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spring player of the year nominees

The 2024-25 Volusia-Flagler High School Sports Awards, Presented by Halifax Health, is proud to announce player of the year nominees for the spring sports season. The winners will be announced during the live show June 2 at Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. The guest speaker is former MLB All-Star Dee Strange Gordon. During the live show, these […]

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The 2024-25 Volusia-Flagler High School Sports Awards, Presented by Halifax Health, is proud to announce player of the year nominees for the spring sports season.

The winners will be announced during the live show June 2 at Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. The guest speaker is former MLB All-Star Dee Strange Gordon.

During the live show, these nominees will be honored, along with player of the year nominees and winners from the fall and winter sports seasons. The fall nominees were announced earlier this year and can be found here. The winter nominees were also announced earlier this year and can be found here.

The show will also announce the winners of our premier awards, which includes boys athlete of the year, girls athlete of the year, boys team of the year, girls team of the year, coach of the year and our Courage Award recipient.

Nominated athletes who RSVP for the event will receive a free ticket thanks to our sponsors. Additional tickets can be purchased on the show’s website.

The 2024-25 Volusia-Flagler High School Sports Awards, Presented by Halifax Health, is part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards program.

Here are the spring nominees …

  • Tyler Boyesen, Spruce Creek High School
  • Teague Carosella, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Marion Clayton, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Devon Crown, Spruce Creek High School
  • Jake Deising, Seabreeze High School
  • Mason Draper, Deltona High School
  • Sam Figueroa, Pine Ridge High School
  • Peyson Garcia, Spruce Creek High School
  • Garrett Grant, Spruce Creek High School
  • Jacob Imhoff, Seabreeze High School
  • Jordan Livingston, Spruce Creek High School
  • Ethan Zagers, DeLand High School

Beach volleyball

  • Gabrielle Bissell, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Rebecca Boone, Spruce Creek High School
  • Naia Bubaloni, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Annabelle Gentry, Spruce Creek High School
  • Erynn Gotsch, DeLand High School
  • Abrie Green, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Bailey Jones, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Teagan Lux, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Ava Olivieri, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Ella Pringle, DeLand High School
  • Lily Schlageter, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Paige Taylor, New Smyrna Beach High School

Flag football  

  • Emma Corr, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Ylan Phan, Seabreeze High School
  • Jillian Truax, Spruce Creek High School
  • Taylor Vance, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Chloe Waldo, Spruce Creek High School
  • Zion Willis, Spruce Creek High School

Softball – Presented by the Daytona Tortugas            

  • Taylor Ferrandino, Spruce Creek High School
  • Juliet Fogel, Matanzas High School
  • Tessa Guenette, Deltona High School
  • Amayah Jones, Deltona High School
  • McKenzie Manhart, Matanzas High School
  • Kyra McLin, Seabreeze High School
  • Alexis Minaberry, Spruce Creek High School
  • Addison Pertler, University High School
  • Amya Ramos, T. Dewitt Taylor High School
  • Leah Stevens, Matanzas High School
  • Mackenzie West, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Aubrey Yeary, Spruce Creek High School

Boys tennis    

  • Zane Ensminger, Spruce Creek High School
  • JJ Martin, Seabreeze High School
  • Raimey Miral, Spruce Creek High School
  • Andrew Shkotkin, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Francis Smolen, Father Lopez Catholic High School
  • Stanislav Valenteychik, Matanzas High School

Girls tennis    

  • Giselle Adekunle, Spruce Creek High School
  • Khloe Akopian, Spruce Creek High School
  • Riya Arab, Seabreeze High School
  • Ofelia Stout, Father Lopez Catholic High School
  • Irina Tabacila, Spruce Creek High School
  • Kayla Wheeler, Spruce Creek High School

Boys track & field       

  • Tim Beauchamp, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Tanner Cauley-Bennett, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Colby Cronk, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Kajuan Curry, Mainland High School
  • Dominic Dowell, Seabreeze High School
  • Ethan Figueroa, Mainland High School
  • Sam McDuffie, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Brett Remensnyder, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Hunter Shuler, Seabreeze High School
  • Brison Sullivan, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Corinthians Watson Jr., Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Xavier Williams, Spruce Creek High School

