lincoln with 177 kills during the 2025 season, Saja Gilliam returns as the Trojans’ top returning offensive contributor. Gilliam recorded 140 kills across 80 sets, averaging 1.8 kills per set while taking 408 attempts. Entering her senior season, Gilliam will be expected to take on a larger role in Lincoln’s offensive attack as the team looks to replace production from last year’s leading hitter.

Kinsley Platt returns for her Senior season after contributing 96 kills during Lincoln’s 2025 campaign. She appeared in 82 sets and averaged 1.2 kills per set while gaining valuable varsity experience. With several offensive roles opening up, Platt will have an opportunity to increase her impact and provide another option for the Trojans’ attack during the 2026 season.

Maclay

Maclay enters the 2026 season after finishing 13-12 during the 2025 campaign and earning a No. 249 ranking among teams in the state of Florida. The Marauders will look to build on last season’s experience as returning players take on larger roles and help push the program forward during the upcoming season.

Esther Izuegbu enters her sophomore season after making an impact during her freshman campaign. She finished second among all Maclay players with 139 kills across 76 sets, averaging 1.8 kills per set while recording a .191 hitting percentage. With another year of varsity experience, Izuegbu will look to continue developing as one of the Marauders’ key offensive pieces.

Kate Hartmann returns as one of Maclay’s top offensive contributors after finishing third on the team in kills during the 2025 season. She recorded 134 kills across 65 sets, averaging 2.1 kills per set on 407 attack attempts. Entering her senior season, Hartmann will be expected to take on an increased role in the Marauders’ offensive attack and provide a consistent scoring option.

Sarah Izuegbu returns for her junior season after contributing 111 kills during Maclay’s 2025 campaign. She appeared in 75 sets, averaging 1.5 kills per set while gaining valuable varsity experience as a freshman. With another year of development, Izuegbu will look to expand her role in the Marauders’ offensive attack and provide additional depth at the net.

Jonathan Kiros, Chiles

Chiles senior Jonathan Kiros returns for his final high school cross country season after playing a pivotal role in the Timberwolves’ 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship run. Kiros consistently finished among the area’s top runners, recording runner-up finishes at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite, the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships, and the FHSAA 3A Region 1 Championships. He also established a personal-best time of 15:21.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular before placing fourth at the FHSAA 3A State Championships in 15:46.30. As one of the most accomplished returning runners in Leon County, Kiros will once again be expected to lead Chiles as the Timberwolves pursue a state title.

David Barton, Maclay

Maclay senior David Barton enters the 2026–2027 season after leading the Marauders throughout a strong 2025 campaign. Barton earned a runner-up finish at the Suwannee Invitational and placed third at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite while consistently competing against some of the state’s top talent. He recorded a personal-best time of 15:31.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular before capping off the season with a fifth-place finish at the FHSAA 1A State Championships in 16:07.20. With state meet success and years of varsity experience, Barton returns as one of Leon County’s top runners and will be a key leader for Maclay this season.

Trent Parsons, Lincoln

Lincoln senior Trent Parsons heads into his final high school cross country season after establishing himself as one of the area’s most consistent runners in 2025. Parsons recorded a fifth-place finish at the 24th Annual Tift Invitational and placed 13th at the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships. He also set a personal-best time of 16:13.24 at the ASICS Invitational before finishing 59th at the FHSAA 3A State Championships with a time of 16:51.60. With another year of experience and a proven ability to compete in postseason races, Parsons will be expected to lead Lincoln’s lineup and remain among Leon County’s top performers this season.

Stokes Bryan, Lincoln

Lincoln junior Stokes Bryan enters the 2026–2027 season after a strong sophomore campaign highlighted by consistent performances against some of the state’s top competition. Bryan recorded a personal-best time of 16:27.30 at the Alexander/ASICS Invitational and placed sixth at the 24th Annual Tift Invitational. He also finished 19th at the FHSAA 3A District 1 Championships before advancing to the regional meet and later competing at the FHSAA Cross Country State Finals and the New Balance RunningLane XC Championships. With another year of development and championship-level experience, Bryan is expected to be one of Lincoln’s top runners this season.

Logan Phipps, Maclay

Maclay junior Logan Phipps returns for the 2026–2027 season after a strong sophomore campaign that ended with a trip to the FHSAA 1A State Championships. Phipps recorded a personal-best time of 16:28.00 at the New World Fall Spectacular and placed seventh at the St. John Paul II Panther Invite. He also finished 10th at the FHSAA 1A District 2 Championships and 12th at the FHSAA 1A Region 1 Championships before placing 20th at the FHSAA 1A State Championships with a time of 16:59.90. With state meet experience and another year of development, Phipps will be a key runner for Maclay and one of Leon County’s top returners this season.

