The Southwest Florida Sports Awards returns for its 16th straight go-around on Wednesday, May 27.The one thing about the annual event held by The News-Press and Naples Daily News that honors the area's top high school athletes is that it is always changing.New venues. New sports. New awards. Global pandemics.Through it all, the night has brought together the area's high school stars for a community celebration, and for many, a final sendoff from stellar high school athletic careers. For some, it's a beacon for what they can yet accomplish.As we prepare for the 16th Annual Southwest Florida High School Sports Awards event, which will be in a new home at Alico Arena on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University, it seems fitting to look back at the last 15 years. There is another significant change to this year's show. We're going back to how we started. Unlike in recent years where we selected finalists for the Player of the Year awards and announced the winner at the show, this year's Player of the Year winners will all be notified pre-show and are invited to come and be celebrated. We will announce our overall Male and Female Athlete of the Year at the show, so there still are some surprises.Here are highlights from our past events, how they evolved year-to-year, who were the big winners, and why the last 15 years were so special.2011: Where it all beganThe first show was held on a hot May evening at the former spring training home of the Boston Red Sox, City of Palms Park. The event was called the All-Area Sports Awards and just included The News-Press, which it did for several years.Estero High swimmer Molly DuBrasky was named the first Female Athlete of the Year, and South Fort Myers football standout Dallas Crawford took the Male Athlete of the Year prize.DuBrasky was coming off a prep career where she became the first Wildcat to win state gold as she finished with a streak of three-straight 500-yard freestyle state titles and two straight 200 freestyle crowns. She went on to graduate from UF in 2015 with a degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. When later asked about that night, she told The News-Press, "The only thing I can really remember is having to walk up on stage all nervousin front of 100 people," she recalled. "It's one of those things where you just walk up there and smile. You haven't even had enough time to process what happened. I remember it didn't even really hit me until I was getting in the car with my parents to leave. It was so special."In 2011, Crawford was a front-runner for the inaugural Male Athlete of the Year award after winning Football Defensive Player of the Year honors following a season where he intercepted nine passes and also threw for 2,647 yards and 26 touchdowns, totaling 3,074 yards of offense with 35 scores. He graduated as Lee County's all-time leading passer and went to play at the University of Miami, where he was a jack-of-all-trades."Winning this, it shows me that my city's behind me. They're rooting for me," Crawford saidthat night."I'm just honored to have won this. I mean, I'm honored to just be here, so to have won this that's big. It means a lot."The event had two guest speakers, FGCU women's basketball coach Karl Smesko and Port Charlotte High grad and New Orleans Saints Super Bowl champion Anthony Hargrove.The 2012 All-Area Awards WinnersGirls Cross Country:Kacy Smith, EsteroBoys Cross Country:Caleb Baker, LaBelleFootball Offense:Sammy Watkins, South Fort MyersFootball Defense:Dallas Crawford, South Fort MyersBoys Golf:Jack Hernandez, Bishop VerotGirls Golf:Georgia Price, Fort MyersBoys Swimming:Kyle Snew, EsteroGirls Swimming:Molly DuBrasky, EsteroVolleyball:Brittany Brinson, Fort MyersBoys Basketball:Evin Graham, Fort MyersGirls Basketball:Taylor Kramer, Bishop VerotBoys Soccer:Andrew Palumbo, Bishop VerotGirls Soccer:Haley Emerson, Fort MyersWrestling:Dalton Langford, RiverdaleBaseball:Hudson Boyd, Bishop VerotBoys Tennis:Kap Owens, Bishop VerotGirls Tennis:Hailey Grillo, Fort MyersBoys Track:Sammy Watkins, South Fort MyersGirls Track:Jokira Jiles, Cape CoralSoftball:Maddy Peres, Ida Baker2012: Ballers reign at the All-Area Stars BanquetThe News-Press held its second annualAll-Area Stars Banquet at JetBlue Park on May 21, 2012. Nearly 250 attendees gathered to honor our players of the year in 24 varsity sports as bowling and lacrosse were added to the awards.Basketball players ruled the day as Dunbar girls basketball freshman Kiara Desamours was named the Female Athlete of the Year while Mariner boys basketball senior Kendric Ferrara was named the male Athlete of the Year.The Dunbar tri-captain posted her 16th double-double of the season, scoring 17 points and pulling down 13 rebounds to lead her team to a 50-41 victory over Jacksonville Ribault, earning the Tigers the first girls basketball state title in Lee County history. Along the way, Desamours led Dunbar in scoring (14.8 points per game), field goal shooting (67 percent) and rebounding (9.7).My freshman year, I did not expect to come into high school and do all these great things, said Desamours, who graduated in 2015 and went on to play at Lamar University, after the 2012 banquet. All these things just happened. I did not expect them at all. But the bar can never be set too high. I just have to keep working and working in hopes of coming back here next year for this event.Ferrara set three single-season school records for the Tritons most blocks (158), most blocks in a game (11) and best field-goal shooting (62 percent). In addition, he led the team in scoring (16.9 points per game) and rebounding (10.9), catapulting Mariner (24-7) to its first district championship and state regional final appearance since 2003. Ferrara was busy off the court, volunteering as a tutor, front-office aide, member of student government andat the afterschool program at Hector A. Cafferata Elementary School.My resume is pretty hefty, said Ferrara, who went on to play at FurmanI didnt realize that I put that much stuff on there. But when they were calling it out, it was like, wow, that is a lot of stuff.A pair of Olympians shared the stageas guest speakers with legendary long jumper and 1968 gold medalist Bob Beamon and U.S. pairs figure skater Amanda Evora both taking part.The 2012 All-Area Awards WinnersGirls cross country: Kacy Smith, EsteroBoyscross country:Aaron Rojas, EsteroFootball offense: Tshumbi Johnson, ImmokaleeFootball defense: TaJarvis Fuller, DunbarGirls golf:Kaitie Cross, RiverdaleBoys golf: Jake Sherwin, Evangelical Christian SchoolGirls swimming: Olivia Langford, Cape CoralBoys swimming: Michael Messuri, Fort MyersVolleyball: Jessica Wagner, North Fort MyersGirls bowling: Jessica Davies, Island CoastBoys bowling: Austin Brewer, North Fort MyersGirls basketball: Kiara Desamours, DunbarBoys basketball: Kendrec Ferrara, MarinerWrestling: Chuckie Kerkesner, Cypress LakeGirls soccer: Amanda Kopale, Ida BakerBoys soccer: Andrew Albright, Evangelical Christian SchoolBaseball: Kyle Miller, EsteroSoftball: Maddy Peres, Ida BakerBoys lacrosse: James Renner, EsteroGirls lacrosse: Joanna Russell, Cape CoralBoys tennis: Parker Woodall, Cypress LakeGirls tennis: Thandiwe Kangwa, Fort MyersBoys Track & Field: Ben Bocio, Ida BakerGirls Track & Field: Sarah Candiano, Evangelical Christian School2013: Rain can't douse the All-Area Stars BanquetThe News-Press held its third annualAll-Area Stars Banquet at JetBlue Park on May 29, 2013. The topathletes from 24 varsity sports gathered to be honored, but due to rain, the awards were held in the stadium's concourse instead of on the field.Fort Myers sophomore tennis player Thandiwe Kangwa was named the Female Athlete of the Year while Mariner senior boys soccer player Joshua Teeter took home the Male Athlete of the Year award.I had no idea it was going to be me, honestly, Kangwa said at the time. I was so surprised. It means a lot to win this award especially with all the amazing athletes here and everything they have done. It meant a lot to be recognized.Kangwa, who went on to play at Seton Hall,won her second consecutive LCAC and District 3A-13 titles and was the Class 3A individual doubles state champion as a sophomore. Outside of tennis, she spent her time volunteering with the Lee County Community Tennis Association, the Health Park Childrens Rehabilitation Center and Harlem Heights Improvement Association food pantry. She also maintained acumulative 3.8 GPA as