Girls track & field       

  • Mackenzie Brewton, Father Lopez Catholic High School
  • Celeste Coney, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Adelae Fulton, Father Lopez Catholic High School
  • Sanaii Gaines, Spruce Creek High School
  • Jada Hawkins, Spruce Creek High School
  • Karina Marcelus, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Kylie Neira, DeLand High School
  • Mikayla Palmer, Spruce Creek High School
  • Arianna Roy, Spruce Creek High School
  • Mackenzie Roy, Spruce Creek High School
  • Maya Tyson, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Amyah Watlington, Mainland High School

Boys weightlifting      

  • Winder Altinor, Atlantic High School
  • Maverick Grimm, Father Lopez Catholic High School
  • Isaiah McCloud, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Armoni Spurlock, New Smyrna Beach High School
  • Cody Strawser, Flagler Palm Coast High School
  • Luke Strickland, Spruce Creek High School



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Spanish national team player arrives in the Adriatic

The new addition to Jadran m:tel for the next season is Spanish water polo player Francisco Valera Calatrava at Škver. The Spanish international played for Sabadell last season. He participated in two World Championships with the Spanish national team, winning bronze medals both times. He also won bronze at the European Championships. He won two […]

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The new addition to Jadran m:tel for the next season is Spanish water polo player Francisco Valera Calatrava at Škver.

The Spanish international played for Sabadell last season.

He participated in two World Championships with the Spanish national team, winning bronze medals both times. He also won bronze at the European Championships.

He won two gold medals at two World Cups and has a bronze medal in the World League.

Jadran previously hired Lazar Andrić and Danilo Merkulov.


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Bruce Green: Are your feet touching the bottom? | Community

Our three grandsons were watching a water polo match on television during last summer’s Olympic Games. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked like a great time. But […]

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Our three grandsons were watching a water polo match on television during last summer’s Olympic Games. The players were jostling for position, splashing up a storm, all while trying to either throw a ball into the net or prevent the other team from doing so. The boys thought it looked like a great time.

But there was one small question they had (I think they had been discussing it before I came into the room). They wanted me to confirm that the players were standing on the bottom of the pool while doing these things. I broke the news to them that this wasn’t the case – they were treading water. They looked at me incredulously and I could tell that water polo now looked much less like fun and much more like work.

Bruce Green has served as a teaching minister for several churches. He and his wife, Janice, recently moved to Searcy. You can find more of Bruce Green’s writings at atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.



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Celebrate the Outdoors on National Play Outside Day

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities to get outside and stay active. Whether you’re […]

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Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — July is National Park & Recreation Month—a nationwide celebration of the ways parks, green spaces, and outdoor activities contribute to healthier, more connected communities. From local trails and scenic bays to playgrounds and beaches, the Alabama Gulf Coast offers endless opportunities to get outside and stay active. Whether you’re hiking shaded trails, paddling calm waters, or gathering for a family picnic, the month invites everyone to embrace the outdoors and make the most of the region’s natural spaces.


In that same spirit, the first Saturday of each month marks National Play Outside Day, a grassroots movement that began in 2011 to encourage families to unplug and rediscover the simple joys of outdoor play. According to the

National Play Outside Day website, this day was founded by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda Abeyta, the initiative was created to push back against screen overload and reignite creativity, movement, and connection across all ages. It’s a day to lace up your shoes, grab some sunscreen, and head outdoors for fresh air and fun.


Spending time outside isn’t just enjoyable—it’s good for you. Outdoor activity can lift your mood, reduce stress, and support physical health. For children especially, nature encourages imaginative play through hands-on experiences like climbing, building, and exploring. These shared moments—whether catching a sunset, playing a game, or stargazing—help build stronger family bonds and lasting memories.

Also see:
Celebrate Park and Recreation Month with the City of Orange Beach this July


Outdoor Adventures in Our Area

1. Beaches & Bay

  • Gulf Shores and Orange Beach’s Public Beaches – Perfect for shelling, beach games, or family paddle boarding.
  • Orange Beach Waterfront Park – Offers picnic shelters, bay access, and calm water ideal for kids and kayaking.

2. Gulf State Park

  • Trails: Over 27 miles of multi-use trails, including the award-winning Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail—one of USA Today’s top U.S. trails for three years running.
  • Lake Shelby: Fishing, canoeing, or kayaking on a scenic freshwater lake.
  • Fishing Pier & Nature Center: A great place for both education and recreation.

3. Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge

Traverse scrub forests, and marsh—home to sea turtles, migratory birds, and diverse wildlife. Trails like Jeff Friend and Pine Beach offer 5 miles of exploration.


4. Trails & Parks Beyond

  • Fort Morgan Road Trail & Coyote Crossing – Ideal for biking or hiking.
  • Baldwin County Bicentennial Park – Enjoy playgrounds, sports fields, and open green spaces.