College

In two seasons at Florida State, the first baseman quickly developed into one of the nation’s top players. As a freshman in 2025, he earned Freshman First Team All-America honors from Baseball America, D1Baseball and Perfect Game while also being named to the ACC All-Freshman Team, ACC All-Tournament Team and the Tallahassee Regional All-Regional Team. He started all 56 games at first base, batting .327 with 66 hits, 19 home runs, 56 RBIs and a .663 slugging percentage. His 19 home runs ranked second in the ACC, and he led the Seminoles with eight game-winning hits while helping Florida State reach its second consecutive NCAA Super Regional and an ACC runner-up finish.

He delivered several standout performances during his freshman campaign, including a five-hit, five-RBI game with a home run against No. 3 Clemson to clinch the series, a pair of home runs at Notre Dame and a six-home run stretch over five games late in the season. He also homered in the NCAA Super Regional at Oregon State and earned an invitation to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp following the season.

Entering his sophomore year as a team captain, he was recognized as one of college baseball’s elite players. Before suffering a season-ending injury on March 28, he was named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List, earned Midseason First Team All-America honors from D1Baseball and Perfect Game, and was selected as the ACC Player of the Week and Baseball America’s National Team of the Week on March 23.

Despite appearing in just 26 games, he produced some of the best numbers in the country, batting .363 with 13 home runs, 33 RBIs, a .913 slugging percentage and a .582 on-base percentage. He totaled 29 hits, 36 runs scored and 35 walks while recording multiple dominant performances, including two-home run games against North Florida and No. 10 NC State, along with another two-homer series against No. 12 Wake Forest. His sophomore season was cut short by injury, but his production over the first half of the year solidified his status as one of the top prospects in the 2026 MLB Draft.

High School

During his four-year career at Lincoln High School, the Tallahassee native established himself as one of the area’s premier baseball players. He finished with a .357 career batting average, collecting 86 hits, 74 RBIs, 23 home runs and 82 runs scored across 94 varsity games. As an upperclassman, he emerged as one of the state’s top power hitters, belting 10 home runs with 30 RBIs as a junior before adding seven home runs and 22 RBIs during his senior season.

His performance earned numerous individual honors throughout his high school career. He was named Lincoln High School’s Most Valuable Player twice, received Big Bend Player of the Year honors, and was recognized nationally as both a Perfect Game All-American and a Baseball Factory All-American.

Boys

Hunter Glantz – Florida High

Florida High sophomore Hunter Glantz emerged as one of the area’s top golfers during his freshman campaign and enters the 2026–2027 season with significant momentum. Glantz captured the 2025 Tallahassee City Championship after winning a playoff at Hilaman Golf Course, shooting a 71 (-1) in one of the few 18-hole events on the schedule. He finished the year with a 9-hole iWR of .458 and an 18-hole iWR of 1.016, the second-best combined marks in Leon County behind only Alex Parker. Glantz also posted scoring averages of 36.7 over nine holes and 73.3 over 18 holes.

His freshman season concluded with a 42nd-place finish at the state tournament with a two-round score of 145 (+10). With another year of experience and one of the strongest statistical resumes among returning players, Glantz enters the season with a good chance to finish at the top.

Rhys Cochran – Chiles

Chiles junior Rhys Cochran returns after a productive sophomore season that established him as a consistent presence near the top of local leaderboards. Cochran recorded a 9-hole iWR of .313 across 23 events and an 18-hole iWR of 2.146 in six tournaments, finishing with a combined iWR of 2.459. He also averaged 36.7 strokes in 9-hole competitions and 75.2 in 18-hole events.

One of his most impressive performances came against Wakulla and Florida High at Wakulla Sands Golf Club, where he earned a first-place finish after shooting a 32 (-4). Cochran also gained valuable postseason experience at the state tournament, finishing tied for 21st with a score of 161 (+17). Entering his junior season, he has the experience and scoring ability to play a major role in Chiles’ success.

Chase Fleischer – Lincoln

Lincoln senior Chase Fleischer enters his final high school season after posting strong numbers throughout the 2025–2026 campaign. Fleischer finished with a 9-hole iWR of 1.517 across 20 events and an 18-hole iWR of 2.172 in six tournaments, while averaging 37.8 strokes over nine holes and 74.5 over 18 holes. One of his standout moments came at the district championship, where he won first place after shooting an even-par 72 at Wakulla Sands Golf Club and forced a playoff with Santa Fe’s Trent Spires.

