Florida Summer 2021

PONTE VEDRA’S TAYLOR ROCHA: HEADING TO OHIO Episcopal School of Jacksonville Lacrosse Player Mia Carter, Impact Before Heading to College

A New Chapter

Davin Daniels, Andrew Jackson

Young Legend in the Making SUMMER 2021

Jackson Baumeister, Bolles

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Ponte Vedra’s Taylor Rocha: Heading to Ohio

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Special Olympics

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FSU Gains a Baseball Player

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Episcopal Baseball:

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We Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Play

Caleb Prewitt

Connor Moore, SJCD Clayton Hodges

Bishop Kenny

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Cross Country Runner, Jillian Candelino Felt “Powerful” During Her Season

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Queen of Martial Arts

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The Bolles School Rising Golf Player

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Young Legend in the Making

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ITG Next Fall Awards

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Florida State Champions

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Feel Confident and Empowered

Jackson Baumeister, Bolles

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ITG Next Winter Awards

Episcopal School of Jacksonville Lacrosse Player Mia Carter, Impact Before Heading to College

Friendships, Teamwork, and Encouragement Yasmin Craig, Special Olympics

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ITG Next Spring Awards

Player Profiles

A New Chapter Davin Daniels, Andrew Jackson

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Ponte Vedra

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Our Team Contributors Publisher Mark Dykes Editors

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Founder Mark Dykes is the entrepreneur and mastermind behind the In the Game vision. Back in 2007, Mark set out to create a company that captured the passion, intensity, and unrivaled commitment toward high school athletics in the South Georgia area. Today, that vision has become a reality, and he continues to be the leading influence in what lies ahead for In the Game, despite his annual prediction that UGA will win the National Championship.

As a Pine Mountain, Georgia, native, Mandy’s move to Valdosta has brought enhanced artistry and intricacy to the ITG design team. The University of West Georgia alum graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in art with a concentration in graphic design. Her artistic nature has allowed her to use graphic design to win national and international design competitions, all of which are meant to serve as diversions and coping mechanisms for Alabama’s loss in the National Championship.

Anna became a member of the ITG Next team in 2016, serving as an intern for three semesters. After graduating from Valdosta State University in 2017, she remained with the team as an editor, devoting her editorial eye to the company for two years before becoming the Director of Operations. In her free time, Anna enjoys reading and writing. More importantly, although she claims to be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, there is fortunately no other sign of such irrational fandom.

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Born and raised in South Georgia, Andrew attended Valdosta State University where he obtained a degree in marketing and business. He is passionate about sports, especially high school football (Go Cats!). Andrew’s focus is to develop and cultivate relationships with businesses all around South Georgia. Like so many other Georgia Bulldogs fans, his hopes of a national championship increase every year, but in the end they are just long lost dreams.

Raised in small town Quitman, Georgia, Brandon has always wanted to be involved in the community. Staying close to home, Brandon graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in international business. He is passionate about sports, with his favorite being high school and college football. Brandon bleeds the red and black as he is a Georgia Bulldog fanatic, always believing next year will be the year for a championship. Most hated day of the year: February 26.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Tyrah Walker is excited to join the ITG Next family as one of the on-air hosts. A graduate of the preeminent University of South Florida, she received her bachelor's degree in mass communications with an emphasis in broadcast news (Go, Bulls!).

Tyrah is also an author. She is looking forward to sharing sports stories with the community. When she's not hosting or blogging, Tyrah enjoys reading, photography, and spending time with family.

Cover Photography Kaitlyne Piper Player Profile Photography Allen Allnoch Feature Photography Allen Allnoch Kaitlyne Piper Andy Varnes Feature Writers Kaitlyne Piper Tyrah Walker Sabrina Sclater Advertising/Marketing Mark Dykes mark@itgnext.com Digital Manager Mandy Douthit

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A former college cross country runner, Max now works at ITG Next as a videographer. When not at ITG Next, Max enjoys working out and creating short films.

Brandon recently graduated from Valdosta State University with a degree in mass media. He is a sports videographer ready to get back into the action. He prefers to use Sony cameras. He currently uses a Sony 6300 but will be getting the new Sony A7siii. His dream is to be a videographer for the NFL or any sports team. His favorite sports team is Orlando City SC even though they’ve never been to the playoffs.

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Phil Jones Broadcaster/Writer Phil Jones is a native of South Georgia and calls Valdosta home. He is a 19-year veteran of the newspaper business, during which time he served as chairman of the Georgia Press Association’s Sales and Marketing Committee. He was also recognized as the state’s top newspaper circulation and sales director in 2002. Phil has worked in the radio industry for the last 12 years as host of The Afternoon Sports Drive, a daily sports show devoted mostly to high school football and other local sports.

Allen Allnoch Contributing Photographer Allen Allnoch has spent his career as a storyteller, first as a newspaper and magazine journalist, and later as a resort and real estate marketing specialist.

Now he tells stories through the camera lens, having moved to Jacksonville in 2018 to launch a small business, AHA! Photography, Inc. A native of Waycross, Georgia, Allen is a University of Georgia journalism graduate and a lifelong Bulldogs fan – and he’s confident this is the season the Dawgs finally return the national championship to Athens.

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Ponte Vedra’s Taylor Rocha: Heading to Ohio Written by Kaitlyne Piper | Photos: Justine Andollo

Embracing the little moments of the Ponte Vedra High School lacrosse season is what senior Taylor Rocha is eager for after facing some interesting past seasons.

Rocha has now fully recovered from a knee injury as well as dealing with the effects of COVID-19 cutting a previous season short. However, she remains passionate that her team will go far this season. She is an attack and draw 14 | itgnext.com

specialist which will play an important role in this year.

“Hard work translates into a championship title,” says Taylor Rocha when asked about where she thinks this season will go. She is mostly looking forward to the new memories she will make her senior year that will stick with her for the rest of her life.

She describes lacrosse as the fastest game that can be played on two feet and a sport that has helped introduce her to a world of connections and a love for the game. Rocha has made lacrosse her own which is “another factor playing into what makes it extremely attractive.”

Opportunities for her are endless and as an offensive player her imagination is able to take off.

“It had me never wanting to put my stick down,” she said. One can tell that Taylor Rocha is fully driven by the game of lacrosse and everything that comes along with it.

Even when touring colleges for her future she couldn’t help but still have her lacrosse stick.

It has actually become one of her best lacrosse memories. For one to two

weeks Rocha and her club team would take a bus along the Mid-Atlantic, start in Florida and end up in Maryland, to be all about lacrosse. They would attend tournaments, hold practices, and of course tour colleges.

This exposure to her options led Rocha to verbally commit to Ohio State University in 2019, but she had also considered attending Syracuse, Michigan, Stanford

PONTE VEDRA

ATHLETIC HONORS 2018 – North Florida High School Watch List Player 2019 – Under Armour All-American Highlight Division Standout 2019 – Top 40 Recruit National Watch List 2019 – Lacrosse Magazine 2021 All-American 2020 – Florida Girls Lacrosse High School Top 100 Watchlist 2020 – US Club Lacrosse People’s Champion Top 16

and the local Jacksonville University. However, she has been accepted into the Ohio State's Fisher College of Business, ranked seventh among public universities.

“I have full faith and trust in the academic programs Ohio State provides and look forward to the future student-athlete, daughter and person this university crafts me to be,” said Rocha.

Ohio State has felt like a perfect fit for Rocha because it checked off everything on her ‘college want list’.

She states that she chose Ohio State due to the amount of support the school, coaches and students give to each other.

That academically they set their athletes up for success in their programs that they offer. As for the lacrosse program, Rocha is excited to see what the new coaches, Amy Bokker, Kara Mupo and Kristen Carr have in store for her first season. The team is said to also travel for games around New York, Maryland and Massachusetts, something Rocha has already experienced.

Her having knowledge about some of the rival facilities will help her in the long run.

Then there is the campus, “the facilities are insane,” said Rocha and it was a main reason why she could not

stop thinking about Ohio State.

The biggest change that will happen for Rocha is moving to Ohio away from her biggest supporters, her family. “Without them I wouldn’t have become the person I am today,” she said. Not only have her parents done everything they can for her, but she is grateful for her siblings Cameron and Preston as well.

