Posted by Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti on 4/24/2025 2:00:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fla. – (April 24, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools honored our winter sports student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Winter Sports Awards on Thursday, April 24th.
Team GPA Awards
Lennard Girls Basketball – 3.790 GPA
Wharton Boys Basketball – 3.684 GPA
Steinbrenner Girls Soccer – 3.909 GPA
Plant Boys Soccer – 3.684 GPA
Bloomingdale Girls Wrestling – 3.710 GPA
Newsome Boys Wrestling – 3.629 GPA
Bloomingdale Cheerleading – 3.742 GPA
Dottie McGahagin Girls Basketball Award
Noelle Mengel, Bloomingdale High School
A standout four-year letterman and team leader, Noelle Mengel excelled as a guard for Bloomingdale High School. Averaging 14.3 points per game on 62% shooting from two-point range, 31% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 89% from the free-throw line, she’s known for her elite scoring ability at all levels. Noelle was a key contributor in Bloomingdale’s dominant 106-15 four-year run, which included four district titles, three regional championships, a state runner-up finish, and a state championship. Her high basketball IQ, leadership, and defensive improvement helped drive her team’s success. Noelle holds a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 5.88 weighted GPA. She will attend the University of Tampa on a full athletic scholarship and plans to major in medicine.
Alston “Mac” McGahagin Boys Basketball Award
Gavin Tinsley, Plant City High School
A four-year varsity letterman, Gavin Tinsley dominated as a 6’7” forward at Plant City High School. With career stats that include 1,232 points and averages of 19 points, 7.8 rebounds, and nearly 2 assists per game, Gavin led his team in scoring for multiple seasons. His coach describes him as a versatile, team-first player with a high basketball IQ and elite efficiency, shooting over 60% from the field. Gavin has a 3.24 GPA and will continue his academic and athletic career at Mississippi State University, where he plans to major in social work.
Williamson-Snapp Outstanding Cheerleader Award
Skylar Mayer, Plant High School
A three-year varsity cheerleader and team captain, Skylar Mayer is known for her leadership, resilience, and skill. From standing tucks to layouts, she brings strong technique to every routine. As a captain, she guided her team through a season of changes, helping teammates adjust to new roles and routines. She’s a UCA All-American, Western Conference MVP, and a key part of the 2A Small Varsity State Runner-Up team. Skylar is also a National AP Scholar, maintaining a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 6.8 weighted GPA. She plans to attend Wake Forest University and major in business management.
Hillsborough County Female Wrestler of the Year
Ariel Goble, Strawberry Crest High School
A four-year letter winner, Ariel Goble finishes her high school wrestling career with an 89-29 record and 54 pins. She’s a two-time state qualifier, three-time county champion, and has earned titles at multiple major tournaments. Ariel’s leadership helped grow the girls’ team from just 3 athletes to over 15, culminating in a county team title. She is an IB student with a 3.4 unweighted GPA and a 5.5 weighted GPA, all while supporting her family and training outside of school. Ariel is considering a major in criminal justice or law.
Hillsborough County Male Wrestler of the Year
Alecsander Rego, Brandon High School
A two-year varsity wrestler, Alecsander Rego boasts a 78-18 record with 43 pins. He capped off his senior year with a 46-5 record, a fourth-place state finish, and victories in six individual tournaments. Known for his unmatched work ethic and academic excellence, Alecsander helped lead his team to top performances both on the mat and in the classroom. He has a 3.4 unweighted GPA and a 5.1 weighted GPA. Alecsander plans to attend the Merchant Marine Academy in Maine.
Joel Medgebow Wrestling Coach of the Year
Adam Cain, Armwood High School
Adam Cain has revitalized the wrestling program at Armwood High School, transforming it into a competitive powerhouse for both boys and girls. His leadership has produced multiple divisional champions and top-ranked wrestlers, leading to the team’s #21 ranking in Class 3A. Cain also championed opportunities for female athletes by hosting the Girls’ District Tournament. This season, his team finished as district runners-up and placed two athletes in the top four at state. Known for his character and commitment, Cain has made a lasting impact across the county’s wrestling community.