Posted by
Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
on
5/16/2024 1:35:00 PM
For Immediate Release
Contact: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fla. – (May 15, 2024) – Hillsborough County Public Schools honored student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Spring Sports Awards on Thursday, May 16th.
Team Academic GPA Awards
Newsome Baseball – 3.791 GPA
Newsome Softball – 3.675 GPA
Steinbrenner Boys Track – 3.580 GPA
Plant Girls Track – 3.713 GPA
Armwood Boys Tennis – 3.850 GPA
Newsome Girls Tennis – 3.932 GPA
Alonso Girls Flag Football – 3.714 GPA
Robinson Boys Lacrosse – 3.587 GPA
Newsome Girls Lacrosse – 3.767 GPA
Newsome Girls Wrestling – 3.763 GPA
Brandon Boys Wrestling – 3.491 GPA
Female Wrestler of the Year
Arden Swindle, Strawberry Crest High School
Arden started wrestling in 10th grade. Her record was 15-1 as a sophomore, 23-3 as a junior, and 17-6 for her senior year. She is a two-time state qualifier and a three-time region qualifier. In 2023 she was the Ben Richards Tournament runner-up and placed third at the 2023 Let Freedom Ring 2023 Tournament. She is the two-time Hillsborough County Champ and the 2024 FHSAA District Champion. Her coach said she is an excellent wrestler that is very positive and motivates those around her. She is a team leader and one of the most accomplished female wrestlers in the school’s history. Arden’s Weighted GPA is 4.1 and her Unweighted GPA is 3.7. She will be attending Hillsborough Community College and plans to major in Nursing.
Male Wrestler of the Year
Thomas Gernhart, Brandon High School
Thomas “TJ” has wrestled all four years in high school and was the varsity team captain for years. He has 100 career pins with 138 wins and 18 losses. He is a three-time state placer and three-time District Champion. As a freshman he was fourth at States at 106 pounds; District Champion; and second in Regions. As a sophomore his varsity record was 11-3 before he suffered a knee injury and was out for the season. As a junior his record was 45-9; District Champion; second in Regions; and seventh in the State. His senior year his record was 56-1; District Champion; Region Champion; and third in State. His coach said he has a positive attitude and a great spirit for competitiveness. He has a high moral fiber for athletics, sportsmanship, and academic accountability. TJ’s Weighted GPA is 3.0 and his Unweighted GPA is 2.6. He will be attending Coker University on a wrestling scholarship.
Joel Medgebow Wrestling Coach of the Year
Mark Church, Bloomingdale High School
Mark Church is the head wrestling coach as well as the assistant girls wrestling coach. His team was in the top-three finish in the Jerry Mita Memorial, the Ben Richards Memorial, County Championships, and Districts. The team placed first at the John Joyce Memorial. He had nine regional qualifiers, four state qualifiers, and one medalist. He is building the girls program with two regional qualifiers this year. His fellow wrestling coaches said he is a great coach. He shows great character and devotion. He excels in the sport and sets a great example. His APA, Sara Bogue, said Coach Church has continued to grow our wrestling program this year and always puts his athletes in the best position to be successful. He is constantly challenging his best wrestlers to never settle while also encouraging and providing opportunities to those who are brand new to the sport. His wrestling knowledge is unmatched, and he gives countless hours to his athletes and the sport of wrestling. He has high expectations and holds his athletes accountable on and off the mat. Bloomingdale is lucky to have him as part of our team!
Happy Home Center Outstanding Flag Football Player of the Year
Abigail Elwell, Lennard High School
Abigail “Abby” is the team quarterback and a linebacker. She has been the quarterback of the team since her freshman year. Her freshman year she was third team All-State and second team Western Conference. Her sophomore year she was second team All-State and first team Western Conference. Her junior year she was in the first team All-State and first team Western Conference. She finishes her senior year as the school’s all-time leading passer in yards with over 15,000 yards and all-time passing touchdowns leader with 220. She has the most wins as a QB with 57. Her coach said she leads by example with kindness, friendship, and commitment. She was the team captain in her junior and senior year. She is one of the most truth worthy kids he has ever coached. He has no worries that she’s not doing what she’s supposed to do when she’s supposed to do it at the best of her abilities. Abby is who she is 24/7 and that is an outstanding young adult. Abby’s Weighted GPA is 7.56 and her Unweighted GPA is 4.0. She will be attending the University of Florida and plans to major in exercise science.
Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award - Male
Nathan Ly, Armwood High School
Nathan lettered all four years in tennis and is a four-year team captain. His performance this season has led him to a 7-3 personal record which he has reached through his strong serve, consistent returns, and adaptable gameplay. His coach said his leadership ability is seen in his selfless love for the game and his willingness to share that knowledge. Without asking, he can count on him to work with the players and to have the patience to go over every detail and mechanic necessary to improve their game. This knowledge is not just for the younger players on the team but for all his teammates. No matter the skill level of the player, they will go to Nathan to look at their play and get feedback on how to improve it. He always has a cool head and is a voice of reason on the team when frustrations come up. He has proven himself to be an upstanding athlete and teammate. His character is shown by his honesty and pride. Whether it benefits his team or not, he will uphold the rules and regulations of the game. He is also someone who will treat every player with respect no matter their level. His kindness and character set a precedent for the team and gives a model for the younger players to look up to. Nathan’s Weighted GPA is 7.04 and his Unweighted GPA is 4.0. He will be attending the University of Florida and plans to major in electrical engineering.
HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player - Female
Reagan Quinn, Plant High School
Reagan has been a starter in lacrosse for the last three years. She played attack and some midfield. She has impressive stats this season with 18 goals, 17 assists, 21 ground balls, and 8 takeaways to date. Her team made it to the State Final Four. She was selected as the team captain in 2024. Her coach said she is a dominant player with a high level of lacrosse skill. She is a quiet, thoughtful leader. She lets her play speak for itself and always exhibits a level of sportsmanship that we want all our players to emulate. She never takes off a single rep. She is always willing to help less experienced/less skilled players by pulling them aside to explain concepts and by working to help them improve. She never stops pushing her teammates to practice and play their best. While other players worry about their individual stats, she reminds her teammates that it’s about more than winning, and she models that sportsmanship for her team. She makes a difference when she is on the field. Her high level of stick skills, lacrosse IQ, speed, and stamina made her a key component of the team's push getting to States. Reagan’s Weighted GPA is 4.4 and her Unweighted GPA is 3.7. She will be attending The Catholic University of America where she committed for lacrosse and plans to major in business/marketing.
HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player - Male
James Gataky, Plant High School
James was the team’s goalie. His team made it to the State Final Four. He was selected as the team captain in 2024. His coach said he leads by example and inspires his teammates to be their best every day and holds them to high standards. He takes accountability and has been instrumental in changing the team’s culture on and off the field. He excels not only on the field as a player but off the field as a friend, mentor, and leader. At the beginning of the year the coach asked the seniors what their goal for the year was and he immediately responded, “to change the culture” and to “leave the program better than he found”. He has stuck to that mission day in and day out and the program has changed for the better because of James’ leadership, attitude, and work ethic. James’ Weighted GPA is 5.94 and his Unweighted GPA is 3.33. He will be attending Colorado University of Boulder and plans to major in history.