“I am so grateful to have had them in the stands these past few years,” said Rocha when talking about her siblings and her excitement to see where they will go in their own sports paths.

Rocha does want to give a special thanks to her high school lacrosse coach, Coach Jen Conway and her teammates. Throughout the years they have challenged her and encouraged her along her lacrosse journey. “Ponte Vedra will always be home,” she said. “But I’m so blessed to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to be a buckeye.”

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Young Legend in the Making Written: Tyrah Walker Photos: Kaitlyne Piper

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It’s no secret that The Bolles School has produced some of the best athletes in Florida that have gone on to make it as professional athletes. Their baseball program alone has notable alumni players who have or currently play Major League Baseball (MLB) such as Rick Wilkins, Austin Slater, DJ Stewart and National Hall of Famer Chipper Jones. Senior Jackson Baumeister is the next name you will more than likely see added to that list. The Florida State University (FSU) commit is making a name for himself here in Jacksonville as one of the top high school baseball players in the state.

Baumeister has been playing baseball since the age of two. He started playing for a local recreational park at Major Sports Association (MSA) where it eventually became his favorite thing to do. Growing up he would play the sport with his friends and train up to six days a week, sometimes up to five hours a day. It was during this time Baumeister discovered his passion and made him disciplined, saying it was the best time of his life. Both of his parents played sports in high school so the athleticism was destined to follow.

His dad played baseball and his mom played softball, making athletics a big part of his life.

According to the Prospect Select Rankings, Baumeister is listed as the top 50 nationally ranked high school baseball players, landing his spot at No.10.

Although he is extremely honored, he doesn’t let those rankings get into his head. His coaches have always told him that he isn’t bigger than the game.

“I try not to pay attention to the rankings too much, especially because we’re all high school athletes still,” said Baumeister. “I’m sure I’m not as good as a lot of kids in the country. A lot of times it’ll either just bring you way up or bring you way down and I really just try to keep an even field about baseball and rankings.”

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Baumeister says he owes a lot to the coaching staff at Bolles. They have helped him tremendously be the athlete he is today. Before playing at Bolles, Baumeister played for San Jose Episcopal (right across the street from Bolles) until the sixth grade. He then played for Episcopal School of Jacksonville his seventh grade year but felt it wasn’t a good fit for him. He’s been at Bolles ever since feeling that the coaching staff is the best in the state. Baumeister feels that if a player wants to become serious about playing baseball and making it a career, then that player should consider attending the school.

“I will never steer anyone away from Bolles when it comes to baseball,” said Baumeister. “Without a doubt, it’s one of the best teams and programs in the state, if not, the country. You have experience from all types of backgrounds and there’s really a great history of winning and putting players to the next level.”

Baumeister also expressed how it’s beneficial to have the coaching staff because of the one-on-one coaching experience saying, “I really don’t think I’d be the player I am today without them.”

Speaking of the next level, the FSU commit is thrilled to continue his athletic journey and academic career there once he graduates in June. Baumeister has been committed since 2017 when he announced on Instagram. Now most athletes make early commitments and end up changing their minds if not once, twice, as recruitments reach out. But not Baumeister. He always knew FSU would be where he would call home, being that he grew up as a seminole fan.

“My dad went to Florida State so I was born a seminole I guess you would say,” laughed Baumeister. “I’ve been going to football games as a one-year-old and I’ve been going to the Mike Martin baseball camp ever since I was about seven.”

While attending the camp his freshman year, coaches noticed he played “pretty well”. When offered the scholarship, Beaumeister accepted immediately with no hesitation. “It was my first choice,” he said. Right now he is interested in majoring in finance mainly because of his love for numbers and math.

Following in the footsteps as his dad becoming a “nole”, Baumeister’s dad has helped him the most in his sport. He was the one that got him started and was his first coach.

“I really do think that I can go to him with anything [and] any problems that I have,” said Baumeister. “He knows me best and he’s able to help me whether it’s a mental problem or a physical change that needs to be made.”

With so many memories he’s collected over the years, his favorite memory so far is winning the USA Baseball Tournament in West Palm Beach. He along with his teammates played for Five Star National.

As a 16-year-old, one could imagine how much that experience was life changing.

“It really felt like a ‘proud to be an American’ moment,” said Beaumeister.

One memory he would like to have for his last year in high school is winning a state championship title. This year the team is focused on reaching that goal after not being able to play last year due to COVID-19 cutting their season in half.

“I feel like I would almost be a disservice to the program to go four years without getting a state championship,” said Baumeister.

The team has been close the past few years by making regionals his sophomore year and runner-up his freshman year.

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“I came into the program as a skinny eighth grader with lots of raw talent. They have really refined me and developed my composure and my mentality throughout the game.”

— Jackson Baumeister As we all know the pandemic affected our athletes in a major way. Some athletes weren’t able to be a part of the recruiting process due to not having a full out season. Nonetheless, the Bolles team are taking precautions to ensure a safe and fulfilling season.

“We’re doing everything to stay safe,” said Baumeister. “We’re wearing our masks and things like that to put the priority of not getting sick. The team practices social distancing and are never in groups of more than two people at a time as well as making sure uniform changes are done expeditiously.”

What makes Baumeister different from other athletes? To him, it’s his composure and maturity. He has the ability to balance the game and always remain focused. Not only that, but he doesn’t let the game get too big for him. He doesn’t let things stress him out too much.

One of his athletic baseball inspirations is Buster Posey, catcher for the San Francisco Giants. Posey also attended FSU and has made a name for himself in MLB. “The way that he goes about his game is like what I learned from the Bolles coaches,” he said. “He’s very quiet on the field and just shows up everyday to do his job and does it very well obviously. That’s my MLB role model.”

Little does he know, Baumeister is a role model himself.

Words of advice he gives to those looking up to him or developing into baseball players: Give it your all.

“You have to show up every single day with a professional attitude and think I’m going to take everything in that’s given to me and turn it into something good,” he said. “If you take everything with a grain of salt, you choose to learn whether to get upset or mad. That’s when you’re really going to flourish.”

He said that if he took his own advice when he was younger, he’d be much further in his athletic career.

The season is looking bright for the Bulldogs. In addition to Baumeister, they have several other heavy hitters on the team saying confidently, “Were one of the best teams.”

Right now Baumeister says the team has to continue to play as a team in order to get that state championship title. There are young members who have contributed to the team’s success.

There are nine seniors on the team so the younger ones have a lot of players to look up to. Keeping the glue together as he described, is the mission.

“I came into the program as a skinny eighth grader with lots of raw talent,” he said. “They have really refined me and developed my composure and my mentality throughout the game.”

Will we see Jackson Baumeister play in the major league one day? The chances are pretty high. Stay tuned.

You can catch him always smiling on the field during a game, remaining calm. Baumeister is an advanced and a developed pitcher, once being a catcher. The best of both worlds.

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Atlantic Coast | Softball 22 | itgnext.com

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Episcopal School of Jacksonville Lacrosse Player Mia Carter, Impact Before Heading to College Written by: Sabrina Sclater Photography by: Allen Allnoch

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Episcopal School of Jacksonville lacrosse payer Mia Carter has a bright future as she prepares for her senior season before heading off to college. She has been surrounded around lacrosse throughout her life as her father, Coach Glenn Carter, had a successful 18 years as a collegiate head coach at Richmond and Philadelphia before moving to Florida and becoming the Episcopal Boys Lacrosse Coach. This was known to be Mia Carter’s sixth grade year where she began to start loving lacrosse and found the deep passion for it.

The lacrosse girls head coach, Krista Grabher, and assistant Jordan Smith has also been a huge impact on Carter’s lacrosse journey by being a part of creating the passion that was formed.

“They definitely made me so passionate about it,” said Carter.

Carter’s father has been a tremendous impact to her athletic and academic career as he introduced not only lacrosse to her but Flagler college as well. “I honestly was not set on going to Flagler,” Mia Carter stated. “I thought I was going to a different college, but I heard about it and I thought it was awesome.”

