Marion County's Rising Stars: Meet the Best Female Athletes of 2025!

Belleview, Florida, USA - As the excitement builds around local high school sports in Marion County, the Ocala Star Banner has recently kicked off their annual recognition of outstanding female athletes. The winners for the athlete of the year honors will be unveiled on June 16, following a fan voting period that promises to highlight some truly remarkable achievements in various sports throughout the 2024-25 season. The MESPY’s gala announcement on May 27 set the stage for these prestigious accolades, celebrating excellence in high school athletics for our young women.

What about the standout stars? This year, the co-volleyball players of the year are Maddie Hewitson from Trinity Catholic and Rylee Palmateer from St. John Lutheran. Both athletes are recognized not just for their numbers but for their impact on the game, setting a high bar for their peers. Particularly impressive was Maddie Hewitson, who led her team with a whopping 220 kills, showcasing her skills both offensively and defensively.

A Highlights Reel of Talent

Other athletes making waves include Jakyra Bostick, who not only excelled in flag football but also set county records in several categories, and Isabel Head from West Port, who shattered the school record for the 400m race. This year in bowling, Madison Rodgers continued her dominance with her third consecutive Player of the Year award, an impressive feat that speaks volumes about her consistent performance.

Golf aficionados will be keen to hear about Haley Davis from Forest, who clinched her third MAC championship in style, winning by a notable seven strokes. Meanwhile, Campbell Stever from Vanguard earned state titles in both the 200- and 500-yard swims, putting her on the radar for future aquatic stars. It seems this year has truly been a golden one for local sports, with more stories just waiting to unfold.

The Track and Field Phenoms

Among the athletes, Hope Willis stands out for her prowess in track and field. She has firmly established herself as one of the premier athletes in Marion County, qualifying for the FHSAA track meet in three different disciplines: discus, high jump, and shot put. Incredibly, Willis medaled in discus and made it to the top ten for both high jump and shot put, becoming a role model for many aspiring young athletes in the area Steelers Wire reports.

Her commitment shines through as she juggles multiple sports, including softball and flag football, all while making a name for her track performances. Coach Tony McCall praises Willis’s work ethic and adaptation to this challenging sport, which she embraced wholeheartedly despite her newcomer status. With records shattered and ambitious goals set, including aiming for a 5’6″ long jump, her journey in athletics is just beginning Ocala Star Banner adds.

Looking Toward the Future

With so many inspiring athletes gracing the local sports scene, the anticipation for the upcoming announcement of the athlete of the year seems almost palpable. The contributions of Aaliyah Grant in basketball, who led the county in points and rebounds, and Ruby Scott in soccer, the county’s top scorer, only add to the excitement and diversity of talent showcased this season. It is heartening to witness young female athletes breaking barriers and setting new standards in their respective sports.

As the June 16 date approaches, one thing is for certain: the future of sports in Marion County looks bright. With these rising stars paving the way, there’s plenty to cheer for as we celebrate their achievements and the spirit of community that binds us all. Who will take home the title of the Ocala Star Banner’s Girls Athlete of the Year? We can’t wait to find out!