Simple Ways to Celebrate Today

Choose any—or all—of these fun, low-cost ideas:

  • Family picnic at Gulf State Park Pavilion or waterfront shelters.
  • Bike ride or hike along scenic Gulf State Park trails.
  • Shell hunting or wading on the sand at dawn or sunset.
  • Nature scavenger hunt at Bon Secour or Bicentennial Park—spot birds, shells, plants.
  • Games & sports: kickball, Frisbee, beach volleyball, or a casual game of catch.
  • Stargazing tonight—head to less-lit beaches or bay shore for an unobstructed view.

This year, July 5th is a date to rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor play. From bay breezes and beachcombing to biking and birdwatching, our region offers a wealth of natural playgrounds. Whether you’re with kids, parents, or friends, today is a perfect day to unplug, reconnect, and make lasting summer memories in the great outdoors.



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Four Lions headed to Greece | News, Sports, Jobs

UNIVERSITY PARK – Four Penn State student-athlete are among the contingent of students traveling to Greece as part of Harvard’s Sport and Education Program: from Ancient Olympia to the Present. The student-athletes participating in the trip, which will take place from July 7-11 in Olympia at the International Olympic Academy (IOA), are wrestling’s Hayden Cunningham, […]

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UNIVERSITY PARK – Four Penn State student-athlete are among the contingent of students traveling to Greece as part of Harvard’s Sport and Education Program: from Ancient Olympia to the Present. The student-athletes participating in the trip, which will take place from July 7-11 in Olympia at the International Olympic Academy (IOA), are wrestling’s Hayden Cunningham, women’s lacrosse’s Abby Baker, and track & field’s Madeleine Söderqvist and Gabriella Recce. The IOA and the Greek General Secretariate of Sport sponsor the program.

For five days this diverse body of students and faculty from Penn State, Harvard, Texas, Dartmouth and Greek universities will convene in the birthplace of the Olympic Games to examine how sport shaped ancient models of knowledge and how, in turn, the ancient athletic-knowledge complex served as a model for modern universities and professional sports.

“I am thrilled and grateful to be able to share this opportunity with Penn State’s student-athletes,” . The chance to learn, think, and talk about the connections between sport and education at the site of the ancient Olympic Games–and to do it with top scholars and students from around the world–is extraordinary.

In the state-of-the-art facilities of the IOA, participants will explore the historical, social and practical connections between sport and education from the ancient Olympics to the modern university system. Faculty-led sessions will take place on the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia and the Museum of the History of the Olympic Game of Antiquity to give students a vital connection to the past.

Faculty members for this year’s program include Schultz, Charles Stocking Academic Director of the Sport and Education Program and associate professor of kinesiology at Texas, Heather Reid, Scholar in Residence at the Exedra Mediterranean Center, and Georgios Mouratidis, assistant director of the British School at Athens. Guest speakers for this program include George Mavrotas, Secretary General of Sports and former Greek Water Polo team captain, Mark Schiefsky, Director of the Center for Hellenic Studies at Harvard and Erin West, Assistant AD for student-athlete development and academic integration at Harvard.



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FSU's Brown Named NSMA's “Big House” Gaines Coach of the Year

Women’s Basketball | 7/5/2025 8:30:00 AM Story Links photo credit: Brian Westerholt/SportsOnFilm/NSMA Winston-Salem, NC — Tyreece Brown, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fayetteville State University, has been recognized as the Clarence “Big House” Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). This prestigious award was presented during the NSMA’s […]

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FSU's Brown Named NSMA's “Big House” Gaines Coach of the Year

Women’s Basketball | 7/5/2025 8:30:00 AM

Story Links

Tyreece Brown NSMA
photo credit: Brian Westerholt/SportsOnFilm/NSMA

Winston-Salem, NC — Tyreece Brown, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fayetteville State University, has been recognized as the Clarence “Big House” Gaines College Basketball Coach of the Year by the National Sports Media Association (NSMA). This prestigious award was presented during the NSMA’s 65th awards banquet held at Grandover Resort & Spa – a Wyndham Grand Hotel, in Greensboro, North Carolina, on June 30, 2025.
 
Assuming the interim role as head coach of the Fayetteville State women’s basketball program in the 2023-24 season, Coach Brown led the Broncos to a remarkable record-breaking 29-3 regular season record and 17-1 CIAA standing, securing a CIAA Tournament championship, and achieving a historic first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen. Following the interim period, the Broncos maintained their impressive performance, finishing with an overall record of 21-8, 13-3 in conference, and capturing their second consecutive CIAA Tournament championship. This marked the first time in program history that the team had won back-to-back conference tournament titles.
 