On Aug. 28 of 2019, Carter had announced her college commitment via Instagram. During the 2021 signing day, Feb.3, Carter had officially become a signee as she will continue her academic and athletic career at Flagler College located in St. Augustine, Florida.

“I love my parents and I love my family so I kind of want to stay close,” Carter said. “It’s close so they can come to all my games and I

can come home to see my dog and family.”

Flagler College lacrosse coach, Coach Grant Kelam, has been announced to be the first head coach of the Saints women’s lacrosse team. Carter expressed how much the new coach reminds her of her father; this is another reason why she committed to Flagler.

She has decided that she will be majoring in Business which is known to be the most popular major at Flagler.

Although she doesn’t have a set goal on what exactly she would like to achieve just yet with this major, Carter hopes to have a career that she will enjoy along with her lacrosse coaching career.

Carter will begin her coaching career in the summer where she will be coaching for the Episcopal club team, Dash Lacrosse. She will be coaching middle school and beginner teams.

Carter plans on bringing enough enthusiasm while coaching to help bring definite love for the sport that she wants the kids to have.

As sports are continued to be challenged, Carter’s junior season was cut short last year after the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the spring season. Carter is now looking forward to her senior season and ready to beat all odds.

“I’m just hoping we can stay in season and Covid won’t affect, and we can keep going,” she said.

As the Episcopal lacrosse team are set to play their spring season, they are making sure that all coaches and athletes are taking the proper precautions. These precautions consist of wearing masks around

“I think that you can’t play a sport and continue to like it if you are not happy when playing. I think I really bring positive aspects into it.”

— Mia Carter

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each other during film, talks, and social distancing when they are not doing direct practices.

Coach Grabher and Smith are constantly enforcing these protocols to ensure the safety and health of each coach and athlete.

Despite a short spring 2020 season, the girl’s lacrosse team looks forward to an extremely competitive schedule this season which has created high expectation.

“Our biggest expectation for the season is to go very far like the district, regional and state conference.” Carter stated.

During her years of competing for the girl’s lacrosse team at Episcopal, Carter made a variety of friends which she became close with throughout the years.

Coach Grabher is someone who has pushed her to be a better person on and off the field.

“She would always

“Our biggest expectation for the season is to go very far like the district, regional and state conference.”

— Mia Carter

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discipline me to have good grades and to also play well on the field,” said Carter.

Carter describes the entire team to have great chemistry. “We’ve been playing together for so long and it’s just like coming to school and being able to have fun,” she said. “Eating lunch with my teammates is definitely what I look forward too.”

Furthermore, she is not an average lacrosse player as she brings grit and enthusiasm to the team. She describes her biggest strength as being able to keep cool during games and being able to always calm her team down when needed.

Unlike most players, Carter doesn’t get angry when referees tend to make a bad call or if someone slashes her as she is able to remain happy and keep her moral standards. She is also a player who is able to keep her team-

mates happy as she brings nothing but positivity that keeps everyone going.

“I think that you can’t play a sport and continue to like it if you are not happy when playing,” Carter explains. “I think I really bring positive aspects into it.”

As college is gradually approaching for the remarkable senior, she has created memorable moments during her sports career at Episcopal. Hanging out with her teammate and best friend, Sofia Chepenik, is something she would continue to cherish as she describes Chepenik to be someone she looks up to. She also expressed how they always had a competitive thing amongst each other which created her to be able to depend on her as a friend.

JOI: Proud team physicians keeping the Jaguars and you on your game.

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To learn more or to set an appointment, call JOI-2000 or visit joi.net

Special Olympics: Caleb Prewitt!

Written by: Tyrah Walker Photos Submitted by: Karen Prewitt

The Special Olympics is a great organization for kids and adults that are a part of the special needs community to participate in athletics year round. Every year, ITG Next gives the Adaptive Athlete Award - an award that is given to the athlete that best represents the Special Olympics organization. This year, the award was given to Caleb Prewitt.

Prewitt is involved in a plethora of sports including golf and swimming, but enjoys running the most with bicycling as a close second.

The Special Olympics has been a part of his life since the age of three, starting in the Youth Athletes Program. Over the years, Caleb has learned about athletic training, working with others and inclusion. Being a part of the program has also helped Prewitt with his confidence and fitness. He’s even made some great friends along the way.

COVID-19 caused everything and everyone all over the world to put things on hold, but Prewitt's mom, Karen Prewitt, says that The Special Olympics have been great during the world's craziest time.

“Learning different skills and training throughout the year has helped him stay active and fit,” said Karen. “Even through the pandemic, Special Olympics virtual programming helped him learn new sports and set his sights on new goals.”

With Caleb winning the Adaptive Athlete of the Year award, it also gave him the opportunity to be featured during our Fall Sports Awards Show Banquet. During the banquet we recognized the top high school athletes that play the fall sports: football, volleyball, golf, cross-country, swimming and diving. Typically, it’s held in person but due to the pandemic, ITG Next has gone to hosting the awards show virtually. Caleb also had the opportunity to be featured on our weekly sports show that airs every Saturday on The CW and News4Jax. “He was thrilled,” said Karen. “Such an honor to receive this award and to be recognized in this way. He hopes to inspire other athletes with differing abilities to keep fit and active.”

Caleb’s mom has advice to give to parents that want to get their child involved, one being that signing up is an easy task to do.

“Local program managers can help identify community and/or school teams that have Special Olympics Florida programs. They’ve all implemented COVID-safe practices to start back with in person training. There are also ongoing virtual program options to choose from so anyone, anywhere can participate.”

For more information on Special Olympics, please visit specialolympics.org

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FSU Gains a Baseball Player Written by: Kaitlyne Piper Photos submitted by: Connor Moore

Florida State University (FSU) has just added Connor Moore to their baseball roster. Moore is currently a senior at St. Johns Country Day High School (SJCD) where he plays shortstop.

Baseball was introduced early into Moore’s life. His father taught him by playing catch and everything with him at a young age. He started playing at the age of three and never stopped.

A special addition to Moore’s baseball career thus far is that he also plays with his younger brother, Tyce Moore, who plays third base.

Connor says his little brother has helped the most in his career. He goes on to say that every day they hit, throw and coach each other.

He said it helps that his brother is just as good as him.

“We’re basically a family,” said Connor Moore when speaking about his team.

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gram is just growing, but the base of being a close family is there. As for this season he says that they are looking forward to competing for that state championship winner title which is their ultimate goal. Last year, the team won districts which beforehand Moore says was not a usual thing.

The previous season was cut short due to COVID-19. “COVID left us a bitter taste in our mouths,” said Moore.

“But this year we have been overly cautious with a mask policy and social distancing as much as possible.”

This season is thankfully still happening so it will be exciting to see Moore’s defensive skills out to work. “I need to let my fundamentals work.”

Thankfully Moore got to have a memorable career moment. His team was at the bottom of the seventh inning against Ridgeview, when Moore was up to bat knowing their team was down by two and he hit a walk off

home run. This type of success has led Moore to trust more in himself and be less anxious at the plate.

“I’m competitive towards anything. It doesn’t matter whether it’s UNO or a scrimmage game within the team, it’s always competitive,” said Moore. This relates to his biggest athletic inspiration, Derek Jeter.

Jeter to Moore is a great role model, an amazing defender and he likes to relate his game to his.

Moore is excited to play a few teams this season. One being The Bolles School because SJCD is always compared to them as who is the best in Jacksonville.

Calvin Christian is another team due to them being one of the top in the country so it will be a challenging game. Lastly, IMG which is the number one baseball team in the country, which will be a great game to watch.

As for advice to younger players, Moore wants to mention for

them to keep working and that dreams do come true.

This is true for Moore because his skill set has led him to be able to commit to playing baseball for FSU. He plans to major in business finance saying, “I love numbers”.

Even with his love for numbers, he still wants to see how far baseball will take him. The major reason he decided to choose FSU was for the family atmosphere. He wanted to continue to feel what he did in high school in college.

“If I let my athletic ability take over, I will do the right thing,” says Moore. He believes his greatest

strength is his defense and that FSU took notice of his skill set.