Although he fell short in the playoff, his performance helped Lincoln secure a third-place team finish. Fleischer later tied for 21st at the state tournament with a two-round score of 155 (+11). As one of the most experienced returning golfers in the county, he will be a key piece for a Lincoln squad looking to remain at the top of Leon County after losing four out of their five starting golfers from Last Season.

Brody Mitchell – Maclay

Maclay Junior Brody Mitchell enters the 2026–2027 season after posting a strong 2025–2026 campaign and delivering several notable performances in postseason competition. Mitchell finished the year with a 9-hole iWR of 2.154 and an 18-hole iWR of 3.911.

One of his top performances came at the FHSAA 1A District Tournament at Quail Heights Country Club, where he placed second with a round of 73 (+2). He followed that effort with a 12th-place finish at the 1A Regional Tournament at Pensacola Country Club after shooting a 75 (+3). With postseason experience and a proven ability to score in high-pressure events, Mitchell returns as a key piece for a Maclay program that will look to remain among the area’s top teams this season.

Solomon Hardy – Leon

Leon junior Solomon Hardy returns as a player to watch after producing several strong performances during the 2025–2026 season. Hardy finished with a 9-hole iWR of 2.433 and an 18-hole iWR of 8.196.

One of his top outings came in a four-team match at SouthWood Golf Club, where he earned a first-place finish after shooting a 37 (+1) against Florida High, St. John Paul II, and Community Christian School. Hardy also gained postseason experience at the 3A District Tournament, carding an 82 (+10) to finish 16th. Hardy enters the upcoming season poised to play a key role as Leon looks to compete with the top programs in Leon County.

Girls

Peyton Johnson – Florida High

Florida High’s Peyton Johnson once again established herself as the top girls golfer in Leon County during the 2025–2026 season, leading the area in nearly every major statistical category. Johnson posted a 9-hole iWR of .074 across 21 events and an 18-hole iWR of -.947 in five events, both of which ranked first among all Leon County girls golfers. She also finished with the lowest scoring averages in the county, recording a 35.0 over 9 holes and a 69.0 over 18 holes.

Johnson consistently produced top finishes throughout the season, including a dominant win at the Big Bend Ladies Tournament at the Golf Club of Quincy, where she shot a 68 (-5) to take first place in the 18-hole event. She closed her season with a runner-up finish at the 1A FHSAA state tournament, finishing at 137 (-5) across two rounds.

Mollie Sprague – Maclay

Maclay’s Mollie Sprague returns as one of the most consistent scorers in the area after a steady 2025–2026 season. Sprague recorded a 9-hole iWR of 5.572 through 23 events and an 18-hole iWR of 12.209 in six events, along with scoring averages of 40.5 over 9 hole rounds and 82.7 over 18 hole rounds.

She delivered several strong finishes during the season, including a first-place showing against Wakulla and Franklin County at Wakulla Sands Golf Course after shooting a 36 (E) in a 9-hole event. Sprague also gained postseason experience at the 1A FHSAA state tournament, where she finished 64th with a two-round total of 163 (+21). With her volume of competitive rounds and steady scoring baseline, Sprague returns as a key player capable of moving up the leaderboard this season.

Liza Baker Wright – Chiles

Chiles’ Liza Baker Wright heads into the 2026–2027 season coming off a strong sophomore year marked by steady improvement and competitive finishes. Wright posted a 9-hole iWR of 6.433 across 19 events and an 18-hole iWR of 13.372 in four events, along with scoring averages of 41.9 over 9 holes and 83 over 18 holes.

She produced her best result in a triangular matchup against Lincoln and Leon at Hilaman Golf Course, finishing first after a 43 (+7) in 9 holes. Wright returns with the potential to help lead the Timberwolves into more favorable positions as a team during competitive tournaments.

Trisha Patel – Maclay

Maclay’s Trisha Patel showed immediate competitiveness in her Freshman season and enters 2026–2027 with significant upside. Patel posted a 9-hole iWR of 7.800 through 23 events and an 18-hole iWR of 16.327 in six events, along with scoring averages of 42.8 over 9 holes and 87 over 18 holes.

One of her strongest outings came at Hilaman Golf Course against Florida High and Chiles, where she placed second behind Peyton Johnson after shooting a 39 (+3). Patel also gained valuable postseason experience at the 1A FHSAA state tournament, finishing 68th with a 169 (+23). With a full varsity season now behind her, Patel returns as a young player with room to develop into a top-tier scorer.