a student at Edison Collegiate High School.Teeter was Mariner soccers ironman, never missing a game his senior seasonon his way to being named first-team All-State and to the All-State All-Star team. Teeter completed more than 300 hours of community service at the CCMI soup kitchen, Road Cleanup, STEM Robotic Competition and National Honor Society Induction.Its great to be recognized for this, Teeter said at the event. All my work has been recognized. Im so proud and happy. Ihad a lot of support from family, guidance counselors and coaches. They all helped me push myself. Its fun to help people and reach out to the communityThen new FGCU men's basketball coach Joe Dooley made his first public appearance in Southwest Florida as the event's guest speaker.The 2013 All-Area Awards WinnersGirls cross country:Emily Edwards, Fort MyersBoys cross country: Tyler Bennett, Fort MyersFootball offense: Manny Morgan, NaplesFootball defense: Jayron Kearse, South Fort MyersGirls golf: Lurrel Wise, EsteroBoys golf: Landon Weber, Fort MyersGirls swimming: Kendall Brent, Fort MyersBoys swimming: Logan Samuelson, Fort MyersVolleyball: Shelby Joslin, Evangelical ChristianGirls bowling: Jessica Davies, Island CoastBoys bowling: Tim Sipper, Island CoastGirls bowling: Keri Jewett, DunbarBoysbowling: Mason Taylor, Bishop VerotWrestling: Brandon Gacad, Ida BakerGirls soccer: Haley Pigott, Evangelical ChristianBoys soccer: Joshua Teeter, MarinerBaseball: Sean Brady, Ida BakerSoftball: Annette Castaldo, Bishop VerotGirls lacrosse: Hallie Stufano, Fort MyersBoys lacrosse: Max Margolin, Fort MyersBoys tennis: Zach Blythe, Cypress LakeGirls tennis: Thandiwe Kangwa, Fort MyersBoys track & field: Tyrell Johnson, Island CoastGirls track & field: Emily Edwards, Fort Myers2014: Moving indoors and adding more suspenseThe 2013-14 All-Area Stars Banquet saw a big changefrom its previous three years. Three finalists for Player of the Year in each sport were named for the first time with the winner being announced at the awards show. Previously, Players of the Year were named at the end of each season, and the winners knew who they were beforehand.This show was held indoors for the first time, at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, on May 20, 2014. Nearly 70 of the areas best athletes from 19 high schools were among the500 people in attendance.It was a great night for Greenies as Fort Myers High seniors Emily Edwards and Logan Samuelson were named the Female and Male Athletes of the Year.Its such an honor to win this award, said Edwards after the show. I was surprised because there are a lot of great athletes here. Not only are they great athletes, but they are great people.Edwardswon the LCAC, District 3A-11 and Region 3A-3 titles and topped it all off with a Class 3A cross country state championship. She was named the Gatorade Florida Cross Country Runner of the Year, had a 5.3-grade point average and also was nominated for girls track and field athlete of the year. She signed with Alabama and ran for the Crimson Tide before transferring to Florida State where she finished her college career.Samuelson, the Florida Dairy Farms Class 3A swimmer of the year, had a 4.03-grade point average. He won two events in the Class 3A state meet, the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle. He signed with Auburn out of high school but finished college at Iowa.This is truly an honor, Samuelson said after the event. Its a blessing. One of my goals was to win the two state titles. I knew that would help my case.Three-time Stanley Cup champion and two-time Olympian Brian Rafalski was the event's guest speaker.The 2014 All-Area Awards WinnersFootball defense: DRonzjiah Matthews, South Fort MyersFootball offense: J.C. Jackson, ImmokaleeGirls cross country: Emily Edwards, Fort MyersBoys cross country: Tyler Bennett, Fort MyersVolleyball: Sydney Ferguson, Evangelical Christian SchooBoys swimming: Logan Samuelson, Fort MyersGirls swimming: Kendall Brent, Fort MyersBoys golf: Landon Weber, Fort MyersGirls golf: Brooke Ciccone, Cape CoralBoys bowling: Tim Sipper, Island CoastGirls bowling: Jessica Davies, Island CoastGirls soccer: Katie Sullivan, Bishop VerotBoys soccer: Tyler Yergens, Bishop VerotGirls basketball: Keri Jewett, DunbarBoys basketball: Ricky Doyle, Bishop VerotWrestling: Alejandro Lopez, MarinerBoys lacrosse: Michael Payson, CanterburyGirls lacrosse: Kelly Reynolds, Bishop VerotGirls tennis: Thandiwe Kangwa, Fort MyersBoys tennis: John Carlin, Fort MyersBoys track and field: Drew McMichael, ECSGirls track and field: Katie Slater, EsteroSoftball: Makenzie Buss, Cape CoralBaseball: Evan Dougherty, Bishop Verot2015: Celebrating amid grief as community suffers a shocking lossJust a month before the 2015 All-Area Stars Banquet at Hammond Stadium, the Southwest Florida sports community suffered a terrible loss. Longtime Estero High cross country and track coach and athletic director Jeff Sommer collapsed and died at the state track meet in Jacksonville.It was under that cloud that area athletes, friends, and family gathered at Hammond Stadium for the fifth annual awards event on Wednesday, June 3. To honor Sommer, The News-Press founded the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award and presented the first to its namesake's family.When I think back over the years with all the kids he had a special impact on, and when you have three decades of that, you really kind of see that in perspective with how many kids lives were changed because of him, Sue Sommer said at the event.Sommers son, Adam, a graduate of Estero, accepted the award on his family's behalf.Im very honored and blessed to receive this award in honor of my dad today, Adam Sommer said. I know he was loved by many of you out there tonight, and I want to thank everybody again for coming out.Evangelical Christian's Sara Chandiano capped an outstanding senior season in which she was named the girls cross country and track and field athlete of the year with the Female Athlete of the Year Award. Naples football standout Michael Walker joined her on stage as the Male Athlete of the Year.Its just a great way to end my senior year, Candiano, a Florida State recruit, said. Im really happy to go off like this.Candiano won a combined three Class A state titles in track mile and 2-mile and cross country her senior year and five in her prep career. In addition, she posted a 4.57 grade-point average, was selected to the National Honor Society and volunteered at her church to raise funds for mission trips.The 6-foot, 190-pound Walker rushed for 907 yards and 21 touchdowns while passing for 613 yards and seven touchdowns. The Boston College signee who now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars boasted an impressive resume off the field with a 4.9 GPA. He helped co-found the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Sun Coast chapter and serves as its president. On top of that, he took a trip to Nicaragua to help build homes for the impoverished.My mom has a big impact, Walker said. Shes all about community service. We adopted a few kids. Were all about helping out the community. We want to be a better community.The 2015 All-Area Awards winnersFootball offense: Michael Walker, NaplesFootball defense: Antwan Dixon, South Fort MyersGirls bowling: Lindsey Conn, Island CoastBoys bowling: Tyler Altmann, Ida BakerGirls golf: Kayla Poff, Cape CoralBoys golf: Ross Lally, Ida BakerGirls swimming: Kendall Brent, Fort MyersBoys swimming: Santiago Corredor, Bishop VerotGirls cross country: Sarah Candiano, ECSBoys cross country: Dean McGregor, Fort MyersVolleyball: Larra Bickelhaupt, OasisGirls basketball: Keri Jewett, DunbarBoys basketball: Mark Matthews, Fort MyersGirls soccer: Syniah Clark, Ida BakerBoys Soccer: Austen Hopson, MarinerWrestling: Corey Kerkesner, Cypress LakeBoys lacrosse: Dalton Ackely, EsteroGirls lacrosse: CeCe Barnes, CanterburyBoys tennis: John Carlin, Fort MyersGirls tennis: Thandiwe Kangwa, Fort MyersBoys track and field: Drew McMichael, ECSGirls track and field: Sarah Candiano, ECSBaseball: Thaddeus Ward, Bishop VerotSoftball: Josey Mayer, Fort MyersCoach of the Year: Jeff Sommer, Estero2016: Back indoors with more sophisticationThe 2016 All-Area Stars Sports Awards had a change of venue and feel. The event went from being at a baseball stadium to going inside at Germain (now Hertz) Arena and moved closerto being an upscale awardshow in appearance and stagepresence. It