Connor Moore does mention that as his senior year is coming to a close, he will miss his high school. The thing he mentions missing the most is the lifelong friends he has made at SJCD and playing with his brother. Now that he is set on a new path, with a new team, and new supporters, how far Moore will go is going to be one to keep an eye on over the years to come.

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ITG Next | 31

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Career Associate of Science in Nursing, five Bachelor of Science programs in Nursing, Biological Sciences, Management, Longterm Healthcare Management, Elementary/ Special Education, and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional, Business & Technical Writing, with more on the way. Flexible class schedules, clubs, housing (Douglas Campus) and our winning athletic teams make SGSC one of the best choices you can make at an institution with one of the lowest tuition rates in the country. Schedule a visit, apply now via the web at apply@sgsc.edu, and check out our newest class offerings.

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Episcopal Baseball:

Clayton Hodges Written by: Tyrah Walker Photography by: Allen Allnoch

Coming from a family full of athletes, it was no surprise that senior Clayton Hodges would continue the baseball legacy within his family. The 18-year-old comes from a line of baseball athletes, including his grandfather who was drafted into the Yankees (but couldn’t continue due to also being drafted to the Vietnam war) and his father, who played all throughout high school. Baseball was destined to be a part of his life.The Jacksonville University commit has been playing the sport ever since the age of four with no years off and always perfecting his game.

What makes Hodges different from other baseball players out there? He says it's his reason for playing the game. Hodges is a young man of faith, which keeps him grounded. He uses the gift that has been given to him on the baseball field to glorify God’s name.

“I’m really faith oriented,” said Hodges. “I want the way that I play baseball, for people to see Jesus through that. I want to be a light in the way that I play the game.”

Another player you would think of that gives all his credit to God is football and baseball player, Tim Tebow, who is someone that Hodges looks up to as an athlete. Tebow always puts his best foot forward and works hard no matter how difficult it can be.

Hodges takes one of Tebow’s quotes and applies it to his work ethic.

The quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

“That quote really struck a nerve,” said Hodges. “When I was younger I was not thinking that I would even be playing college baseball just because I was so small or nobody would even look at me, but I knew that I wanted to do that.”

The Episcopal School of Jacksonville baseball team is under the coaching of Mike Jones, who has been the head coach for over 15 years. Coach Jones had a successful career in professional baseball, playing four years in Major League Baseball (MLB), so Hodges has a great mentor to look up to in addition to his family. He credits Coach Jones as being like a second grandfather to him. He’s known him for the past nine years. Coach Mike has not only helped Hodges with the physical part of baseball but mentally as well.

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“He’s been there through the thick and thin,” Hodges said. “He’s always been my mentor on the baseball side of things, always encouraged me and always pulled me up to do it. So he’s really one of the big contributors that I have in my athletic career.”

Hodges loves playing with his teammates and will certainly miss playing with them once he graduates.

He’s looking forward to competing and going all the way to the end (state championship) with the team.

“We have a really talented team, a lot of good players and good pitching staff.” said Hodges. “We’re not loaded with people, but we have some younger guys that are going to be big contributors.”

Last year the team’s season was put to a halt in the middle of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic (They were only able to play seven games before the shutdown). The shutdown crushed many teams but this year the Eagles are on track and ready to give it their all. The team is taking precautionary measures to ensure the safety of everyone by wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Hodges says it has been a challenge but they are working through it and have been anxiously waiting for their moment to get back out there.

“Everyone hates it but it’s just a stepping stone,” he said. “Our coach was telling us that that’s going to make it that much sweeter that we made it as far as we did in the season with COVID. Episcopal has handled it really well with the COVID protocol. It’s been fun.”

The team was shut down once for a week but they are committed to being healthy and strong.

After he graduates from Episcopal, Hodges will be calling Jacksonville University (JU) his home for the next four years. He is excited to become a Dolphin to continue his athletic and academic journey.

He’s also excited to have Coach Hayes and Coach Steedley coach him to be even better than he already is. He made his commitment to JU in October of 2019. JU is a part of the NCAA Division 1 program and competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference. One of his reasons for committing there was being close to home to watch his younger brother grow up.

“It was a great fit for me,” said Hodges. “I Love the environment and they’re a bunch of grinders over there. That's what drew me towards it.” JU has produced many players who made it to the major leagues including Juan Padilla (New York Yankees) and Nick Regilio (Texas Rangers).

Hodges is the one to look out for this year as the team aims to win the state championship. He is ranked as one of the top baseball players here in Jacksonville and still remains humble. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll see him playing for your favorite baseball team after college.

Every athlete needs to improve on something and one thing Hodges is hoping to improve on this season is making himself the best well-rounded player he can be.

“Making myself the best player all around,” said Hodges.

“Working as hard as I can to make myself the best I can be.”

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Coach of the Year

Who Will Be this Year's?

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We Are Grateful for the Opportunity to Play Written by: Sabrina Sclater | Photography by: Nino Cintron

As Covid-19 continues to challenge our collective society, Bishop Kenny’s girls’ basketball team has had to undergo an adaptive athletic season. With safety and precaution being at the forefront of importance, a few scheduled games have had to be canceled.

Additionally, with players being quarantined due to contact tracing, readjusting to the available personnel is a common reality faced by most athletic teams. However, despite these challenges, Coach Charlsea Clark remains optimistic and has even established a few goals for her team this season: “Win a 4th consecutive District Title, win a 3rd consecutive Regional Title, and enjoy playing with each other during this crazy year,” said Clark.

Clark, the sixth season head coach for the Bishop Kenny girls’ basketball team, has an incredible passion for motivating her team.

She would describe her leadership philosophy and style as “servant leadership”. With this, she strives to produce more than just a “winning team”. For her, developing and cultivating a team of young athletes who are driven and motivated beyond the scopes of sports and athletic excellence is more valuable.

“My ultimate challenge to my players is to be the best possible version of themselves,” said Clark. “Our staff works tirelessly to mentor, motivate, encourage them to be great human beings.”

As a head coach, Clark looks for three things in a player: a competitive mindset, a coachable spirit and a relentless work ethic.

Senior captain Ivy Saig embodies these traits. Saig is described as being the glue and backbone of the team. “She’s what most coaches would call a role model” remarks Clark.

Concluding the 2019-2020 season, the Crusaders finished with an overall record of 22-10 with repeat trips to the final four; showing they could overcome the adversity they faced. Despite being a new team plagued with injuries along the way, three out of their six seniors went on to play college basketball.

As for the 2020-2021 season, Bishop Kenny continues to dominate, showcasing their great scoring abilities- which can be noted as their greatest strength this season. Three of the Crusade’s players, Jasmyne Roberts, Jamia Nesmith, and Maddie Millar, have incredibly diverse scoring capabilities. Because they score in different ways, the team can gain a lot of leverage on their competitors.

Moving into the new year, the team is now focusing on “moving without the ball” (Clark).

“Right now, we are focusing a lot in practice on read [and] react principles so that we are playing with more of a natural freedom rather than confines to offensive sets,” said Clark.

Senior Jasmyne Roberts has hit her shocking career milestone with an incredible 2,000 points. Roberts has signed to the University of Miami where she will continue her basketball career. Senior Jamia Nesmith along with Junior Maddie Millar have also hit their incredible career milestone entering the 1,000 points club. Nesmith has also signed, committing to the University of Charleston where she will continue her athletic career.

As the season continues for the Crusades, they are currently ranked fifth overall in the Florida Division 4A. Entering the District tournament, the Crusades are currently ranked No.1 with a phenomenal start in the 4A District going 1-0 collecting a 3-win streak.

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Episcopal | Baseball

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Cross Country Runner, Jillian Candelino Felt “Powerful” During Her Season Written by: Sabrina Sclater Photos submitted by: Jillian Candelino

As schools continue to commit on taking proper precautions to stay clear and safe from COVID-19, The Bolles School Cross-Country sophomore runner, Jillian Candelino, came to be a great phenom in Jacksonville high school distance running.

“Cross-Country has added a lot of restrictions during this season but in a way made it better,” said Candelino. “Because of quarantine, track season ended early, so we were actually able to start summer training early. This had made me far ahead which is the reason why I did really good this season because I had a lot of training under my belt.”