Tessa Cooper – Maclay

Maclay’s Tessa Cooper rounds out the group of returning players to watch heading into the 2026–2027 season after a year of steady contributions in the lineup. Cooper finished the 2025–2026 season with a 9-hole iWR of 8.642 across 23 events and an 18-hole iWR of 16.775 in six events, along with scoring averages of 43.9 over 9 holes and 87.5 over 18 holes.

She delivered a notable performance in a matchup against Florida High and Chiles at the Golf Club of Quincy, finishing second with a 37 (E) in a 9-hole event. Cooper also competed at the state level, placing 79th with a two-round total of 177. Cooper will have an opportunity to play a significant role in Maclay’s lineup next season as the Marauders pursue a championship run with all five starters returning from last year’s team.

Senior Season – Miami Hurricanes

Tre Donaldson spent his senior season with the Miami Hurricanes men’s basketball, earning All-ACC Second Team and NABC Division I All-Southeast District Second Team honors after establishing himself as one of the conference’s top all-around guards. He appeared in all 35 games with 33 starts, averaging 16.4 points, a team-high 5.7 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 76.6 percent from the free-throw line.

Donaldson consistently delivered in big moments throughout the year, scoring a career-high 32 points against Virginia Tech, including his team’s final 15 points in the victory. He also set a career high with 10 assists against Stetson and recorded three consecutive double-doubles in points and assists against Southern Miss, ULM, and FIU. His season included standout performances against top competition, including 21 points, six rebounds, and six assists at Florida State, 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists in a win over No. 11 North Carolina, and a near triple-double with 17 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds against SMU.

High School – Florida High

Tre Donaldson played four years at Florida State University High School, where he developed into one of the state’s premier guards and capped his career with a Class 3A state championship in 2022. As a member of the varsity team as an eighth grader, he immediately made an impact by averaging 8.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, setting the foundation for a decorated high school career.

Donaldson earned Florida Dairy Farmers Player of the Year and Florida Association of Basketball Coaches Elite 11 honors as a senior after averaging 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.4 steals per contest while leading the Seminoles to a 24-7 record and a state title. He delivered one of his best performances on the biggest stage, recording 22 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the championship game. Prior to his senior campaign, he averaged 11.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals as a junior.

The Tallahassee Quarterback Club has announced its 2026 Fall Speaker Series lineup, bringing a collection of championship coaches, former NFL players, and college football personalities to Tallahassee for its 77th season.

The season will open Aug. 25 with Mike Norvell, head coach of the Florida State Seminoles football, followed by a Sept. 1 appearance from former NFL quarterback and three-time Pro Bowler Jason Garrett.

The lineup continues Sept. 15 with Gene Chizik, a national championship-winning coach from Auburn Tigers football, and Sept. 29 with college football analyst Danny Kanell.

October’s schedule includes former Ed “Too Tall” Jones on Oct. 13 and college football analyst Eric Mac Lain on Oct. 27. The series continues Nov. 10 with Tim Brando, a longtime play-by-play voice in college football, and concludes Dec. 8 with Mack Brown, a national championship-winning head coach.

Founded in 1949, the Tallahassee Quarterback Club has built a long tradition of celebrating football while supporting local student-athletes and the community. The club’s meetings have featured prominent coaches, players, and broadcasters throughout its history.

The 2026 speaker series will be held at the Champions Club at Doak Campbell Stadium, continuing a tradition that brings football insight and storytelling to fans throughout the region.

Leon County Alum Lee Poppell finished his second round with a final score of 142 (-2), just four shots behind the fourth qualifier. Although Poppell did not qualify, he finished under par with a round of 70 (-2) on the first day and a round of 72 (E) on the second, finishing in 13th place out of a field of 71 golfers.

Poppell advanced to final qualifying after shooting a 4-under 68 to tie for second place at a local U.S. Open qualifier at The Plantation at Ponte Vedra. He carded six birdies during the round, including four on the back nine after making the turn at even par.

The qualifier capped a strong junior season at Troy University, where Poppell posted a 72.06 stroke average, recorded 15 under-par rounds and finished inside the top 25 in eight of 11 events.

Jamarin Simmons – Clemson

Godby wide receiver Jamarin “Waffle House” Simmons, a five-star prospect in the Class of 2027, has established himself as one of the most accomplished football recruits in Leon County, culminating in his commitment to Clemson in May.

Simmons enters his senior season coming off a standout junior campaign in which he recorded 59 receptions for 932 yards and 14 touchdowns while helping lead the Cougars. He also showcased his versatility by adding a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown on offense, while contributing defensively with 25 tackles, six pass breakups, and three interceptions.

