Vote Now: Who Will Be Sarasota-Manatee's Top High School Girls Team?

777 N Tamiami Trl, Sarasota, FL 34236, USA - The spotlight was shining bright on local high school athletes during the annual Sarasota-Manatee High School Sports Awards Show, held on May 30, 2025, at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall. This gala event served to honor the hard work and dedication of teams and individual athletes from across the region. The evening culminated in the announcement of the prestigious title: Girls Team of the Year, a category claimed by the Cardinal Mooney basketball team after an impressive run culminating with their Class 2A state title.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! A public poll has been opened for the community to weigh in on who should be honored as the best high school girls team for the 2024-25 school year from Sarasota and Manatee counties. Voting is open until 10 a.m. on June 27, 2025. [Herald-Tribune] reports that the nominees for this poll include a diverse blend of talented teams.

Nominees for the Public Poll

The nominees span various sports, showcasing the wide array of athletic talent in our local schools:

• Basketball:
  • Booker: Record of 20-7, clinching the Class 4A-District 11 title, but falling short in the Class 4A state semifinal.
  • Cardinal Mooney Catholic: With a stellar record of 24-9, they secured their fifth consecutive regional title and walked away with the Class 3A state title.
  • Venice: Closing the season with a record of 19-6 but lost in the Class 7A regional final.
• Lacrosse:
  • Bradenton Christian: Finished the season 13-4, taking the Class 1A-District 10 championship but falling in the Class 1A regional final.
  • Manatee: Achieved a record of 13-7, ranked eighth in Class 2A, before their loss in the Class 2A regional final.
• Soccer:
  • Lakewood Ranch: Had a record of 15-5-2, claiming the Class 6A-District 11 title only to be ousted in the Class 6A state semifinal.
• Softball:
  • Parrish Community: With a remarkable record of 26-4, they won their fourth consecutive district title but were halted in the Class 6A state semifinal.
  • Sarasota: Offered a strong showing with a record of 21-8 and won the Class 7A region championship, though they too fell in the Class 7A state semifinal.
• Tennis:
  • Lakewood Ranch: Finished the season strong, placing third in the district meet with a record of 12-2.
• Track & Field:
  • Saint Stephen’s: Encountered a tough competition, tying for eighth place at the Class 1A state meet and finishing fourth at the Manatee County Championships.
• Volleyball:
  • Cardinal Mooney Catholic: Closed the season at 22-5, yet faced a loss in the Class 3A regional final.
  • Venice: Recorded a solid 19-6 but, like Cardinal Mooney, ended their run in the Class 7A regional final.

A Celebration of Athletes

The Sarasota and Manatee High School Sports Awards is not just about winning; it’s a celebration of athletic achievements, camaraderie, and the spirit of competition. As detailed by [USA Today Sports Awards], guests enjoyed an elegant evening with doors opening at 6 p.m. for a reception that offered mingling, photographs, and a chance for athletes to socialize in an exclusive area dubbed “The Clubhouse.” At 7 p.m., the awards ceremony officially kicked off.

The event, presented by Sarasota Ford and powered by the Herald-Tribune, aimed to honor all nominated athletes and announce the Players of the Year winners and special awards. For those unable to attend, details about the event and ticket purchasing were available on the program website, which also included information on parking and the night’s schedule. Tickets were complimentary for nominated athletes, with friends and family able to attend for a purchase fee, making it an occasion for everyone involved.

As we approach the closing of voting on June 27, let’s support our local teams by casting our votes. After all, there’s something to be said for showing appreciation for the hard work and dedication these young athletes put into their sports.

Looking to relive the evening or catch up on all the celebrations? Check out the full details of the event here.