Candelino had an impressive personal record (PR) this past cross-country season with a time of 18:19.57 in the 5K. “Despite the virus, I was able to push through it and come out on the top,” she remarks.

During the Class 2A state cross-country championship, Candelino placed second overall with the time of 18:42.

“States every year is a really good course for me to run on,” she said. “I just really enjoy running it and I feel it makes me better especially the crowd, [they] hype it all up which makes it much more fun.”

Additionally, The Bolles girls cross-country team won and broke the record of the lowest points in the state cross-country championship at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. Candelino described the experience as a “major accomplishment” for her and her team this season and describes running as liberating, fearless, and powerful.

Candelino has set some astonishing goals for herself as she gets ready to adventure on into her junior year of high school. She plans to break her PR again next season along with becoming a leader on the team, “I encourage my team to just run, bring peace, and [have] fun.”

Beside these goals, she has other achievements she has set for her journey of running.

“I hope to achieve more life lessons from running, [because] it has taught me commitment and patience with time,” said Candelino. “I have learned patience from running because I wasn’t able to break seventh grade PR until last year and it was a little frustrating, but it taught patience on how everything doesn’t come easily.”

Being a student athlete brings a lot of challenges along the way. As for Candelino, she had some challenges to overcome to be able to succeed as a student athlete. Her biggest challenge: staying committed.

“Putting your sport before your social life and trying to balance school…” she stated. “Despite these challenges, she has been able to excel through her journey of running.”

As college begins to slowly approach for the rising cross-country runner, she is still under the loop with exactly what she wants to accomplish pertaining college.

“As of right now, it’s definitely up in the air.”

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A New Chapter Davin Daniels Written by: Kaitlyne Piper Photography by: Allen Allnoch

Not all players end up playing their beloved high school sport, however a new chapter of their lives is only starting once they graduate.

This can be seen in the life of Andrew Jackson basketball player Davin Daniels, whose basketball career is being put behind for the life of an architectural one.

“I am closing a chapter of my life, leaving some of the people that I have grown to love so much,” said Daniels.

Daniels has played as a point guard since he could remember. The will to compete and the want to win has driven him far. He began playing at the age of five and grew up in a basketball household which reflects his views on life.

“I guess you can say my love for basketball stems from my love for my family,” he said.

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“I get joy out of playing basketball but while playing I’m, in a way, ‘emotionless’ just focused on the task.”

— Davin Daniels He states that the best part about basketball is the fact that he can build bonds with just about everyone he comes into contact with. Daniels' most priceless basketball memory reflects back to the bonds he has made. He says that during his sophomore and junior year playoff runs were too bittersweet to ever forget.

As well as his memories with his Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) coach, Monica, who he says has been there from the beginning of his career. He says she has always given her his all so he would always try to return the favor in his playing.

Before games Daniels tends to mellow out and remember why he plays basketball. He has his own routine for each game. He plays his specific playlist, relates his own playing to the player he looks up to (Lebron James), and looks at pictures of his family to remind him of why he plays.

“I get joy out of playing basketball but while playing I’m, in a way, ‘emotionless’ just focused on the task.” It is interesting to see how Daniels is driven by passion for the sport and love for his family, but also plays as if his life depends on it. It is amazing to see.

Currently Daniels is averaging at about seven points per game, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Considering how many seasons have been affected or stopped by COVID-19, it is great to see a young athlete still making good stats. He states that his biggest weakness is overthinking but that it balances out with his biggest strength, his knowledge of the game.

“Most of the time I see the plays before they happen,” said Daniels.

Although his basketball career is coming to a close, he was excited to have a chance to compete for the state title. For the third year in a row the team had a chance to compete in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) boy’s basketball semifinals. The team had a total of 16 wins and five losses before playoffs where they expected to go undefeated.

“We were in the position to win it, but we didn't come through with the victory,” said Daniels. “So, getting this chance means that much more. We've got to play as a team. Play defense, just play Jackson basketball. If we do that nobody can beat us.”, says Davin Daniels after a pre-playoff game.

“Being an athlete has taught me life lessons, taught me how to communicate as a leader and has given me a work ethic I will carry my whole life.”

As for his future without basketball he does plan to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT). He is going to pursue a degree in architectural engineering. However, Daniels chose NCAT because he always dreamt of going to a historically black college and university (HBCU). It is nice to see a dream of his coming true. What is even better is the fact that he will have his family supporting him throughout his time at NCAT. Who knows, maybe Davin Daniels will end up creating one of the most famous basketball arenas in the U.S. or even the world. The future is bright for him as one door closes another one opens.

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Queen of Martial Arts Written by: Domonique Whitehurst | Photography by: Andy Varnes

Back in 2019, Zareyah Ross won the World Championship title for karate and martial arts.

During an interview with Ross, she talked about her dedication, goals, inspirations, and future expectations within martial arts.

In the opening of the interview, Ross hinted at the idea that success cannot happen without an organized plan. Ross says that her karate instructor pushes her to set goals to not only excel within the sport but in her overall career.

“One of the biggest ways is that he encouraged me to set goals. Setting goals is the biggest thing. That’s his biggest thing that he goes by and he ensures that all of his students set goals to make sure their careers more organized,” said Ross. Zareyah believed her determination and focus to accomplishing her goals were her ticket to winning worlds.

Every athlete, no matter the sport, deserves their own cheerleading squad. For Ross, she says her parents and family take on that role. “My parents are probably my number one supporters.

My entire family, they are always… I mean, just them driving me out to tournaments and making sure that I'm well-rested in a good hotel, or just those simple things is what really kind of fueled me to make sure my success was successful. Yeah,

it’s just the little things helped me a lot, and I really appreciate them for that,” says Ross. There’s a comfort that comes from a supportive family.

For Ross, martial arts are more than just a sport. She said during her interview that karate is a moment in time when she can block out the outside and truly experience freedom. Karate is a sanctuary where Ross can leave all her worries and stress on the mat. Aside from that Ross also shared that karate has allowed her to mentor younger students.

She expressed her love for teaching and motivating younger martial artists; some might say it’s a tedious task, but Ross said her pure enjoyment of being around the children lessens the demand.

“For all the other young girls out there, who aspire to be martial artists or world champions or something even more; my main thing is to just believe in yourself,” said Ross. “I know it's such a typical little phrase but really believing in yourself is what's going to help you push yourself forward and not letting any negative words or negative feelings from other people or other outside factors.”

Ross uses her own personal inspiration to fuel her strides to athletic success. Martial artist Chloe Bruce is an athlete that Ross models her lifestyle after. “She is a multi-world champion.

She is an actress, and she is a brand ambassador for some of my favorite martial arts brands. She definitely set the goal for me to want to push myself harder; even to this day I still, you know, ITG Next | 47

follow and support her through everything that she does and for what she stands by.”

Ross continued to point to the fact of Chloe Bruce being a woman in a male-dominated sport.

Any woman able and willing to shine brightly on a platform built for a man is a powerhouse.

Ross said one day she too wants to break barriers and create a new standard for women in martial arts.

Since winning a state and world title, Ross had turned her focus to her education. This year she began to slowly get back into training for upcoming tournaments, ensuring she pays close attention to any COVID-19 regulations. To get her body back to the swing of karate and contact, Ross said she wants to aim for smaller competitions for the time being.

One can label Ross as a modern-day Superwoman. But every superhero has their kryptonite.

For Ross, it is her nerves.

She says her nervousness sometimes hinders her performance in competition. To weaken the pressure of competition, Ross uses her past accomplishments as her motivation.

“I always think back to how far I've worked to get to that place. When I get scared, I can't do that,” said Ross. “I have to be there for all of my students and show them that it is possible for, especially an African American woman to get here. I definitely always have to do some self-reflection, to handle the pressures before I go in and compete for my way.”

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In this upcoming season Ross said she will focus on spiking her confidence levels so when the time comes to spar, she will have nothing standing in her way.

With every “weakness” there are greater strengthens that overshadow them. Ross expressed her determination and self-discipline as being her greatest strengthens.

