FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Link to photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/ugzcw14usmr204tgqhjxw/ANJHMyB78Cap0kZ0dw7dW2M?rlkey=cetr1ln1h4hjvfyzj9iagqtex&st=5a4vwz2r&dl=0
Tampa, Fla. – (May 7, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools honored our spring sports student athletes for individual awards and team GPA awards at their Spring Sports Awards on Thursday, May 7th.
Team GPA Awards
Wharton Girls Tennis – 3.903 GPA
Steinbrenner Boys Tennis – 3.852 GPA
Lennard Girls Flag Football – 3.840 GPA
Sickles Girls Lacrosse – 3.773 GPA
Wharton Softball – 3.716 GPA
Robinson Girls Track – 3.695 GPA
Bloomingdale Baseball – 3.641 GPA
Steinbrenner Boys Track – 3.474 GPA
Bloomingdale Boys Lacrosse – 3.390 GPA
Jack and Barbara Thompson Softball Player of the Year
Lillian Patton, Steinbrenner High School
Lillian is a four-year varsity letterwinner and pitcher for her school’s softball team, serving as a team captain for two years. A four-year starter, she finished her career with 44 wins and nine saves, holds the school’s career strikeout record with 378 strikeouts and posted a 1.95 career ERA, including 63 innings pitched with a 2.90 ERA this season. She earned First Team All‑Western Conference honors all four years of high school and was a high honor roll student each year, graduating with a 3.5 unweighted GPA and a 4.1 weighted GPA. Lillian is actively involved in DECA, HOSA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Key Club, completing more than 100 community service hours, and is described by her coach as a leader on and off the field who is consistently first to arrive and last to leave. She is committed to Rollins College, where she plans to major in health science.
Dwell & Company Outstanding Flag Football Player of the Year
Gabriella Werr, Alonso High School
Gabriella is a four‑year varsity letterwinner at quarterback and a team captain who led her school to a 2025 state championship and was named 2025 MaxPreps Florida Player of the Year. She earned 2025 FACA First Team All‑State honors, was a 2024 FACA All‑State selection, and competed as a member of the 2024 USA Football Junior National Team. Gabriella recently set her school’s career passing record and continues to add to her marks, throwing for 2,503 yards and 42 touchdowns through 10 games of the 2026 season after a standout 2025 campaign with 4,789 yards and 71 touchdowns. Her coach credits her with setting the tone for the team through confidence, accountability and leadership, noting her ability to align teammates around shared goals and elevate those around her. Gabriella graduated with a 3.91 unweighted GPA and a 6.19 weighted GPA and will attend Florida State University, where she plans to major in political science and pursue a future in government.
Andres Garcia Memorial Tennis Award – Female
Laila Clark, Bloomingdale High School
Laila is a four‑year varsity letterwinner in tennis and a team captain who served as her team’s No. 1 seed all four years. She earned First Team All‑Western Conference honors as a sophomore, junior and senior and advanced to the state tournament in doubles during the 2025 season. Her coach describes her as an exceptional leader and a trusted role model, noting her role in organizing teammates, sharing her tennis knowledge and setting a competitive tone at every match. Known for her resilience, accountability, and sportsmanship, Laila leads with humility and kindness while pushing herself and her teammates to continually improve. She graduated with a 3.8 unweighted GPA and a 5.6 weighted GPA and will attend Converse University, where she plans to major in engineering, accounting, or math.
HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player – Female
Elle Edwards, Steinbrenner High School
Elle is a four‑year varsity letterwinner and midfield player in lacrosse who serves as a team captain and has earned multiple conference and regional honors during her career. She was named Western Conference Second Team as a junior, selected to the All‑American South Burn Team, appeared on the Tampa Lax Report watch list for two years and was recognized as Tampa Lax Report Player of the Week 10 times. She was also drafted twice to the Girls All‑Conference Team Nil Nilly Draft. Her coach describes Elle as a composed and dependable leader who leads by example through consistent preparation, accountability and resilience, noting her ability to support teammates, communicate effectively and maintain integrity under pressure. Off the field, she is known for her humility, sportsmanship, and commitment to team success. Elle graduated with a 3.75 unweighted GPA and a 5.8 weighted GPA and is a Division I commit who will attend UNC Charlotte, where she plans to major in finance.
HALAX Outstanding Lacrosse Player – Male
Reece Sellers, Steinbrenner High School
Reece is a four‑year varsity letterwinner in lacrosse who plays defense and is regarded by his coach as a cornerstone of the program. Known for his consistency, toughness and high lacrosse IQ, he combines strong on‑ball pressure with excellent positioning and awareness, making him difficult to beat in one‑on‑one situations. Reece leads by example through his work ethic, composure and accountability, setting the standard for effort on the field while representing the program with maturity and integrity off the field. His coach notes his humility, positive attitude, and commitment to continuous improvement, as well as his support for teammates and pride in being part of something bigger than himself. Reece graduated with a 3.3 unweighted GPA and a 5.3 weighted GPA and will attend Minot State University, where he plans to major in business and finance.