A native of Philadelphia, Coach Brown graduated from Fayetteville State University in 2008, where he served as a two-year starter for the Broncos. He subsequently completed his master’s degree in business with a leadership concentration from Liberty University in 2013. His coaching career commenced as an assistant coach with the women’s basketball team at his alma mater in 2011, and he also served as a head cross-country coach for both programs in 2015. Currently, Coach Brown resides in Fayetteville with his wife, Kieauna, and is the parent of two daughters.
 
Clarence “Big House” Gaines had an extraordinary 47-year coaching career at Winston-Salem State University. Coach Gaines amassed 828 wins, led his team to the 1967 NCAA Division II Championship—the first national title ever won by an historically black college and university (HBCU)—and mentored countless young athletes, including NBA legend Earl “The Pearl” Monroe. A member of both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame, Gaines was more than a coach; he was a mentor, educator, and community leader whose legacy of excellence, perseverance, and integrity continues to inspire generations. This award recognizes his enduring impact on sports, education, and the struggle for equality.
 

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Man with chronic lung condition speaks out

Power cuts may be inconvenient for most, but for Paul Buhagiar, they could be fatal. The 65-year-old, a former policeman and water polo player, suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and is now homebound in his Santa Venera apartment. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition and is characterised by scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue, […]

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Power cuts may be inconvenient for most, but for Paul Buhagiar, they could be fatal.

The 65-year-old, a former policeman and water polo player, suffers from pulmonary fibrosis and is now homebound in his Santa Venera apartment.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic lung condition and is characterised by scarring and stiffening of the lung tissue, making it difficult for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream.

He takes over 700 pills a month, some funded by the government, others paid out of his own pocket, and relies on an oxygen machine to stay alive.

So when the electricity goes off, so does his only source of oxygen.

Paul Buhagiar said he has made peace with the idea of death, but not the fear that a power cut could bring it on suddenly.Paul Buhagiar said he has made peace with the idea of death, but not the fear that a power cut could bring it on suddenly.

He shared his story with Hospice Malta in a video interview ahead of this Sunday’s 12-hour telethon, themed Ħajja sal-aħħar [Life till the end].

“I am apparently electrically operated. If the electricity stops, so do I,” he shared. “If you don’t get it back within a few minutes, you’re gone. You turn purple. I have already had a number of close shaves when the electricity goes,” said the pragmatic Buhagiar.

Buhagiar speaking from his home. Vidoe: Hospice

Speaking to Times of Malta, he said he has made peace with the idea of death, but not the fear that a power cut could bring it on suddenly.

“I know where I am heading, so I am not scared to die. I’ve lived a good life,” he said.

“But sometimes the power cuts are the only thing that run through my mind. So much so I am scared to sleep sometimes,” he said.

One of his greatest worries is that a power cut will hit while he’s asleep and unable to react.

“This is my biggest concern these days,” said Buhagiar.

He noted that he even got a generator to use as backup just in case, but due to the heat in summer, even that can overheat and stop.

Paul Buhagiar used to be very keen on fishing.Paul Buhagiar used to be very keen on fishing.

Buhagiar has lived with the condition for around 20 years, but his health has sharply declined over the past two years and he has been using Hospice’s services since June last year. He now only leaves the house for hospital visits.

Despite the challenges, he maintains an upbeat outlook and reflects fondly on his life.

“I have enjoyed my life. I lived in the UK and spent a lot of time at sea, swimming or fishing. Being by the sea used to make me very happy.”

Though his world has shrunk, he still finds joy in visits from friends and family and watching sports. The care he receives from Hospice Malta has become a vital source of comfort.

“To me hospice is like a second mum. Because I am being loved as much as a mother would her child,” said Buhagiar. He shared that he feels incredibly supported and lucky to receive this service.

Paul Buhagiar after a fishing trip.Paul Buhagiar after a fishing trip.

Hospice Malta has supported 1,560 patients this year and now operates from the new St Michael Hospice, which will soon house 16 in-patient rooms. Demand is rising and according to Hospice they receive three new patients each day. Sunday’s telethon (11am–11pm) will be aired on every local station and will help fund its free professional home and hospice care.

“What you have to do it because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” shared Buhagiar as a reminder for anyone willing to listen.



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