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On Top of Their Game

These varsity athletes score big in more ways than one.

Amaya Ugarte, Windermere girls track
Ugarte, a senior, became Windermere’s first state champion in any sport when she claimed the triple jump title last spring. She is an eight-time state medalist in her career and is looking to go out with another remarkable season before moving on to Ohio State.

OFM: The 2019 season was memorable for you, as you placed in the top eight at states in four different events. What was the highlight?
AU:The state title, of course. I worked hard to get that title and overcame a lot of adversity. It means a lot [to make school history]. I can be the face of the [program] and the next generation can learn from me and pick up where I leave off.OFM: Did you think a state championship was attainable coming into last season?
AU:I knew it was attainable but I didn’t think it would come in that event, considering I just started the triple jump last year. All the hard work paid off. I continued to get up after getting knocked down and continued to critique things. My coaches pushed me and people on the boys side also helped me.OFM: You also compete in the long jump, the high jump and the hurdles. Do you have a favorite event?
AU:I would say either the high jump or the hurdles. I feel comfortable with all of them and I’ve been successful with all of them. It’s a lot of work but it’s fun. If you fail at one, there’s always another one you can depend on. It can be tiring—sometimes I only get 5 or 10 minutes in between events—but that’s OK.OFM: When did you start competing in track?
AU:I started in sixth grade but before that I was running with my dad. I was determined to beat him so that’s why I signed up. He was really fast but I eventually beat him.OFM: What are your goals for your senior season?
AU:My main goal is to get four more state titles, in all of my events. I also want to have fun because it’s my senior year and I’ve been doing this for a long time. It’s finally time to say goodbye to high school and move on to the next stage.OFM: What led to your decision to commit to Ohio State?
AU:I really liked how the team and coaches are like family. I like how big the school is and how supportive everybody is. The coaches seem like they work really hard and are committed. It’s just a big family, and I also have actual family [members] who live near there, so it felt comfortable.OFM: Are you nervous about going to school far from home?
AU:
A little bit. I’m terrified, actually, but it will be OK. The cold weather will be hard at first, but I’ll adapt.OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
AU:Not yet, but I am leaning toward the arts, like dance/music.OFM: What is your ultimate goal in track? Have you thought about the Olympics?
AU:Yes. I would love to get there. I want to work hard and train and hopefully make the Olympics.OFM: What was it like coming to a brand-new school when Windermere opened for your sophomore year?
AU:At first it was weird, but it eventually became like home. It was a weird transition because I had to leave some people I’ve known since elementary school, but it all worked out.OFM: What do you like to do for fun away from track?
AU:I like to dance and I’m in the orchestra, so I like to play music. I’ve been playing the violin since sixth grade.Dylan Crews, Lake Mary baseball
Considered one of the best high school prospects in the country, this senior center fielder batted .389 with 28 runs and 15 stolen bases as a junior. Named a Perfect Game All-American last summer, Crews is committed to LSU but is expected to be a high pick in June’s MLB Draft.

OFM: This is a big year for you with a lot of expectations. How are you handling the pressure that comes along with that?
DC: I don’t really look at it as pressure. I’ve worked really hard for moments like this, so you just have to take every day like it’s your last and give 110 percent. You don’t know what the next day holds for you.

OFM: You’ve played for 18U national team and played all over the country with other organizations. Do you still enjoy playing for the high school team?
DC: Oh yeah. I love going out there every day, playing with the guys at school and trying to compete for a state championship. It’s my last year so I’m trying to go out with a bang. I’m shooting for a state championship and I’m trying to break the stolen base record and hopefully the home run record too [for a single season]. I’m feeling really good right now so I feel like I can get those goals accomplished.

OFM: I hear you have a batting cage in your backyard, which allows you to spend a lot of hours working on your swing. Do you credit your development on your work ethic?
DC: Yes. Growing up I wasn’t the flashiest kid or a big-name kid. At 12 years old, I told my parents I wanted to be a major-leaguer someday. My parents are successful people and seeing how hard they work motivates me and makes me want to work every day.

OFM: Did your dad get you into baseball in the first place?
DC: Yes. He was a baseball player and he kind of introduced me to the game. I also had a hitting coach who unfortunately passed away, but he taught me everything that I needed to know about this game. He taught me how to work hard, because you’re not going to get anywhere if you don’t work. One of the things I carry along with me is that a lot of people can talk the talk, but not that many can walk the walk. I feel like that’s a big factor that separates me from a lot of people.

OFM: You’ve had a lot of memorable experiences in baseball the last few years. What stands out so far on your journey?
DC: It’s definitely been a very special journey. Not many kids can say they’ve played in multiple big-league stadiums and traveled the world with the national team. It’s very special and I’m very thankful for it.