allowed for more screens, graphics, and a sit-down meal in air conditioning.We also brought in NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith to jointhe program on May 31, 2016, as guest speaker.Despite the changes, the focus was still on the area's top high school athletes, andCape Coral diver Megan Galbreath and Fort Myers runner Josh Kennedywere named Female and Male Athlete of the Year award winners.Galbreath won the Class 2A state diving title while also carrying a 5.48 GPA, and scored a 33 on the ACT and 2200 on the SAT. She signed to compete at Harvard.Theres just so many amazing athletes out there, Galbreath said. Its been a tough year. Its been an amazing year. Id never thought itd happen.Kennedy also blendedathletic and academic achievement as he combined a solid cross country season with a perfect SAT score of 2400 and piled up numerous local and national academic awards.Im just thrilled, Kennedy said after winning the award. Id really like to thank my parents. My mom, first of all, for pushing me academically and athletically and for driving me to practice for two years. Id also like to thank coach (Yancey) Palmer because without his excellent coaching I wouldnt even have been a finalist.Dunbar girls basketball coach Dwayne Donnell won the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award after leading the Tigers to a 26-5 record and a state final four appearance.Anything that Ive accomplished to this point, to be mentored by Jeff and to know people think my career compares to Jeff, if its even close to what Jeff has done, thats special, he said. Its wonderful. Its a wonderful recognition. This means a lot.The 2016 All-Area Awards WinnersFootball Offense: Carlin Fils-aime, NaplesFootball Defense: Tyler Byrd, NaplesGirls Bowler: Kyndall Snyder, Island CoastBoys Bowler: Tyler Altmann, Ida BakerGirls Golfer: Brittany Shin, Ida BakerBoys Golfer: Landon Weber, Fort MyersGirls Swimmer: Kendall Brent, Fort MyersBoys Swimmer: Santiago Corredor, Bishop VerotGirls Cross Country: Krissy Gear, Fort MyersBoys Cross Country: Evan Babatz, Fort MyersVolleyball: Alayna Ryan, Fort MyersGirls Basketball: Destanni Henderson, Fort MyersBoys Basketball: Jacob Tracey, RiverdaleGirls Soccer: Taylor Hatch, EsteroBoys Soccer: Erick Rivera, MarinerWrestler of the Year: Mike Delago, Fort MyersGirls Lacrosse: Arianna Endelmann, EsteroBoys Lacrosse: Joey Cerniglia, Bishop VerotGirls Tennis: Emily Javedan, Canterbury SchoolBoys Tennis: John Carlin, Fort MyersGirls Track: Krissy Gear, Fort MyersBoys Track: Evan Babatz, Fort MyersSoftball: MacKenzie Peterson, North Fort MyersBaseball: Michael Richey, Bishop VerotJeff Sommer Coach of the Year: Dwayne Donnell2017: The News-Press and Naples Daily News combine forcesAfter six years of being called the All-Area Stars Awards, The News-Press' high school sports awards enjoyed a full remodel in 2017.The show's name was changed to the Southwest Florida Sports Awards. The format was changed to an ESPY-like event that was no longer a banquet but a theatre show, moving to the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. And, best of all, the Naples Daily News joined the program, making it a true Southwest Florida event.Krissy Gear of Fort Myers High School and Cole Schneider of Riverdale were crowned The News-Press Female and Male Athletes of the Year, whileCommunity School of Naples senior football player Joe Lang and Gulf Coast sophomore basketball player Yasmeen Chang were the Naples Daily News' topwinners.Along with Female Athlete of the Year, Gear, a senior runner, also was named Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year after concluding her career with six individual state track championships.Gear was unable to attend while representing the United Statesat a track meet in Cuba.After being named Wrestler of the Year in 2015, Schneider closed his prep career by winning the award again and adding Male Athlete of the Year to his resume. The University of Central Florida football signee, a first-team all-area offensive selection, went 28-0 on the mat this season with 26 pins en route to his second Class 2A 285-pound state championship."Its nice. Its very cool, said Schneider, who backstage received something of a classic complement from keynote speaker Steve Spurrier, the former Heisman Trophy winner and former University of Florida and South Carolina football coach.Look at that head. Thats the head of a lineman, Spurrier said. Somebody missed out. He should be a Gator.Joe Lang, who plays football at Holy Cross, enjoyed the evening:They did a really nice job with this whole production, Lang said. It was a really awesome night to be here with all my friends and coaches.Chang, who averaged just over 20 points a game for a Gulf Coast team that reached the Final Four for the first time in school history, didnt quite know how to react after receiving the female athlete of the year award.This is really surprising, Chang said. I did not expect this. Its crazy. I didnt know I was going to get this one. Im speechless.To truly honor the student-athlete, the show added the Academic Achievement Award to honor the students who excel in the classroom and in the community as well as on the field. The inaugural winners were Estero swimmer Alina Faunce and Naples swimmer John Sacnlon.Faunce, an Alabama signee and an All-Area finalist last season, captured two Class 3A championships in the 200-yard IM and 100 butterfly in school record times. She had a 5.29 GPA and is a dual enrollment student at FGCU, where she is on the Deans list. She was a four-year member of her schools Interact and Key clubs, a three-year National Honor Society member and two years on the Renaissance Club.Scanlon had a 4.82 GPA and was a member of NHS, was an AP Scholar Award winner and participated in the Advanced Studies Laureate Research Program.Longtime Cape Coral boys soccer coach Aldo Nardiello was named the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award and Gulf Coast girls tennis coach Mark Voorhees won the Naples award. Nardiello finished his 37th and final season coaching by leading a young Seahawks squad to a district championship."And after 37 years I will be forever blessed by all the student-athletes who have touched my life. Hopefully, I've had a positive influence on theirs," Nardiello said.Voorhees guided the Sharks tennis team to a state championship in tennis and a 13-4-2 season in soccer.What an awesome night, there was great energy in the room, Voorhees said. It was nice to see the area athletes and coaches honored. Im just proud of the school, look at how many awards we had in all the sports. (Gulf Coast had a county-best seven awards). When it comes down to it, Im not on the field, Im not on the court, its the players that make it happen, and I love all my tennis players and all my soccer players.Ashleigh Baker of First Baptist Academy won the inauguralI AM SPORT Award presented by Nike for service to the community.The 2017 The News-Press Award WinnersBoys bowling: Nick Larsen, Island CoastGirls bowling: Mikayla Simer, Island CoastBoys cross country: Ayre Beck, EsteroGirls cross country: Kayla Easterly, North Fort MyersFootball offense: Darrian Felix, Fort MyersFootball defense: Fa'Najae Gotay, North Fort MyersBoys golf: Luke Farmer, EsteroGirls golf: Brittany Shin, CanterburyBoys swimming: Santiago Corredor, Bishop VerotGirls swimming: Alina Faunce, EsteroVolleyball: Mindie Mabry, Bishop VerotBoys basketball:Caleb Catto, SFCAGirls basketball:Destanni Henderson, Fort MyersBoys soccer: Nicholas Wlodarczyk, Cape CoralGirls soccer: Taylor Kruse, North Fort MyersWrestling: Cole Schneider, RiverdaleBaseball: Sam Keating, CanterburySoftball: Mackenzie Peterson, North Fort MyersBoys lacrosse: Thomas Pritchard, CanterburyGirls lacrosse: Peyton Hornung, CanterburyBoys tennis: John Carlin, Fort MyersGirls tennis: Emily Javedan, CanterburyBoys track: Berrick Jeanlouis, CanterburyGirls track: Krissy Gear, Fort MyersI AM SPORT Award: Ashleigh Baker, Senior, First Baptist AcademyAcademic Achievement: Alina Faunce, EsteroJeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year:Aldo Nardiello, Cape Coralboys soccerThe 2017 Naples Daily News Award WinnersFootball Offense: Joe Lang, Community SchoolFootball Defense: Joe Sparacio, First BaptistBroxson Trophy: Jacquez Carter,LelyBoys Cross Country: Josh Wagner, LelyGirls Cross Country: Jillian Dempsey, NaplesBoys Golf: David Morgan, SeacrestGirls Golf: