As we dive into the excitement of high school athletics in Edgewood, the PuroClean of Melbourne Girls Athlete of the Week nominations for the period of February 23 to 28, 2026, are officially open! This is a fantastic opportunity for local athletes to gain recognition for their hard work and impressive performances on the field.
Voting for this week’s nominees can be done on 321preps.com and floridatoday.com until Thursday, March 5, at 12 PM. Remember, votes are limited to one per device and hour, so make sure to cast your vote wisely!
Meet the Nominees
This week’s nominees showcase a range of talents across different sports:
- Layna Ayala (Melbourne Softball) – She made quite an impact with 6 RBIs, 4 hits, 3 runs, and 1 home run against Rockledge on February 24, followed by an additional 2 RBIs, 2 hits, and 1 run in a match against Lake Mary on February 26.
- Diamond Bryant (Cocoa Track and Field) – Diamond clinched 1st place in both the 100 meters (11.88 seconds) and the 200 meters (24.91 seconds). Plus, she was part of the victorious 4×100 relay team at the Cocoa Invitational on February 28.
- Leila Bryant (Holy Trinity Basketball) – Leila put on a show with an impressive 27 points in the Region 2-2A Final against John Carroll Catholic on February 27.
- Celina Coryell (Satellite Track and Field) – Celina achieved a personal best of 5:00.16 in the 1,600 meters at the Reggie Johnson Invitational on February 27, and she also contributed to her team’s success in the 4×400 relay.
- Sophia Kachouroff (Merritt Island Christian Softball) – Sophia had a standout performance with 5 RBIs, 3 hits, and 2 runs against Cocoa on February 23.
The last winner of this honored title was Ryauna Nepomuceno from Viera Wrestling, continuing a legacy of outstanding athletic achievement in our community.
How to Nominate
Coaches and Athletic Directors are encouraged to nominate deserving athletes by sending their nominations to Prepscores@floridatoday.com by Sunday at 10 AM. This is a great way to ensure your athlete gets the recognition they deserve!
Looking Back at Previous Winners
This season has seen an impressive roster of winners, including:
- Ryauna Nepomuceno (Viera Wrestling)
- Malia Santos (Cocoa Beach Wrestling)
- Rylee Beville (Cocoa Beach Wrestling)
- Aaliyah Lawrence (Melbourne Central Catholic Basketball)
- Scottlyn Canarelli (Cocoa Beach Soccer)
These athletes represent just a slice of the talent that our local sports scene has to offer.
For more details about the voting process and to see past nominees and winners, check out the full article on Florida Today.
As we celebrate the achievements of our local athletes, it’s important to remember the value of fitness, perseverance, and the joy of movement. The Deutsche Sportabzeichen program highlights these values and provides statistics on participation and achievements, showing how sports can bring communities together and inspire individuals across all age groups.
So let’s rally behind our nominees and show our support! Your vote could help shine a light on the dedication and talent within our high school sports community.