Without these two characteristics, she believed that her setting her goals would have been pointless. Her determination pushes her to obtain the goal; her self-discipline aligns her mind to not lose focus.

Faith and family fuel this martial artist’s motivation. When she’s not sparing Ross dedicates her to time serving within her church and hanging out with her family and friends. “Serving is just something I love doing. I feel like it's really God's plan for me. And just being at church just makes me a better and a happier person in general, and just being in God's presence,” Ross said.

Think about this.

There is nothing a Black Woman cannot do. From the current Vice President of the United States of America to the highest-paid female athlete.

Zareyah Ross is fortunate to be among this special group of women. With faith, goals, and ambition leading the way it is safe to say that Ross will break and dominate any glass ceiling that is set above her.

The Bolles School Rising Golf Player Written by: Sabrina Sclater | Photos submitted by: Tori Mouton

Tori Mouton, a junior at The Bolles School, has been playing golf half her life.

“I’ve been playing since I was eight years old,” said Mouton. “I am 17 now which has been about nine years. “My dad played golf and he introduced it to me when I was seven years old, but I wasn’t really interested until one day I wanted to stay out there longer and started playing.”

Mouton has an incredible passion when it comes to playing golf.

While playing, she describes that she feels strong, engrained, and long-lasting. For her, she expresses to have a unique style as a player, “I trust myself but I’m a feel player and I’m not necessarily technical so if I feel like I can do something then I go with my gut and instinct,” she explained.

With golf being a huge part of her life, it has helped shaped her into the person she is now.

“With golf, it has helped me to learn quickly that you can never give up because anything can happen at any given time,” said Mouton.

“You just have to keep fighting through it no matter what and it has given me a lot of perseverance.”

Not only has golf shaped Mouton’s life, but it has created different opportunities such as competing around Flori-

da. She describes being thankful to be able to experience it all.

“Golf has taken me to a lot of places,” she said. “I traveled so much and got to go to different places. I got to experience a lot of different cultures. Also, if it wasn’t for golf, I wouldn’t be here at a college prep school.”

Unfortunately, many sports were reshaped due to the modification of the COVID-19 pandemic, but golf generally stayed the same with just a few adjustments.

Despite an unpredictable season, Mouton had a phenomenal fall season as she managed to perform substantially despite the few changes.

“It didn’t necessarily affect the high school season, but it did individually,” she said. “I can only talk to [college] coaches, but they can’t come out to see me or watch me play. I can’t have official visits or anything so that has really effected everything.”

During the season, nothing was able to stop the rising junior as she shot her career low of 64 earlier in the season.

Concluding the golf season, Mouton finished as state runner-up in the FHSAA Class 1A Golf Tournament at Las Colinas with a final round of 3-under 69.

As college is gradually approaching for Mouton, she plans on attending a major D1 university that she’s able to fit in and call home for the next four years.

“Golf has taken me to a lot of places.

I traveled so much and got to go to different places. I got to experience a lot of different cultures. Also, if it wasn’t for golf, I wouldn’t be here at a college prep school.”

— Tori Mouton

ITG Next | 49

Congratulations to Fall Sports Winners Football

Watch Again ITG Next - Florida Facebook Presented by:

Patrick Bryant - Atlantic Coast High School Larry Smith - Oakleaf High School Nick Elknis - Episcopal School of Jacksonville Michael Myslinski - Bishop Kenny High School Marcus Burke - Trinity Christian Branden Jennings - Sandalwood High School Walter Simmons III - Oakleaf High School Caden Fordham - The Bolles School Kade Frew - The Bolles School

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Kindree Sullivan

Wells Fargo 2020-2021 Fall Female Scholar Athlete

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Wells Fargo 2020-2021 Fall Male Scholar Athlete

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Girl’s Bowling Team Oviedo

4A Girls 50 Yard Freestyle George Steinbrenner Alexis Mulvihill

3A Football Trinity Christian Academy 2A Football Champagnat 1A Football Baker County 8A Volleyball Lyman 7A Volleyball Mater Academy 6A Volleyball Ponte Vedra 5A Volleyball Bishop Kenny 4A Volleyball Cardinal Gibbons 3A Volleyball Trinity Catholic 2A Volleyball Lake Worth Christian 1A Volleyball Sneads 3A Boys Golf Chiles 2A Boys Golf Ponte Vedra 1A Boys Golf Lake Mary Prep 56 | itgnext.com

Girls Bowling Individual Lake Mary Sierra Poole 4A Boys Cross Country Team Columbus 3A Boys Cross Country Team Belen Jesuit 2A Boys Cross Country Team Satellite 1A Boys Cross Country Team Seffner Christian 4A Girls Cross Country Team Plant 3A Girls Cross Country Team Winter Springs 2A Girls Cross Country Team The Bolles School 1A Girls Cross Country Team Oak Hall 4A Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay Creekside High School Grace Gavin, Jennifer Bird, Madison Koutavas, Emma Chestang 4A Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay Bartram Trail Mason Campbell, Nicholas Tayag, Raymond Prosinski , Macguire McDuff

4A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Flager Palm Coast Micayla Cronk 4A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Lake Brantley Sage Sungail

4A Boys 50 Yard Freestyle Seminole Dawson Joyce 4A Girls 1 Meter Diving Boone Lanie Gutch 4A Boys 1 Meter Diving Olympia Brandon Wegner 4A Girls 100 Yard Butterfly George Steinbrenner Alexis Mulvihill 4A Boys 100 Yard Butterfly Gulf Coast Jack Stokvis 4A Girls 100 Yard Freestyle Flagler Palm Coast Micayla Cronk 4A Boys 100 Yard Freestyle Seminole Dawson Joyce 4A Girls 500 Yard Freestyle Riverview Addison Sauickie 4A Boys 500 Yard Freestyle Riverview Liam Custer

Florida Fall 2021-22 State Champions 4A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Winter Park Lucy Jahn, Cambria Semmen, Moriah Freitas, Lockett Bowley 4A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Creekside Dominic Miller, David Gapinski, Aidan Henry, Jacob Douberley 4A Girls 100 Yard Backstroke H.B Plant Ella Bathurst 4A Boys 100 Yard Backstroke Oviedo Davis Hanley 4A Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke Riverview Gracie Weyant 4A Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke H.B Plant Thomas Nagle III 4A Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Oviedo Kaylin Herbert, Isabelle Bishop, Carlie Rose, Sarah Beth Cathcart 4A Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Oviedo Davis Hanley, Andrew Christensen, Justin Rockaway, Ryan Reynoldd 3A Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay Flemming Island Sarah Grimm, Emma Grimm, Abree Clark, Christine Johnson 3A Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay Barron Collier William Eriksson, Andrew Garner, Mason Laur, Charles Marsala 3A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Countryside Summer Cardwell

3A Boys 200 Yard IM Barron Collier Mason Laur

3A Boys 100 Yard Backstroke Lawton Chiles Hayden Kwan

3A Girls 50 Yard Freestyle Port St. Lucie Sarah Evans

3A Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke Pace Emma Wortman

3A Boys 50 Yard Freestyle Land O Lakes Zuri Ramsey

3A Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke Land O Lakes Griffin Sutek

3A Girls 1 Meter Diving Osceola Carina Lumia

3A Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Lawton Chiles Stella Watts, Emily Chorpening, Shelby Pautsch, Carly White

3A Boys 1 Meter Diving South Fort Myers Brandon Shepherd 3A Girls 100 Yard Butterfly Lawton Chiles Lydia Hanlon 3A Boys 100 Yard Butterfly Barron Collier Mason Laur

3A Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Countryside Matthew Ross, Peyton Walters, Andrew Taylor, Joey Burns 2A Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay Pine Crest Julia Podkodcienly, Riley Botting, Esther Lin, Hanna Smith

3A Girls 100 Yard Freestyle Countryside Gisella Wright

2A Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay Jesuit Nicholas Shaffer, Liam Schindler, Erick Magalhaes, Sam Prabhakaran

3A Boys 100 Yard Freestyle Barron Collier Andrew Garner

2A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Jensen Beach Blair Stoneburg

3A Girls 500 Yard Freestyle Fort Myers High School Olivia McMurray

2A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Lincoln Park Jake Sciscente