Vasy Montague,Gulf CoastBoys Swimming: Matthew Limbacher,NaplesGirls Swimming: EmmaFeehery, Community SchoolVolleyball:Gabrielle Curran, Gulf CoastBoys Basketball:Trent Buttrick,Community SchoolGirls Basketball:Yasmeen Chang,Gulf CoastBoys Soccer:Ulises Soto,ImmokaleeGirls Soccer:Sierra Rincon,Barron CollierWrestling:Colby Singletary,Palmetto RidgeBaseball: Zach Lang, Gulf CoastSoftball:Allie Sutherland,Barron CollierBoys Lacrosse:Connor McGraw,Barron CollierGirls Lacrosse:Jaclyn Berry,Barron CollierBoys Tennis:David Vilys,Gulf CoastGirls Tennis:Viva Laas,Gulf CoastBoys Track:Kane Aldrich,Community SchoolGirls Track:Laura Liberiste,LelyCoach of the Year:Mark Voorhees,Girls Track/Girls Soccer, Gulf CoastAcademic Achievement:John Scanlon,Naples2018: 59 awards distributed in massive combined SWFL showA crowd of nearly 1,000 attended as 167 athletes from Lee and Collier counties were honored and 59 awards were handed out at the 2018 Southwest Florida Sports Awards at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.Fort Myers High School senior Destanni Henderson and Canterbury School senior Berrick Jeanlouis were crowned The News-Press Female and Male Athletes of the Year, while Palmetto Ridge wrestler and football player Colby Singletary was named the Boys Athlete of the Year, and Naples High cross country runner and track athlete Jillian Dempsey earned the girls top honor for the Naples Daily News.Henderson, a University of South Carolina signee, became Lee Countys first McDonalds All-American as a senior and was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Basketball and Florida Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. The 5-8 guard led Fort Myers to its third consecutive state championship and fourth straight state final four appearance.Besides dominating on the basketball court, Jeanlouisdid win a state title in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet, 7.5 inches. He was third in the long jump."It means a lot," said Jeanlouis, who will join Iona in the fall after stops at New Mexico State and FSW."It means a lot to my coaches, to my family, my school,my teammates. Just the whole community. Its just a very good blessing.Singletary won the Class 2A title at 182 pounds as a sophomore andwas also named Wrestler of the Year after finishing the wrestling season with a 48-7 record and district and Collier County Athletic Conference titles.Its pretty special, said Singletary, who died tragically last July in a single-car accident. I need to give a big shoutout to my coaches, especially (Palmetto Ridge wrestling coach) Blaine (Ison), and my parents.Dempsey won the Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year award and also made the Girls Track All-Area first team in the spring.ReceivingAcademic Achievement honors wereCanterbury sophomoreEmily Javedan for Fort Myers and Naples High's Brianna Garcia for the NDN.Fort Myers football coach Sam Sirianni Jr. won the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year award and Gulf Coast boys golf coach Kim Benedict was named the NDN coach of the year."This isnt my style," Sirianni said. "People that know me know that these kind of awards, anything individual, Im not real comfortable with. But this one will mean something special to me.In her sixth season coaching the Sharks, Benedict led them to the first boys golf team state championship in Collier County history.We believed in each other the entire year, Benedict said. It wasnt the year we expected with the hurricane, but it really was the year we expected as far as winning state.Canterbury sophomore Austin Alley won a livevotedone on Twitter at the event ashis looping freekick goal in a postseason soccer victory was chosen as Play of the Year.Sandra Garcia ofImmokalee High won theI AM SPORT Award, which honors athletes who give back to youth in their communities.Former Philadelphia Philliesstar and baseball TV analyst John Kruk was the guest speaker at the event.The 2018 The News-Press Award WinnersMale Athlete of the Year: Berrick Jeanlouis, CanterburyFemale Athlete of the Year: Destanni Henderson, Fort MyersJeff Sommer Coach of the Year: Sam Sirianni Jr., Fort MyersAcademic Achievement:Emily Javedan, CanterburyFootball Offensive Player of the Year: Jeshaun Jones, South Fort MyersFootball Defensive Player of the Year: FaNajae Gotay, North Fort MyersBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Hugh Brittenham, EsteroGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Alayna Goll, EsteroBoys Golfer of the Year: Luke Farmer, EsteroGirls Golfer of the Year: Brittany Shin, CanterburyBoys Swimmer of the Year: Steven Rua, Cape CoralGirls Swimmer of the Year: Olivia McMurray, Fort MyersVolleyball Player of the Year: Alyssa Collins, Bishop VerotBoys Bowler of the Year: Nick Larsen, Island CoastGirls Bowler of the Year: Kaela Ruby, Cape CoralBoys Basketball Player of the Year: Berrick Jeanlouis, CanterburyGirls Basketball Player of the Year: Destanni Henderson, Fort MyersBoys Soccer Player of the Year: Leo Perez, MarinerGirls Soccer Player of the Year: Maggie Struble, EsteroWrestler of the Year: Christian Minto, MarinerGirls Weightlifter of the Year: Angelica Cuellar, LaBelleBaseball Player of the Year: Max Rippl, SFCASoftball Player of the Year: Vivian Ponn, Fort MyersBoys Weightlifter of the Year: Santiago Morales, LaBelleBoys Tennis Player of the Year: Ian Ziegler, Cape CoralGirls Tennis Player of the Year: Shani Idlette, Fort MyersBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Jeremy Barrett, CanterburyGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Samantha Douglass, EsteroBoys Track Athlete of the Year: Hugh Brittenham, EsteroGirls Track Athlete of the Year: Moriah Oliveira, ECSThe 2018 Naples Daily News Award WinnersBoys Athlete of the Year: Colby Singletary, Palmetto Ridge wrestlingGirls Athlete of the Year: Jillian Dempsey, Naples cross country and trackCoach of the Year: Kim Benedict, Gulf Coast boys golfAcademic Excellence Award: Brianna Garcia, Naples girls soccerI AM SPORT Award: Sandra Garcia, Immokalee girls soccerFootball Broxson Trophy: Fred Green, ImmokaleeFootball Offense: R.J. Rosales, ImmokaleeFootball Defense: Joe Sparacio, First Baptist AcademyBoys Cross Country: Brady Gibson, NaplesGirls Cross Country: Jillian Dempsey, NaplesBoys Golf: David Morgan, SeacrestGirls Golf: Annika Church, NaplesBoys Swimming: Matthew Limbacher, NaplesGirls Swimming: Audrey Delcompare, LelyVolleyball: Gabrielle Curran, Gulf CoastBoys Basketball: Jack Youmans, NaplesGirls Basketball: Yasmeen Chang, Gulf CoastBoys Soccer: Sebastian Joffre, Gulf CoastGirls Soccer: Sierra Rincon, Barron CollierWrestling: Colby Singletary, Palmetto RidgeBaseball: Nick Denove, Barron CollierSoftball: Ashley Hayes, Barron CollierBoys Lacrosse: Zeb Fuller, NaplesGirls Lacrosse: Sophie Sullinger, NaplesBoys Tennis: Michael Moll, NaplesGirls Tennis: Emma Heiderscheit, Gulf CoastBoys Track and Field: Kane Aldrich, Community SchoolGirls Track and Field: Loren Brown, Community School2019: Special athletes are recognized for the first timeThe 2019 Southwest Florida Sports Awards event held by The News-Press and Naples Daily News packed them in, as the event at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall topped 1,000 in attendance for the first time in its 9-year history.Another first was the addition of the Special Olympics Athletes of the Year as Collier and Lee schools integratedunified sports into their programs. Immokalee's Tajha Ilerant won the inaugural Special Olympics Girls Athlete of the Year Award, while Lely's Jeninson Payen won the Special Olympics Boys Athlete of the Year.Rebecca Bergquist, one of the most complete athletes to come out of Lee County, took home The New-Press Female Athlete of the Year award while Estero'sHugh Brittenham was named the Male Athlete of the Year on a night where 83 athletes and coaches from Lee and Collier won top honors.For Naples, Community School of Naples two-sport standout Parker Weiss and First Baptist soccer star Malaya Melancon won the top athlete awards."This award was the one I was striving for, it was great to be a finalist for track, basketball and volleyball but to me this was the one I wanted," Bergquist said. "To be honored for something that you love so much means a lot. I'm thankful and very happy, it's a great way to cap off my high school career."With over 2,500 points, Bergquist isSouthwest Florida's all-time leading scorer in girls