OFM: Which MLB parks have you played in?
DC: I’ve played at Petco, I’ve played at the Diamondbacks’ stadium, I’ve played at Wrigley and Fenway, I’ve played at Tropicana Field and I’ve played at Dodger Stadium. That was pretty much all last summer—it was probably the best summer I ever had. I think my favorite one was Boston. I really liked the Green Monster and it’s very historic there.

OFM: Did you get a hit off the Green Monster?
DC: Yeah, I hit a double off the Green Monster. That was pretty sweet. Putting a dent off the Green Monster, where so many big-leaguers have put their mark, was cool.

OFM: But aren’t you a Yankee fan?
DC: Yes, I grew up a Yankee fan. I was a big Derek Jeter fan growing up. I just loved the way he played. They called him “The Captain” for a reason—he always gave 110 percent. Now that he’s retired my favorite player is Mike Trout. I model my game after him in every way I can, and hopefully I can be like him one day.

OFM: Didn’t you get to play for Derek Jeter?
DC: Yes, he was my coach in the PDP (Player Development Pipeline) League over at IMG Academy. He’s a great guy. He’s one of those guys you listen to the entire time he’s talking. The feedback he gives is amazing and it was really awesome to talk with him and get some pointers from him in every part of my game.

OFM: What made you commit to LSU?
DC: I was very open about it. I visited about 15 different schools my sophomore year and I wanted to see everything and get a taste of everything. When I stepped foot on LSU’s campus, you could kind of just feel it. There was something special about it and the people were amazing. I don’t ever have to worry about going hungry, because their food is amazing. I really wanted to play with the best of the best and play in the SEC, so that was also a big factor in my decision. The coaches there fit perfectly with me; they have great personalities and they’re father figures. I felt like that was the best place for me to be for the next four years of my life.

OFM: So you’ll either end up at LSU or decide to start your pro career right away, depending on where you get drafted. Do you see it as a win-win situation?
DC: Yeah. I’m just going out there and giving it all I’ve got every game I play, and wherever the chips fall, it’s a win-win either way. I could play for a really good program at LSU and compete for a national championship, or I could start my professional career and play the game I love every day.

OFM: Riley Greene from Hagerty was chosen fifth overall by the Tigers in last year’s MLB Draft. Do you know him well?
DC: Yeah, I know Riley really well. We played together on the 18U national team and that was a lot of fun. I was playing with Riley, Bobby Witt and C.J. Abrams—all those big-name guys. Those are three of the top six picks in the [2019] MLB Draft, so it was something special hanging with those guys, getting feedback and getting to know them. Me, my mom and my dad communicate with them and their parents about what to expect [with the draft process]. They tell me to give it all I’ve got and not change anything when people come out to watch me.

OFM: Is it exciting or nerve-wracking to think about what team is going to draft you?
DC: It’s actually pretty cool. I’m just thankful for the position that I’m in and I don’t pick certain teams over others. Whatever happens, happens.

OFM: What do you like to do when you’re not playing baseball?
DC: I love fishing, I love golfing and I love going to the beach. That takes my mind off baseball and allows me to be 17.

OFM: What do you like about Central Florida?
DC: I’ve grown up here and lived here my whole life. The people here are amazing and it’s a great baseball area. There are so many resources here and so many good players. The weather is nice and the beaches aren’t too far away. I love this area.

OFM: Do you have a favorite baseball movie?
DC: Definitely The Sandlot. I’ve watched that movie so many times. I don’t know why, but I just love that movie.

Hudson Bohn, Lake Highland boys lacrosse
Bohn, a senior faceoff specialist, broke his own state record for ground balls in a season with 150 last year and was named team MVP after leading Lake Highland to a district title and the region final. He is poised for a big senior season before continuing his career at Penn State.

OFM: Are you excited to see what Lake Highland can accomplish in your final season?
HB: I’m very excited. We have a really, really special team and we’re looking better than ever this year. A state championship is the one goal we all have in mind. This team has definitely been different from past years; our coach said he’s never seen a team perform so well in the first week of tryouts. We have almost 20 seniors, and it’s a great mix of older and younger players because some of our freshmen and sophomores have risen to the occasion. We have high expectations.

OFM: You started your high school career at Bishop Moore, and lost to your old teammates in last year’s region final. Is that a big rivalry for you?
HB: For sure. That’s a great group of guys over there, but when the game is on the line it gets a little chippy. It’s definitely a big, crosstown rivalry.

OFM: How did the transition to a new team and school go for you last year?
HB: I’d say it was a little different. I still hang out with a lot of the guys from my old school, but I’ve met a lot of new friends [at Lake Highland] and it’s a great group of guys. They’re fun to be around but they definitely take their job seriously, and that’s the kind of people I want to be around. They make you better, for sure.