3A Boys 500 Yard Freestyle Forest High School Riley Sampson

2A Girls 200 Yard IM Pine Crest Julia Podkodcienly

3A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Countryside Gisella Wright, Summer Cardwell, Abigail Taugner, Ugne Koveraite

2A Boys 200 Yard IM Jesuit Nicholas Shaffer

3A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Gainesville Aidan Fuller

3A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Barron Collier Andrew Garner, Charles Marsala, Marc Savolle, Mason Laur

3A Girls 200 Yard IM Freedom Michelle Morgan

3A Girls 100 Yard Backstroke Lawton Chiles Lydia Hanlon

2A Girls 50 Yard Freestyle Winter Haven Mary Hardman 2A Boys 50 Yard Freestyle Chamberlain Chance Tirheimer ITG Next | 57

Florida Fall 2020-21 State Champions 2A Girls 1 Meter Diving Stanton College Prep Rylie Darkatsh 2A Boys 1 Meter Diving Pine Crest Kevin Mendez 2A Girls 100 Yard Butterfly Clay Sara Stotler 2A Boys 100 Yard Butterfly Baker County Braedon Knight

2A Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Jensen Beach Brynn Stoneburg, Madeline Kohs, Emily Miller, Blair Stoneburg 2A Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Jesuit Sam Prabhakaran, Geoffery Trieloff, Liam Schindler, Nicholas Shaffer 1A Girls 200 Yard Medley Relay Stad Ella Martinez, Lucia Miller, Nicole Aguilar, Stella Urness

2A Girls 100 Yard Freestyle Winter Haven Mary Hardman

1A Boys 200 Yard Medley Relay The Bolles School David Walton, William HeckMartin Espernberger, Ansen Meyer

2A Boys 100 Yard Freestyle Chamberlain Chance Tirheimer

1A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Shorecrest Sarah Lankford

2A Girls 500 Yard Freestyle Jensen Beach Blair Stoneburg

1A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Bolles Andres Dupont Cabrera

2A Boys 500 Yard Freestyle Rockledge Elliot Weisel

1A Girls 200 Yard IM Cardinal Moody Michaela Mattes

2A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Pinecrest Julia Podkoscielny, Isabella Chambers, Riley Botting,Hanna Smith

1A Boys 200 Yard IM Berkeley Prep Logan Ingerick

2A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Mater Lakes Academy Daniel Quijada, Ronny Rueda, Anthony Robaina, Agustin Rodriquez 2A Girls 100 Yard Backstroke Pinecrest Julia Podkoscielny 2A Boys 100 Yard Backstroke Lincoln Park Jake Sciscente 2A Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke Mater Lakes Academy Michelle Fernandez 2A Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke Pinecrest Joshua Hanks 58 | itgnext.com

1A Girls 50 Yard Freestyle Plantation Ericka Pelaez 1A Boys 50 Yard Freestyle Episcopal School of Jacksonville Julian Smith 1A Girls 1 Meter Diving Berkeley Prep Amy Wotovich 1A Boys 1 Meter Diving Oakland Blakeman Shaw 1A Girls 100 Yard Butterfly Saint Andrews Aspen Gersper

1A Girls 100 Yard Freestyle Plantation Ericka Pelaez 1A Boys 100 Yard Freestyle Bolles School Andres Dupont Cabrera 1A Girls 500 Yard Freestyle Cardinal Moody Michaela Mattes 1A Boys 500 Yard Freestyle Bishop Veret Conor Cranfield 1A Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Bolles School Manita Sathianchokwisan, Emily MacDonald, Katherine MeyersLabenz, Sasha Ramey 1A Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay Bolles School Andres Dupont Cabrera, Ansen Meyer, William Heck, Adnan Atwan 1A Girls 100 Yard Backstroke Episcopal School of Jacksonville Mary Kelley 1A Boys 100 Yard Backstroke The Kings Academy Joshua Zuchowski 1A Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke Windermere Prep Marcela Scaramuzza 1A Boys 100 Yard Breaststroke Bolles School William Heck 1A Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Bolles School Emily MacDonald, Sasha Ramey, Megan McGrath, Manita Sathianchokwisan 1A Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay Bolles School Andres Dupont Cabrera, Seth Tolentino, Adnan Atwan, Tomohiro Nozaki

Florida Winter 2020-21 State Champions 7A Boy’s Basketball Dr. Phillips

2A Boy’s Soccer Canterbury

6A Boy’s Basketball Bartow

7A Girl’s Soccer Bartram Trail

5A Boy’s Basketball Pembroke Pines

6A Girl’s Soccer Venice

4A Boy’s Basketball Pine Crest

5A Girl’s Soccer Ponte Vedra

3A Boy’s Basketball Calvary Christian Academy

4A Girl’s Soccer Cardinal Gibbons

2A Boy’s Basketball Orlando Christian Prep

3A Girl’s Soccer Lakeland Christian

1A Boy’s Basketball Wildwood

2A Girl’s Soccer St. Johns Country Day School

7A Girl’s Basketball Plant

3A Girls 101 Pounds Navarre Jelina Bly

6A Girl’s Basketball St. Thomas Aquinas 5A Girl’s Basketball American Heritage (Plantation) 4A Girl’s Basketball Lake Highland Prep 3A Girl’s Basketball Miami Country Day 2A Girl’s Basketball Miami Christian 1A Girl’s Basketball Ponce de Leon 7A Boy’s Soccer Gulf Coast 6A Boy’s Soccer Doral 5A Boy’s Soccer Belen Jesuit 4A Boy’s Soccer Arnold 3A Boy’s Soccer Tampa Catholic

3A Girls 110 Pounds Oakleaf Tamira Briley 3A Girls 119 Pounds Bartram Trail Tyller Bauer 3A Girls 129 Pounds Bartram Trail Kaylee Coughlin 3A Girls 139 Pounds Dr. Phillips Zamora St. Cyr 3A Girls 154 Pounds Navarre Jade Thomas 3A Girls 169 Pounds North Port Madison Atwood 3A Girls 183 Pounds Palm Beach Gardens Ximena Carrera 3A Girls 199 Pounds Flagler Anniel Buchanan

3A Girls UNL Vero Beach Aiyana Harrington 2A Girls 101 Pounds Arnold Emily Oliver 2A Girls 110 Pounds Belle Hannah Collett 2A Girls 119 Pounds Aubur Emily Hart 2A Girls 129 Pounds Arnold Sana Habib 2A Girls 139 Pounds Citrus Kennedi Blevins 2A Girls 154 Pounds Arnold Amerie Daniels 2A Girls 169 Pounds New Smyrna Beach Daisha Jarvis 2A Girls 183 Pounds Port Charlotte Tara Yount 2A Girls 199 Pounds Charlotte Daphnie Toussaint 2A Girls UNL Mosley Larkin Dees 1A Girls 101 Pounds Fort White Katie Griffith 1A Girls 110 Pounds Suwannee Matti Marsee 1A Girls 119 Pounds Baker Lexi Lucas

ITG Next | 59

Florida Winter 2020-21 State Champions 1A Girls 129 Pounds Altha Braeden Smith 1A Girls 139 Pounds Branford Evie Pitts 1A Girls 154 Pounds Altha Marijane Davis 1A Girls 169 Pounds Union County Courtney Comer 1A Girls 183 Pounds Labelle Jenna McClain 1A Girls 199 Pounds Wewahitchka Mariah Baker 1A Girls UNL Union County Mahailya Reeves 3A Dual Wrestling TEams South Dade 2A Dual Wrestling Teams Lake Gibson

2A Competition Cheer Medium Team Winter Park

1A Competition Cheer Medium Team Bishop Moore

2A Competition Cheer Large Team Bartram Trail

1A Competition Cheer Large Team Niceville

2A Competition Cheer Extra-Large Team Lake Mary

1A Competition Cheer Extra-Large Team St. Brendan

2A Competition Cheer Small Non-Tumbling Team Sickles

1A Competition Cheer Small Non-Tumbling Team Bishop Snyder

2A Competition Cheer Medium Non-Tumbling Team Lakeland

1A Competition Cheer Medium Non-Tumbling Team West Nassau

2A Competition Cheer Large Non-Tumbling Team Lake Brantley

1A Competition Cheer Large Non-Tumbling Team Baldwin

2A Competition Cheer Extra-Large Non-Tumbling Team Doral 2A Competition Cheer Small Co-ed Team East Bay