basketball. The East Carolina track and field signee also won state titlesin the discus and added a silver medal in the shot put. In volleyball, shefinished with 219 kills, 39 aces, 44 blocks and 163 digs in 64 sets.Brittenham ended his career with four Sports Awards trophies after taking home Boys Cross Country Runner and Boys Track and Field Athlete ofthe Year as a juniorThe University of Florida signee defended his title in cross country during a senior season where he won district and regional crowns before taking fifth at state. In track we won the Class 3A state championship inthe800 and 1,600 meters.Weiss was all-state in both basketball and football. The Daily News Boys Basketball of the Year finalist reached his goal of playing Division I basketball, signing with mid-major power Iona College."Unbelievable," said Weiss, who was selected over Palmetto Ridge wrestler/football player Colby Singletary and First Baptist football player/track athleteThomas Casey. "The other guys up there were great too. I didn't really expect to get this award."Melancon, a junior, has been one of the top goal-scorers in Southwest Florida. She scored 46 goals as a freshman, 51 as a sophomore, and 46 more as a junior to help First Baptist to a 16-3-3 record and the regional semifinals for the first time in school history.The two-time state championship-winning Riverdale wrestlingcoach Kris Hayward won the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award by continuing hisprogram's dominance with15th consecutive county and district titles and a ninth regional crown. Riverdale boasted 10 individual state qualifiers and a state champion."Knowing Jeff and everything he stands for, to put my name next to his in this category is a bit humbling," Hayward said. "For me, when you first move down here and you starting coaching and you see who hadbeen successful, he set the standard. To win an award with his name on it, it's very humbling."Gulf Coast cross country and track and field coach Carl Egbert was named Coach of the Year in Collier County. The Sharks won cross country and track and field district titles, the latter the first in school history.Naples High School boys tennis player Michael Moll, who was a finalist in his sport, was named the Academic Achievement award winner."Obviously, tonight's a lot about sports, but it's also nice that they recognize academic achievement as well," said Moll, who will play at Emory. "Most of the athletes here are great students, so this award could've gone to a lot of people, so I'm proud to win this one."Cape Coral senior Cheyenne Young, who won the Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year Award, added the News-Press Academic Achievement award to her list of accomplishments.The live-voted Play of the Year was Lely High School's desperation touchdown pass from Jonis Dieudonne to Nick Obsaint from 45 yards out in a 16-10 victory over Mariner."I'd like to thank my coaches and my teammates and my linemen for blocking for a clutch moment that we needed," Dieudonne said, "and my teammate Nick for catching the clutch ball."Cape Coral's swim and dive team members were voted the Southwest Florida's Top Team and Caterbury's Bryce Einstein won the I AM SPORT Award for his community service efforts.North Fort Myers High School graduate and NFL fullback Tommy Bohanon was the guest speaker.The 2019 The News-Press Award WinnersFemale Athlete of the Year:Rebekah Bergquist, SFCAMale Athlete of the Year:Hugh Brittenham, EsteroJeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year:Kris Hayward, RiverdaleAcademic Achievement Award:Cheyenne Young, Cape CoralTop Team:Cape Coral Swim and DiveI AM SPORT Award:Bryce Einstein, CanterburyGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year:Cheyenne Young, Cape CoralBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year:Hugh Brittenham, EsteroGirls Golfer of the Year:Brittany Shin, CanterburyBoys Golfer of the Year:Reece Kyle, Bishop VerotGirls Bowler of the Year:Cydnee Whiteleather, RiverdaleBoys Bowler of the Year:Nick Nero, North Fort MyersGirls Swimmer of the Year:Olivia McMurray, Fort MyersBoys Swimmer of the Year:Brendan Peacock, ECSVolleyball Player of the Year:Paris Thompson, Fort MyersFootball Defensive Player of the Year:Derick Hunter Jr., DunbarFootball Offensive Player of the Year:Shomari Mason, North Fort MyersGirls Soccer Player of the Year:Emilee Hauser, North Fort MyersBoys Soccer Player of the Year:Leo Perez, MarinerGirls Weightlifter of the Year:Jenna McClain, LaBelleWrestler of the Year:Christian Minto, MarinerGirls Basketball Player of the Year:Chaniya Clark, Fort MyersBoys Basketball Player of the Year:Javian McCollum, Fort MyersGirls Tennis Player of the Year:Shani Idlette, Fort MyersBoys Tennis Player of the Year:Matthew Orozco, Cape CoralGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year:Tammy Torres, CanterburyBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year:Jeremy Barrett, CanterburySoftball Player of the Year:Vivian Ponn, Fort MyersBaseball Player of the Year:Carson Palmquist, RiverdaleBoys Weightlifter of the Year:Harrison Strohl, RiverdaleGirls Track and Field Athlete of the Year:Jessica Edwards, CanterburyBoys Track and Field Athlete of the Year:Jacob Lemmon, Fort MyersThe 2019 Naples Daily News Award WinnersFemale Athlete of the Year: Malaya Melancon, First Baptist AcademyMale Athlete of the Year: Parker Weiss, Community School of NaplesCoach of the Year: Carl Egbert, Gulf Coast boys XC and trackAcademic Achievement Award: Michael Moll, NaplesPlay of the Year: Lely footballSpecial Olympics Girls Athlete of the Year:Tajha Ilerant, ImmokaleeSpecial Olympics Boys Athlete of the Year:Jeninson Payen, LelyGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Zoe DAntonio, NaplesBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Nick Kamen, Gulf CoastGirls Golfer of the Year: Sophie Shrader, St. John NeumannnBoys Golfer of the Year: Remi Chartier, Gulf CoastGirls Swimmer of the Year: Maddy Burt, St. John NeumannBoys Swimmer of the Year: Mason Laur, Barron CollierVolleyball Player of the Year: Skylar English, Barron CollierFootball Broxson Trophy: Jensen Jones, St. John NeumannFootball Defensive Player of the Year: Marc Viechec, NaplesFootball Offensive Player of the Year: Chez Mellusi, NaplesGirls Soccer Player of the Year: Malaya Melancon, First BaptistBoys Soccer Player of the Year: Jack Bole, NaplesWrestler of the Year: Gerald Roger, Golden GateGirls Basketball Player of the Year: Yasmeen Chang, Gulf CoastBoys Basketball Player of the Year: Izayel Louis Pierre, ImmokaleeGirls Tennis Player of the Year: Emma Heiderscheit, Gulf CoastBoys Tennis Player of the Year: Sean Kamyshev, SeacrestGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Kyleigh Chickering, NaplesBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Trace Davidson, Gulf CoastSoftball Player of the Year: Ava Nunez, ImmokaleeBaseball Player of the Year: Tobey McDonough, Gulf CoastGirls Track and Field Athlete of the Year: Merlica Faustin, NaplesBoys Track and Field Athlete of the Year: Alex Myrin, St. John Neumann2020: Working around COVID-19, the show goes virtual With in-person events a no-no due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The News-Press and Naples Daily News parent company, Gannett, found a way around to allow us to still honor Southwest Florida's top high school athletes.We went virtual.We aired a star-studded show with awards announced by a collection of famous presenters, including Drew Brees, Stephen Curry, Patrick Mahomes, and Bill Belichick.With the spring season being wiped out, we also made sure there were two sets of winners for the premiere awards.For the Naples Daily News, Palmetto Ridge senior Trillyon Fils-Aime won the Male Athlete of the Year award and Barron Collier swimmer Madison Feehery was named the top female athlete.For The News-Press, Fort Myers High School junior All-American swimmer Olivia McMurray was the Female Athlete of the Year and Mariner senior soccer standout Leo Perez was named Male Athlete of the Year.After winning a state championship in wrestling and making the All-Area first team in football, Palmetto Ridge senior Trillyon Fils-Aime won the Male Athlete of the Year award. Fils-Aime went 54-4 wrestling at 220 pounds this season, winning the Class 2A championship. In the fall, Fils-Aime was one of three defensive linemen on the Daily News Football Defense All-Area first team. He was the only