OFM: How did you first get started in lacrosse?
HB: I started in first grade. I started with Swarm Lacrosse Club, which is kind of a feeder team for Bishop Moore. My parents didn’t want me to play football and it wasn’t a big interest for me. I saw this new sport coming up in Florida and I took advantage of it. It’s a very exciting sport and I fell in love with it.

OFM: When did you develop a talent for taking the faceoff?
HB: I was an LSM in fifth grade and I was playing up a level, so I was with sixth- and seventh-graders. I think it was during a tournament that summer that they needed somebody for the faceoff. I was a bigger kid at the time and I had a height and weight advantage, so they threw me out there and I fell in love with it. I saw it as a way to get more playing time and become a better player all the way around. I started training at the Faceoff Factory and I won an event there. From there, I worked with people like Brendan Fowler and Greg Gurenlian and got their advice. I also worked on my own, watched videos and developed my skills over the years. I think that helped separate me from other kids. You can have the best technique and the best form, but it takes a couple of years to hear that whistle and develop your reactions.

OFM: Is your state record for ground balls in a season special to you, especially since picking up ground balls requires a lot of determination?
HB: Even if you lose the initial faceoff, fighting for the ball is everything. It doesn’t really matter if you win the clamp and pull it out and the other team gets it. What actually counts as a faceoff win is getting that ground ball, picking it up and possessing it for your team. If you win the ball 70 or 80 percent of the time, it’s going to create a huge advantage. I don’t really look [at records], but it’s really cool to see what I can accomplish when I put my mind to something. I’m just happy to contribute as much as I can to our team and our winning mentality.

OFM: Do you like to contribute offensively as well?
HB: I do. At Bishop Moore I didn’t really get involved in the offense as much, but I played quite a bit of offense during my junior year at Lake Highland. It can be tough to juggle both of those things and it can wear on my body, so my coach definitely wants me to take it down a little bit this year and focus solely on being a faceoff guy. People don’t realize how much goes into taking those draws—especially when you’re taking 15 or 20 faceoffs in a game. I can still go down there and score goals and get assists [at times], but it’s more about pushing the ball in transition off the faceoff and creating opportunities for my teammates.

OFM: What made you commit to Penn State for college?
HB: I loved everything about it. The coaching staff is incredible, the campus is unreal and the high level of lacrosse is really what attracted me. I previously committed to Holy Cross coming into my freshman year, before I even played a lick of high school lacrosse. It’s a much smaller school and still a very good team, but obviously not on the level of Penn State. They also have a great alumni network and the opportunities for my major are endless there. I’m really excited to get up there.

OFM: What are you going to study?
HB: I want to go into a communications with a focus on films. I’m hoping to become a director. I just love movies and always have since I was a little kid. I’ve done stuff here and there and I’ve taken a bunch of video art classes throughout high school. I was actually just at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah and I went to a lot of Q-and-A [sessions] with directors there. It’s something I’ve always been interested in and I want to take a shot at it.

OFM: What was the experience like at Sundance?
HB: It was awesome. I was trying to get to the new Will Ferrell movie, because that was the big headliner this year and took the most awards, but I didn’t. I did see some other good ones. I saw a documentary that was actually based in Florida about the retirement community at The Villages, and that was pretty interesting. I saw another one that was kind of a spinoff of Peter Pan; it was told from the perspective of Wendy and it was pretty cool. It was nice to speak to the directors afterward and get their opinions about getting into movies and what to expect when you’re in the industry.

OFM: Who are some of the directors you look up to and admire?
HB: That’s a tough one. Steven Spielberg is one who everybody knows. Quentin Tarantino is another big one. I really like his new movie with Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Those two are probably my favorite directors.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida? What do you like about growing up here?
HB: I was born in College Park and I’ve been in the Orlando area my whole life. I love going out on the boat and I love fishing. I’ve also had a lot of friends through the years and met a lot of great people, especially going to two different schools. … I have a tight community here and it’s cool because everyone comes together and you get to see different perspectives.

OFM: Are you nervous about going up north for college?
HB: [Laughs] Not too much. I travel a lot for lacrosse so I know what to expect. I know how cold it’s going to be, especially when we’re playing. I’ve played in the snow before and it’s definitely a different feeling than the Florida humidity. It will definitely take some getting used to, but nothing too major. I’m ready for a change and I’m ready to strap on the winter jacket.

Nyah Vogel, Apopka softball
A senior pitcher, Vogel is coming off a memorable junior season in which she went 17-2 with a 0.90 ERA and 132 strikeouts to lead Apopka to district and region championships and an appearance in the state semifinals. She is committed to South Carolina Upstate.