1A Dual Wrestling Teams Somerset Academy

2A Competition Cheer Medium Co-ed Team Park Vista

1A Dual Wrestling Individuals Jensen Beach Jonny Dobbs

2A Competition Cheer Large Co-ed Team Bartow

2A Competition Cheer Small Team Strawberry Crest

1A Competition Cheer Small Team Providence

60 | itgnext.com

1A Competition Cheer Extra-Large Non-Tumbling Team Immaculata-LaSalle 1A Competition Cheer Small Co-ed Team St. Augustine 1A Competition Cheer Medium Co-ed Team Hudson

WATCH

ITG Next | 61

Nease | Wrestling 62 | itgnext.com

Feel Confident and Empowered Written by: Sabrina Sclater Photography submitted by: Jennifer Conway

Coach Jennifer Conway, the sixth season coach for the Ponte Vedra Girls Lacrosse Team, has a unique coaching style that she would describe as very structured and disciplined. With this, she is capable of coaching her team on a disparate level. Additionally, she has an incredible passion for motivating her team through positivity.

“When the girls are having fun, they are more engaged and they are more likely to get better because they are enjoying themselves,” said Conway. “I love to go out there and make them feel good about themselves and have high expectation. I also try to lead by example because I live a healthy life and I try to make good healthy choices so they can reflect from that. I value respect, attitude, effort, and energy.”

Unlike most coaches, Conway can profoundly connect with her players. Having teenagers herself, she can relate to what teenage girls go through.

“Nobody can figure out teenagers but because I have teenagers, I think that helps me relate to the girls and what they have going in their lives in addition to lacrosse,” said Conway. “It’s very demanding at practice, but we have to understand they have schoolwork and friends and other social things going on that kind of affects their attitude or the way they feel that day. We are very understanding as a coaching staff trying to mix all of that together and to have a productive practice.”

With COVID-19 continuing to effect athletics, the team has to undergo an adaptive athletic season due to a result of a case of COVID-19 within the team.

However, despite the unfortunate challenge, safety and proper precautions have been correctly implemented, being the forefront of importance. Conway explained they conduct temperature checks in the beginning of every practice and wear gaiter gear (neck masks) that are pulled up during social distancing and instructing time.

“I have pulled back on some of my contact drills, so we are not in full contact to be safe,” Conway stated. “I try not to do too much of that because it makes the girls too anxious and nervous about that type of thing, but safety is important. It really has been affective in our season but we try to be safe and move on.”

As the 2021 season begins for the Sharks, Coach Conway has established specific goals for her team this season:

“We are thankful for being able to play this season… my goals are that we all stay healthy and continue playing this season,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is to just keep growing and getting better so we can peak at the end of the season which is most important to win our games.”

ITG Next | 63

Congratulations to Winter Sports Winners Girls Basketball

Jasmyne Roberts - Bishop Kenny Jamia Nesmith- Bishop Kenny

Boys Basketball

Watch Again ITG Next - Florida Facebook Presented by:

Alex Fudge - Robert E. Lee Dallan Coleman - West Nassau

Girls Soccer

Hannah Johnson - Oakleaf Gianni Badon - Creekside

Boys Soccer

Antonio Manciotti - Mandarin

Boys Wrestling

Matthew Rodriquez - Ridgeview Cale Hoskinson - Clay

Girls Weightlifting

Tamira Briley - Oakleaf Courtney Comer - Union County

Girls Wrestling

Andrea Smith - Orange Park

Cheer

Autumn Wiggins - West Nassau Presley Ellis - West Nassau

64 | itgnext.com

Congratulations

Rivers Carney

Wolfson Children's Hospital 2020-21 Winter Female Youth Athlete

ITG Next Winter Banquet

Congratulations

William Moore

Wolfson Children's Hospital 2018-19 Winter Male Youth Athlete

ITG Next Winter Banquet

ITG Next | 65

Congratulations

Lexi Drumm

ITG Next 2020-2021 Winter Female Scholar Athlete

ITG Next Winter Banquet

Congratulations

Matthew Rodriquez

ITG Next 2020-2021 Winter Male Scholar Athlete

66 | itgnext.com

ITG Next Winter Banquet

Congratulations

David Silverberg

Baker's Sporting Goods 2020-2021 Winter Coach of the Year

ITG Next Winter Banquet

Congratulations

Yasmin Craig

ITG Next 2020-2021 Winter Adaptive Athlete

ITG Next Winter Banquet

ITG Next | 67

Congratulations Will Moore ITG Next

2020-2021 Winter Character in Excellence Award

ITG Next Winter Banquet

68 | itgnext.com

Friendships, Teamwork, and Encouragement Written by: Kaitlyne Piper | Photo submitted by: Nicole Craig

Seventeen-year-old Yazmine Craig is a student at Palm Avenue School who loves to play soccer and basketball.

The love of training with her teammates and the thrill of competition has kept her going through the COVID-19 pandemic.

When it comes to the impact of the Special Olympics in Yazmine’s life, the biggest thing is that it has helped Yazmine set goals for herself. It helps her achieve the goals she set, work with teammates, and make friends.

Nicole Craig, Yazmine’s mother said the best part about being a part of Special Olympics is “the friendships, the teamwork, and the encouragement you receive from everyone who is involved in Special Olympics.”

The Special Olympics has taken precautions towards their events. “We are doing everything possible,” it says on their webpage. While events are being postponed, they are still promoting health and safety. The organization has also created a pledge called, “Healthcare Inclusion for All”.

The pledge is for anyone who wants to come together to ensure that no one is forgotten during this time. The pledge reads: “I pledge to look for the lonely, the isolated, the left out, the challenged and the bullied. I pledge to overcome the fear of difference and re-

place it with the power of inclusion.”

Yazmine’s favorite memory is her own type of pledge, getting to say the athlete oath before each competition: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The oath comes from Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver who recited the oath before the Opening Ceremony at Chicago’s Soldier Field before their competition. Now all over the world athletes state the oath before their own competitions.

As for Yazmine, she has some cool facts about herself. She loves music, singing, dancing, fashion and of course being an athlete. Soccer and basketball are the two main sports she has begun to love.

The Special Olympics has encouraged millions of people to think about others and their health.

With the pandemic, this thought process has only increased which has helped people like Yazmine be able to live their life to the fullest, especially as an athlete.

Like their logo shows, it is people together in a unifying circle symbolizing the world coming together for the greater good. The figures have their arms at different positions to show the past, present and future of what the Special Olympics has done for the world.

ITG Next | 69

Watch

May 20, 2021 | 6 p.m.

ITG Next - Florida Facebook Presented by:

Congratulations to Spring Sports Winners Baseball

Jackson Baumiester - Bolles Clayton Hodges -Episcopal

Softball

Amaya Ross - Trinity Maddie Latta - Episcopal Kami Epply - Episcopal Jaclyn Connor - Episcopal

Girls Lacrosse

Mia Carter - Episcopal Taylor Rocha - Ponte Vedra

Boys Lacrosse

Maui Wilhelm - Creekside

Girls Tennis

Haisley Smith - Christ's Church Academy Meagan Donovan - Bolles

Boys Tennis

Chase Healey - Christ Christian Academy Justin Bobo - Episcopal

Boys Weightlifting

Quinn Rauelson - Union County Blake Bass - Union County

Track and Field

Desmyn McCall - Terry Parker 70 | itgnext.com

Coach of the Year Presented by: Baker's Sporting Goods Tom West from Ponte Vedra High School Boy's Lacrosse

Female Scholar Athlete Haisley Smith

Male Schloar Athlete Justin Bobo

Excellence in Character Aja Acala

Youth Male Athlete Presented by: Wolfson Children's Hospital Rylan Baker

Youth Male Athlete Presented by: Wolfson Children's Hospital Grace Ludescher

Ponte Vedra | Weightlifting ITG Next | 71

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