Collier County athlete to make All-Area first team in two sports this year.Barron Collier swimmer Madison Feehery was named the top female athlete after winning an individual state title (50-yard freestyle) and leading her team to a state runner-up finish. Besides winning the 50 free, she finished second in the 100 butterfly (55.41), also helping the Cougars to a pair of top-five relay finishes.In the other Naples premier awards, Barron Collier swimming coach Matt Nelson was named Coach of the Year after the Cougars won a state title for the boys and had a runner-up finish for the girls. Lely soccer player Saoirse Bowe won the Academic Achievement Award.McMurray, who signed with the University of Texas, was the Girls Swimmer of the Year for the third straight season. She defended her Class 3A 500-yard freestyle state championship with a time of 4:46.50 while adding a 200 individual medley state title medalto her collection, finishing with a time of 2:00.83. She also guided the 400 free relay team to a state championship and the 200 medley relay team to a state runner-up finish.Perez, who won Boys Soccer Player of the Year for the third time, took his game up another notch as he scored 69 goals and totaled 31 assists in leading the Tritons to a 25-5-1 record and a4A state runner-up finish. He was named Mr. Soccer by the Florida Dairy Farmers.Mariner soccer coach Martin Cardenas was named the Jeff Sommer Coach of the Year. The show was hosted by TV personality Jesse Palmer and ESPN's Sage Steele, with other introductions by ESPN reporter Courtney Cronin and NASCAR analyst Jerry Punch. Tennis star Venus Williams, who announced the tennis awards in other USA Today markets, gave a special message to athletes in Florida apologizing that their seasons were canceled.Gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas, NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, and Olympic skier Bode Miller who also presented awards in other markets appeared in a video saluting the seniors who lost their spring seasons due to the coronavirus.The 2020 Naples Daily News Award WinnersFemale Athlete of the Year: Madison Feehery, Barron CollierMale Athlete of the Year: Trillyon Fils-Aime, Palmetto RidgeAcademic Achievement: Saoirse Bowe, LelyCoach of the Year: Matt Nelson, Barron CollierGirls Special Olympics Athlete of the Year: Jennifer Bordes, LelyBoys Basketball: Tony Green, NaplesGirls Basketball: Jada McCray, NaplesBoys Cross Country: Alexander Rodriguez, NaplesGirls Cross Country: Grace O'Malley, Community SchoolFootball Broxson Trophy: Charles Toombs, ImmokaleeFootball Defense: Collin Miles, NaplesFootball Offense: Elan Sommala, NaplesBoys Golf: Jack Irons, NaplesGirls Golf: Addison Klonowski, NaplesBoys Soccer: David Gomez, LelyGirls Soccer: Saoirse Bowe, LelyBoys Swimming/Diving: Mason Laur, Barron CollierGirls Swimming/Diving: Madison Feehery, Barron CollierVolleyball: Skylar English, Barron CollierWrestling: Andy Martinez, Golden GateThe 2020 The News-Press Award WinnersFemale Athlete of the Year: Olivia McMurray, Fort MyersMale Athlete of the Year: Leo Perez, MarinerAcademic Achievement: Nicole Rodriguez, Cape CoralJeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year: Martin Cardenas, MarinerBoys Special Olympics Athlete of the Year: Justin Borrego, North Fort MyersBoys Basketball: Javian McCollum, Fort MyersGirls Basketball: Chaniya Clark, Fort MyersBoys Bowling: Rex Gatewood, North Fort MyersGirls Bowling: Cydnee Whiteleather, RiverdaleBoys Cross Country: Liam Holston, Fort MyersGirls Cross Country: Stephy Ormsby, Fort MyersFootball Defense: Derrick Erickson, Bishop VerotFootball Offense: C.J. Shedd, Cypress LakeBoys Golf: Kevin Kelly, Bishop VerotGirls Golf: Gabby Vetter, Bishop VerotBoys Soccer: Leo Perez, MarinerGirls Soccer: Emilee Hauser, North Fort MyersBoys Swimming/Diving: Brandon Shepherd, South Fort MyersGirls Swimming/Diving: Olivia McMurray, Fort MyersVolleyball: Paris Thompson, Fort MyersGirls Weightlifting: Jenna McClain, LaBelleWrestling: Jesse Martinez, Riverdale2021: Still social distancingAnother star-studded virtual show honored the top athletes for 2020-21 with one more change. Instead of The News-Press and Naples Daily News naming separate award winners, all the awards were moved under one Southwest Florida banner.With that new format, Fort Myers volleyball player Paris Thompson and Palmetto Ridge wrestler and football player Brennan Van Hoecke won the top prizes as Female and Male Athlete of the Year. The awards were announced by famous professional athletes and coaches such as Aaron Rodgers, Kevin Garnett, andKatie Ledecky.Thompson was voted Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Volleyball by statewide media and also won Gatorade Florida Volleyball Player of the Year. She was an Under Armour second-team All-American.Van Hoecke went 49-0 on the mat, winning the Class 2A title at 132 pounds. On the grisiron he had 13 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles, returning one for a touchdown.Dunbar track and cross country coach Guy Thomas earned the Jeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year Award. The Fort Myers High softball squad was named the Team of the Year after winning the Class 5A state title. Barron Collier swimmer Emery Muller was named Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and Riverdale wrestler Dominic Rodriguez won the Courage Award after coming back from a torn ACL to win a state championship. The 2021 Southwest Florida Sports Award WinnersFemale Athlete of the Year: Paris Thompson, Fort MyersMale Athlete of the Year: Brennan Van Hoecke, Palmetto RidgeJeff Sommer Coach of the Year: Guy Thomas, DunbarScholar-Athlete: Emery Muller, Barron CollierTeam of the Year: Fort Myers softballFan Favorite Team of the Year: St. John Neumann baseballCourage Award: Dominic Rodriguez, RiverdaleI AM SPORT Award: Eric Feichthaler, OasisSpecial Olympics: Terry (TJ) Johnson, North Fort MyersBaseball:Jacob Marlowe, Barron CollierBoys Basketball: Tony Green, NaplesGirls Basketball: Reese Tremitiere, Gulf CoastBoys Bowling: Brandon Rucker, North Fort MyersGirls Bowling: Dakota Kirk, Fort MyersBoys Cross Country: Kolton Pickard, EsteroGirls Cross Country: Amy Meng, Fort MyersFootball Offense: Malik Curtis, Bishop VerotFootball Defense:Chris Thomas, DunbarBoys Golf: Sam Kodak, NaplesGirls Golf: Talia Rodino, Bishop VerotBoys Lacrosse: Trace Davidson, Gulf CoastGirls Lacrosse: Prentice Atterbury, Community School of NaplesBoys Soccer: Chase Johnson, CanterburyGirls Soccer: Jasmine Perez-Acosta, CanterburySoftball: Julia Knowler, Fort MyersBoys Swimming: Andrew Garner, Barron CollierGirls Swimming: Olivia McMurray, Fort MyersBoys Tennis: Davide Procacci, Gulf CoastGirls Tennis: Kaitlin Quevedo, Community School of NaplesBoys Track and Field: Leonard Mustari, DunbarGirls Track and Field: Jessica Edwards, CanterburyVolleyball: Paris Thompson, Fort MyersBoys Weightlifting: Tyson Eveque, Cypress LakeGirls Weightlifting: Jenna McClain, LaBelleWrestling: Brennan Van Hoecke, Palmetto Ridge2022: And we're back liveAfter a two-year hiatus, the Southwest Florida Sports Awards Show made a grand comeback as it presented 33 total awards to athletes and coaches. More than900 attendees, includingmore than 250 award nominees, filled the event's new home, Suncoast Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. A new award was introduced to honor those who have overcome obstacles to compete the Courage Award.A pair of Collier County private school athletes took home the night's top prizes as First Baptist's Olsen Patt Henry was crowned the Male Athlete of the Year,while St. John Neumann basketball and track and field star Leah Martin-Gonzales was selected as the top Female Athlete.Henry was near unstoppable at wide receiver, as he used all of his 6-foot-4 frame to catch 61 passes for 1,053 yards and 17 touchdowns, becoming the first receiver in Collier County to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in over 15 years and help the Lions reach the Class 2A state semifinal. Henry was every bit as dynamic on the basketball court, posting 14 points and 10 rebounds a game for the Lions to help lead FBA to the state Final Four.Martin-Gonzales was a star in two sports, reaching state with both. She set the tone for the Celtics' basketball team that reached the Class 2A state semifinals. She averaged 18.