As of today, March 9, 2026, Florida’s high school sports scene is buzzing with excitement, especially with the recent nominations for the PNJ Girls Athlete of the Week! This vibrant showcase of athletic talent features eight nominees from various schools, each bringing their unique flair and achievements to the table. The voting period ran from March 2 to March 7, and it’s now a thrilling time for fans and supporters to rally behind their favorite athletes.

This week’s nominees highlight some impressive performances. Among them, Lacey Riley from Navarre Lacrosse made waves with 3 goals and 11 assists in a dominant 20-2 victory on March 3. Mylee Frazier from Jay Softball showcased her skills with a .444 batting average, 3 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 7 runs at the Florida USA Softball Challenge. Other notable performances included Claire Hedgepeth from Escambia Softball, who went 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, 7 RBIs, and 4 runs in a whopping 28-8 win on March 3. Each athlete has something special to offer!

Highlights from the Week

In addition to the nominees, there were some standout achievements across various sports. Two talented girls’ wrestlers from Pensacola, Camdyn Elliott from Gulf Breeze and Kiiaana Gavere from Pace, clinched individual state championships in their weight classes. Gavere’s victory is particularly historic as she became the first female wrestling state champion for Pace High School.

On the basketball front, the Booker T. Washington Girls Basketball team is gearing up for an exciting matchup in the 5A state semifinals against Kissimmee Gateway on March 11 at 2 PM CT, held at the UNF Arena in Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the baseball and softball teams have also had a remarkable week, with Evan Taylor from Tate hitting three home runs and Lance Brady and Jackson Boutwell throwing no-hitters. The Tate Softball team, along with Jay, Northview, and Pace, also had strong showings at the Florida USA Softball Challenge in Panama City.

Athletic Achievements

In track and field, Khylen Eccles from Pensacola achieved a remarkable high jump of 6 feet, 7.75 inches at the Saraland Invitational on March 6, marking the best record in 2A. Jaimee Tutton from Pensacola Christian was another athlete to watch, winning the 800m, 1600m, 3200m, and 4×800 relay races on March 2. These performances are just a few examples of the hard work and dedication that our young athletes are putting into their sports.

Voting for the PNJ Girls Athlete of the Week ended on Saturday at 11 AM, with the winners announced on Monday. Last week, Zaden Purifoy from Pensacola Catholic and Sally Alberson from Gulf Breeze took home the honors, adding to the competitive spirit of the event. Nominations for future athletes can be submitted via phone or email, ensuring that every deserving athlete gets their chance to shine!

Supporting Women’s Sports

In a broader context, the Florida State Board of Education has recently taken significant steps to protect women and girls in sports. On May 29, 2024, they unanimously approved changes to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) statutes, ensuring that students compete based on their biological sex. This move aligns with Governor Ron DeSantis’s stance against proposed changes to Title IX protections for women and girls by the Biden Administration. The new measures aim to safeguard equality for female athletes while enhancing overall school safety measures.

With changes set to take effect in the 2024-25 school year, Florida’s commitment to supporting female athletes is more important than ever. As we celebrate the achievements of our local athletes, we also recognize the ongoing efforts to ensure a fair and safe competitive environment for all. For more details on these developments, you can check out the full story here.

For the latest updates on our local sports scene, including the results of the Athlete of the Week voting, stay tuned! With so much talent and determination on display, it’s an exciting time for high school sports in Florida.