His production has been consistent throughout his high school career. As a sophomore, Simmons hauled in 49 receptions for 996 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging more than 20 yards per catch. He also saw varsity action as a freshman, giving him three years of experience against top competition entering his final season.

Beyond Friday nights, Simmons has earned recognition on the national recruiting circuit. He was named an “Alpha Dog” at Under Armour Orlando in 2026 and participated in The Opening Finals, one of the country’s premier showcase events for high school football prospects. Recruiting services rank him among the top wide receivers in Florida and one of the highest-rated prospects in the nation.

His recruitment drew interest from some of the nation’s top programs, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Colorado, Miami and LSU, before he ultimately chose Clemson. The commitment marks a significant milestone for both Simmons and the Godby football program, as the dynamic playmaker prepares for what could be a memorable senior season before heading to the ACC.

Davion Crumitie – Vanderbilt

Rickards athlete Davion Crumitie, one of the top multi-sport prospects in Florida’s Class of 2027, announced his commitment to Vanderbilt in May after reopening his recruitment with a decommitment from Syracuse on Feb. 3. The decision came after Crumitie emerged as one of the state’s most dynamic athletes, drawing interest from programs across the country.

Crumitie enters his senior season following a productive junior campaign in which he contributed in all three phases of the game for the Raiders. Playing both wide receiver and safety, he recorded 52 receptions for 776 yards while adding 26 tackles and an interception on defense. He also made an impact on special teams with both a kickoff return touchdown and a punt return touchdown.

His versatility has been a hallmark of his high school career. As a sophomore, Crumitie contributed as both a receiver and defensive back, finishing the season with 22 catches, four interceptions, and a forced fumble. Through two varsity seasons, he has totaled 74 receptions for more than 1,000 receiving yards while also making plays on defense and special teams.

While his football accomplishments have drawn the attention of college recruiters, Crumitie has also established himself as one of Florida’s premier track and field athletes. As a junior, he captured FHSAA Class 3A state championships in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dash and helped Rickards win a state title in the 4×100 relay. He also claimed Florida indoor state championships in the 60-meter and 200-meter dash, further cementing his reputation as one of the fastest athletes in the country.

His combination of speed, athleticism, and versatility attracted more than 30 scholarship offers from programs across the nation, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee and Syracuse, before he ultimately chose Vanderbilt. The commitment represents another major recruiting victory for Rickards and gives the Commodores one of the state’s most dynamic athletes as Crumitie prepares for his senior season.

The performance continued a strong junior season for Poppell at Troy, where he posted a 72.06 stroke average and a 0.25 score versus par. He led the Trojans with 15 under-par rounds in 32 total rounds and finished inside the top 25 in eight of 11 events, including a tie for 18th at the Sun Belt Championship entering U.S. Open qualifying.

Before his collegiate success, Poppell built an impressive high school and junior golf résumé in Tallahassee. He finished second at the 2022 Florida Junior Tour Championship and tied for 34th at the 2022 Florida Amateur Championship while competing against many of the state’s top amateur golfers. He also captured the 2022 Big Bend Championship in dominant fashion, firing a 7-under 65 to win by six strokes in one of the premier tournaments in the Florida Panhandle. Later that spring, he shot a 2-under 70 to win a district championship title. Poppell also earned multiple victories on the Southeast Junior Golf Tour in 2021, winning events at Wynlakes and Sea Palms while adding a fourth-place finish at the Ben An Junior Championship.

Lincoln battled through pressure from the Bears throughout the night, using timely hitting and key pitching performances to finish the season on top. The Trojans scored five runs on five hits while drawing five walks to help manufacture offense in the championship matchup.

Senior Cody Garber led Lincoln offensively, finishing 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Sophomore Luke Thomas added a hit and drove in two runs, while junior Carson Koch recorded an RBI hit and scored once. Freshman Robert Quinn also contributed an RBI for the Trojans. Junior Jayson Parker reached base three times on walks and scored a run, helping Lincoln keep offensive pressure on Winter Springs.

On the mound, sophomore Jacob Rabion earned the win after pitching four innings in relief, allowing four runs on six hits. Junior Chase Fuller delivered a strong outing in relief, striking out one and allowing just one hit in 1.2 scoreless innings, while junior Zachary Burch added 1.1 scoreless innings to help close out the championship victory.

Lincoln’s defense also came through in crucial moments despite a pair of errors, with freshman Robert Quinn recording eight putouts and Tyson Bailey adding six defensive outs. Bailey also stole a base for the Trojans.

The championship victory capped off a memorable postseason run for Lincoln, as the Trojans finished the year with a state title and cemented themselves among the top baseball programs in the state.