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and five steals a game. On the track, she repeated as a state champion in the 100 hurdles and the long jump in 1A. Martin-Gonzales set a new personal best in her final meet, clocking a 14.26 in the 100 hurdles while winning the long jump with a mark of 5.45m.The statechampion Mariner High girls soccer team capped a year in which they won the first state title of any kind for their school in its 35-year history with a Team of the Year Award. First Baptist basketball and track and field athlete Grace Dean won the Courage Award after coming back from two ACL tears. Naples High soccer player Coral Morley was named the Southwest Florida Scholar Athlete.Palmetto Ridge wrestling coach Blaine Ison became the first Collier County winner of the award as the Bears went undefeated in duals competition, winning district and regionals titles before capturingCollier Countys first duals state crown by taking out powerhouse South Dade in the semifinals and Wellington in the finals. In individual wrestling competition, all 14 Bears advanced out of districts, 10 out of regionals and had three members earn state titles, while as a team Palmetto Ridge placed third overall in the state. Former star Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas was the guest speaker.The 2022 Southwest Florida Sports Award WinnersBoys Cross Country: Kolton Pickard, Estero High SchoolGirls Cross Country: Ava Povich, Evangelical Christian SchoolDefensive Football: Tyre Cunningham, Lehigh SeniorOffensive Football: Richard Young, Lehigh SeniorBoys Golfer: Noah Kent, Gulf CoastGirls Golfer: Pearl Jenkins, Gulf CoastBoys Swimming: Colton Rasmussen, Palmetto RidgeGirls Swimming: Jewels Carlini, EsteroVolleyball: Breanah Rives, Seacrest Country Day SchoolBaseball: Zach Root, Fort MyersBoys Lacrosse: Yates Miller, Community School of NaplesGirls Lacrosse: Lane Calkins, NaplesSoftball: Julia Knowler, Fort MyersBoys Tennis: Davide Procacci, Gulf CoastGirls Tennis: Lily Dounchis, Community School of NaplesBoys Track & Field: Jacob Panzarella, First BaptistGirls Track & Field: Leah Martin-Gonzales, St. John NeumannBoys Weightlifter: Kendel Masson, Fort Myers High SchoolBoys Basketball: Latrell Davis, First BaptistGirls Basketball: Addison Potts, South Fort MyersBoys Soccer: McLaren Baggett, Canterbury SchoolGirls Soccer: Ryleigh Acosta, MarinerGirls Weightlifter: ChantalFerrer, Cape CoralWrestler: Brennan Van Hoecke, Palmetto RidgeBoys Bowler: Devin Richards, Cypress LakeGirls Bowler: Katarina Hagler, Oasis HighCourage Award: Grace Dean, First BaptistScholar Athlete: Coral Morley, NaplesSpecial Olympics: Nathaniel Bostic, Mariner High SchoolTeam of the Year: Mariner Girls SoccerJeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year: Blaine Ison, Palmetto RidgeMale Athlete of the Year: Olsen Patt Henry, First BaptistFemale Athlete of the Year: Leah Martin-Gonzales, St. John Neumann2023: Fun and games, and who doesn't love a paradeTrying to up the athlete experience, a players' lounge was set up in the arena for the honorees to play a little Jenga or Connect Four among game offerings, along with photo stations and some popcorn. The athletes were paraded in at the start of the event to receive their recognition.And once everyone was in their place, Fort Myers' Julia Knowler and Bishop Verot's Wyatt Whalen capped their high school careers with the top honors as the Female and Male Athletes of the Year, respectively. Overall, 35 awards were presented to the best high school athletes, coaches, and teams for the 2022-23 school year.Knowler, a Clemson softball signee who also won her second straight Softball Player of the Year Award, hit .620 with 9 home runs, 10 triples, and 4 doubles with 33 RBI and 33 runs scored this season. Whalen, a Bryant football signee, played a critical role blocking for a record-setting offense. He made All-Area second team for boys weightlifting, placing seventh at state in Class A at 238 pounds, and capped off his senior season by repeating as the Class 2A shot put state champion.Theres winning, and then theres Seacrest volleyball winning. The Stingrays, who finished 26-4 on their way to repeating as Class 2A state champions, won the Team of the Year Award. St. John Neumann girls basketball coach John Wholihan overcame his own hardships to lead the Celtics and was named the Jeff Sommer Coach of the Year Award winner. Wholihan suffered a heart attack in August but when the first basketball practice rolled around, he was there running it. He led the Celtics to a 19-8 record.Naples baseball player Tucker Hansen was named the Courage Award winner. In May 2022, Hansen was hit with a baseball near his right eye and suffered a broken cheekbone, eye socket, nose, and sinuses. After successful surgery, Hansen was working out with the Naples baseball team in the fall and played a full spring season, hitting .279 on the year with 19 runs batted in and a .995 fielding percentage.Dara Torres, a 12-time US Olympic medalist swimmer, was the special guest speaker for the show. The 2023 Southwest Florida Sports Award WinnersMale Athlete of the Year: Wyatt Whalen, Bishop VerotFemale Athlete of the Year: Julia Knowler, Fort MyersCourage Award: Tucker Hansen: NaplesJeff Sommer Coach of the Year: John Wholihan, St. John NeumannScholar-Athlete of the Year: Aum Dhruv, Fort MyersSpecial Olympics Athlete of the Year: Freddie WilliamsTeam of the Year: Seacrest Girls VolleyballSchool Spirit Award: Gulf Coast HighVolleyball Player of the Year: Breanah Rives, SeacrestBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Bernardo Barnhart, Palmetto RidgeGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Mackenzie De Lisle, Bishop VerotBoys Golfer of the Year: Noah Kent, Gulf CoastGirls Golfer of the Year: Sydney Young, Community School of NaplesBoys Bowler of the Year: Daniel Lynn, Cape CoralGirls Bowler of the Year: Katarina Hagler, OasisBoys Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year: Jack Stokvis, Gulf CoastGirls Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year: Sabyne Brisson, NaplesDefensive Football Player of the Year: Javieana Stevens, DunbarOffensive FootballPlayer of the Year: Carter Smith, Bishop VerotGirls Weightlifter of the Year: Kassidy Emerick, MarinerGirls Wrestler of the Year: Jazlyn Diaz, RiverdaleBoys Wrestler of the Year: Christopher Minto, MarinerGirls Soccer Player of the Year: Ryleigh Acosta, MarinerBoys Soccer Player of the Year: Jarvey Sarajian, NaplesBoys Basketball Player of the Year: Jahmari Johnson, Gateway CharterGirls Basketball Player of the Year: Tyra Brown, Fort MyersBaseball Player of the Year: Johnny King, NaplesBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Ramsey Huggins, Community School of NaplesGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Kali Cleary, Gulf CoastBoys Tennis Player of the Year: Ivan Kisic, Gulf CoastGirls Tennis Player of the Year: Lily Dounchis, Community School of NaplesSoftball Player of the Year: Julia Knowler, Fort MyersBoys Track Athlete of the Year: Andrew Azunque, First BaptistGirls Track Athlete of the Year: Ava Povich, Evangelical Christian SchoolBoys Weightlifter of the Year: Reef Gingell, Fort Myers2024: History makers and record breakers honoredEvangelical Christian School's McKenzie Travis and Bishop Verot's Leroy Roker earned the marquee honors at the show, held at Suncoast Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. The pair were crowned the Girls and Boys Athletes of the Year by The News-Press and Naples Daily News. In all, 38 awards were handed out for the 2023-24 school year.Travis, who will run track at South Carolina and also was named the Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year, made history this spring by becoming the eighth girl in Florida history to take the triple crown in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dash events at the Class 1A state meet.Roker, an Ohio State signee for football, was an All-Area first-team and All-Region selection in both that sport and basketball. On the gridiron, he was a ball-hawking safety, grabbing seven interceptions and recording 54 tackles for the Vikings last fall. On the court, he averaged 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists to help Bishop Verot improve to a 22-7 record. The Dunbar High School football team which nabbed the Boys Team of the Year Award. The Tigers finished 11-3, the most wins in program history, and reached the Class 3S state semifinals for the second consecutive season, a feat no other Lee County football team had ever accomplished. Winning the first girls basketball championship in school history is a forever memory, one that earned the Evangelical Christian School hoop squad the Girls Team of the Year Award.Lely boys soccer coach Robbie Schank was named the Jeff Sommer Coach of the Year, having coached the Trojans for 30 seasons, dating back to his late teens, and guided his team to a district championship, a regional berth, and a 13-6-5 record. Barron Collier's Rebecca Van't Hoff received the Southwest Florida Scholar-Athlete Award.The Courage Award is annually presented to an athlete who overcomes long odds to succeed in the sporting award. There were two winners: Lely basketball players Sofiia Kiritsa and Oleksandra Rubanova. Kiritsa and Rubanova both fled their home country of Ukraine and moved to Naples, starting high school at Lely. They helped lift the Trojans to a 20-9 record, which included a 16-game winning streak, and the program's first district championship.Udonis Haslem, who played 20 seasons for the Miami Heat, winning three championships while playing in seven NBA Finals, was the show's special guest speaker. The 2024 Southwest Florida Sports Awards WinnersMale Athlete of the Year: Leroy Roker, Bishop VerotFemale Athlete of the Year: McKenzie Travis, Evangelical ChristianCourage Award: Sofiia Kiritsa and Oleksandra Rubanova, LelyFPL Power Play: Kelby Tyre, DunbarJeff Sommer Memorial Coach of the Year: Robbie Schank, LelyScholar-Athlete of the Year: Rebecca Van't Hoff, Barron CollierSpecial Olympics Athlete of the Year: Peyton Melton, Cypress LakeBoys Team of the Year: Dunbar footballGirls Team of the Year: Evangelical Christian girls basketballSchool Spirit Award: Naples High SchoolVolleyball Player of the Year: Aisha Keric, Barron CollierBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Joseph Koraya, Fort MyersGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Mackenzie De Lisle, Bishop VerotBoys Golfer of the Year: Graham Boone, Barron CollierGirls Golfer of the Year: Eva Lye, First Baptist Boys Bowler of the Year: Daniel Lynn, Cape CoralGirls Bowler of the Year: Katarina Hagler, OasisBoys Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year: Nick Fabian, Community SchoolGirls Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year: Charlotte Norman, Community SchoolDefensive Football Player of the Year: Kensley Faustin, NaplesOffensive Football Player of the Year: Carter Smith, Bishop VerotGirls Weightlifter of the Year: Aleah Baron, LaBelleBoys Wrestler of the Year: Maximus Brady, MarinerGirls Wrestler of the Year: Kiera Partello, Barron CollierBoys Soccer Player of the Year: Emerson LaOrden, Barron CollierGirls Soccer Player of the Year: Ryleigh Acosta, MarinerBoys Basketball Player of the Year: Patrick Johnson, Gateway CharterGirls Basketball Player of the Year: Sofiia Kiritsa, LelyBaseball Player of the Year: Johnny King, NaplesSoftball Player of the Year: Zoe Yzaguirre, Evangelical ChristianBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Cal Wyatt, Community SchoolGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Kali Cleary, Gulf CoastBoys Tennis Player of the Year: William Freshwater, Barron CollierGirls Tennis Player of the Year: Indi Patel, RiverdaleBoys Weightlifter of the Year: Nick Bloomston, Fort MyersBoys Track Athlete of the Year: Andrew Azunque, First BaptistGirls Track Athlete of the Year: McKenzie Travis, Evangelical Christian2025: Division I signees take top honorsThe 2025 Southwest Florida Sports Awards rolled out the red carpet for more than 1,000 area high school athletes, coaches, administrators, their families, and friends.First Baptist Academy's Zara Stewart and Fort Myers High's Madrid Tucker earned the marquee honors at the show, held at Suncoast Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. The pair was crowned the Girls and Boys Athletes of the Year. In all, 39 awards were handed out for the 2024-25 school year.Stewart, who signed to play volleyball at San Diego State, carried the Lions to the Class 2A Final Four. On the basketball court, she led FBA to the regional finals. Stewart ended her prep volleyball career with 1,231 kills and 1,927 digs, while on the hardwood, she finished with 1,288 career points and 445 rebounds.Tucker, a finalist for the Boys Athlete of the Year award in 2024, was the leading receiver on Fort Myers' district championship football team and top hitter on the Green Wave's regional championship baseball team. The North Carolina football signee also contributed to the school's 4x100 relay team that placed fifth at the state track and field championships.Canterbury baseball coach Frank Turco won the Jeff Sommer Coach of the Year Award. Turco was inducted into the LCAC Hall of Fame and capped his year by leading the Cougars to the Class 1A state championship. It was the fourth state championship for the coach at Canterbury.Celebrated for her academic achievements as well as her athletic ones, Gulf Coast's Ciara McCloskey received the Southwest Florida Scholar-Athlete Award. Estero soccer player Lily Jason won the Courage Award. Jason lost her 41-year-old father Steven unexpectedly. Her soccer team and the Estero community rallied around her and Lily helped lead the Wildcats to their first regional final since 2020.The Barron Collier soccer team won the Boys Team of the Year Award. The Cougars won their school's first state title in boys soccer after defeating Mater Lakes 4-2 for the Class 4A championship. Winning four consecutive state championships places a team in rarified air, which is why Seacrest volleyball earned Girls Team of the Year honors. The Stingrays defeated Boca Raton Christian in the title game for the third straight year as first-year head coach Andy Wimmer helped deliver yet another trophy for Seacrest.Mike Lowell, who played 13 Major League Baseball seasons and won World Series championships with the Marlins (2003) and Red Sox (2007), was the show's special guest speaker.The 2025 Southwest Florida Sports Awards WinnersMale Athlete of the Year: Madrid Tucker, Fort MyersFemale athlete of the Year: Zara Stewart, First BaptistCourage Award: Lily Jason, EsteroJeff Sommer Coach of the Year: Frank Turco, CanterburyStudent-Athlete of the Year: Ciara McCloskey, Gulf CoastFPL Power Play Award: Emerson LaOrden, Barron CollierSpecial Olympic Athlete of the Year: Eduardo Pablo Campos, ImmokaleeBoys Team of the Year: Barron Collier soccerGirls Team of the Year: Seacrest volleyballBaseball Player of the Year: Joey Lawson, Bishop VerotBoys Bowler of the Year: Daniel Lynn, Cape CoralGirls Bowler of the Year: Brooke Pabst, Cape CoralBoys Basketball Player of the Year: Spencer Clayton, Barron CollierGirls Basketball Player of the Year: Nalah Smith, Evangelical ChristianBeach Volleyball Players of the Year: Gabby Dywer and Ashlee Tenkley, Fort MyersBoys Cross Country Runner of the Year: Angel Cruz, MarinerGirls Cross Country Runner of the Year: Masha Dorofeev, Fort MyersDefensive Football Player of the Year: Khari Bendolph, NaplesOffensive Football Player of the Year: Deshon Jenkins, Bishop VerotFlag Football Player of the Year: Lila Dinkel, Bishop VerotBoys Golfer of the Year: Spencer Ives, Community School of NaplesGirls Golfer of the Year: Eva Lye, First BaptistBoys Lacrosse Player of the Year: Michael Slusar, Community School of NaplesGirls Lacrosse Player of the Year: Stella Lynch, Community School of NaplesSoftball Player of the Year: Abby Hynes, North Fort MyersBoys Soccer Player of the Year: Emerson LaOrden, Barron CollierGirls Soccer Player of the Year: Hannah Busenbark, North Fort MyersBoys Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year: Nick Fabian, Community School of NaplesGirls Swimming and Diving Athlete of the Year: Madison Bates, NaplesBoys Tennis Player of the Year: William Freshwater, Barron CollierGirls Tennis Player of the Year: Chelsea Casapu, Barron CollierBoys Track Athlete of the Year: Ryan Peterson, Bishop VerotGirls Track Athlete of the Year: Ava Heskett, Gulf CoastVolleyball Player of the Year: Zara Stewart, First BaptistBoys Weightlifter of the Year: Nick Bloomston, Fort MyersGirls Weightlifter of the Year: Imani Greaves, LaBelleBoys Wrestler of the Year: Maximus Brady, MarinerGirls Wrestler of the Year: Kiera Partello, Barron CollierThis article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Looking back at the first 15 Southwest Florida High School Sports Awards