OFM: Last year was obviously a special season. Are you looking forward to seeing what you can accomplish in 2020?
NV: Definitely. I feel like we’re better than last year because we’re more seasoned and we only lost one player. We should be pretty strong. I think we can go even farther than last year. We have a tougher schedule and that will prepare us better. We’re ready to go and win states this year.

OFM: Are you taking on a leadership role?
NV: Definitely. Last year we only had one senior so I had a talk with coach Mike [MacWithey] and I really had to prepare myself and step into a leadership role.

OFM: What was the key to your individual success last year?
NV: Getting to know the girls on my team very well. We all got along and I was super comfortable with my defense. Knowing that all of those girls had my back made it easier to pitch and throw my game. I worked really hard in the offseason and prepared myself.

OFM: Have you always been a pitcher?
NV: Yes, since my first season. I was told I looked like a pitcher, so they taught me how to pitch and I stuck with it. I started when I was 9.

OFM: What do you enjoy about pitching?
NV: I like being able to control the game. I like going at my pace and I love the pressure. I like being the one that [my teammates] depend on.

OFM: What do you consider your best pitch?
NV: I rely heavily on my curveball and riseball; those are my two best pitches. We look at where the batter is set up, the at-bats they’ve had before, and determine which pitch is going to work for that batter. Some batters might set up away from the plate, so I’ll throw outside so they can’t reach it. If they’re crowding the plate, I’ll come hard and in with a screwball or a riseball.

OFM: Is there a pitcher you like to model your game after?
NV: [Former University of Florida standout] Lauren Hager. I met her when I was younger and I tried to follow in her footsteps. I would always go talk to her and she gave me a lot of advice. I also look up to my pitching coach [Jodi Bayles]. She was a pitcher in college and she has helped me through so much to make me the pitcher I am. I’ve been working with her since my freshman year.

OFM: If you could pick an entrance song like a major-league closer, what song would you pick?
NV: I honestly never thought about that. It would have to be a really hyped up song.

OFM: You had a strong season at the plate last year to go along with your pitching. Do you enjoy that part of the game too?
NV: Yes. When I was younger, hitting wasn’t my favorite thing to do, but I worked very, very hard at it. As soon as I got really good at hitting, I loved it. That was one of the things that helped me pick my college. I wanted to hit in college as well as pitch.

OFM: What did you like about the school and softball program at South Carolina Upstate?
NV: I really wanted to get out of Florida. I met the coach when I was in eighth grade and I was always pretty close with him. I finally visited the campus this summer and absolutely loved it. I love South Carolina and I have family that’s pretty close to the school in Tennessee. The softball program is great and so are all of the girls on the team.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
NV: I’m going to study sports medicine. I’m looking to do physical therapy.

OFM: Why were you looking to go to school out of state?
NV: I’ve lived in the same place my whole life. For travel ball, we travel all over—last summer I played in seven different states. I knew I couldn’t go out west, because that’s just not my thing. But I love South Carolina. It’s my favorite place to visit and I knew I wanted to go somewhere with the different seasons.

OFM: What are you going to miss about Central Florida?
NV: I love that there’s always something to do and the people are great here. The softball community is pretty great too, because we all know each other. It’s very competitive in Orlando.

OFM: What are your hobbies away from softball?
NV: I go to a lot of sporting events. My dad is the head lacrosse coach at Apopka so I go to his games. My brother also grew up playing sports, so I’ve always gone to his games. I also like to hang out with friends and go bowling or just hang out at different places.

OFM: Did your dad ever try to get you into lacrosse?
NV: I played when I was younger but I just didn’t enjoy it as much as softball. I started playing sports when I was 3 years old and my dad was my first coach in soccer. He’s always been my rock. I’ve always been very close with him and he comes to every single game that he can. Off the field, he’s the first person I go to, to talk about the game, and whenever I’m outside practicing he’ll come out and help me.

Patrick Baney, Lake Nona boys tennis
Baney, a senior who competes at first singles, was a big part of a special season at Lake Nona last year, as the Lions captured a district title, reached the state final for the first time in program history and finished with a 23-1 record. A LeTourneau University commit, he also reached the quarterfinals of the state singles tournament.

OFM: What stands out when you look back on last year?
PB: Making it all the way to the state final and having the team behind you no matter what, win or lose. We had a great team environment, which is pretty cool in an individual sport like tennis. It felt like the whole school was behind us and that was pretty special.

OFM: Did you have high hopes coming into last season?
PB: Yes. We all had been training together at the USTA National Campus and we knew each other well. We already had that team environment and we knew we could go far. Once we saw the draw for states, we knew we could make it to the final.

OFM: What are the goals for this year?
PB: We have three new players so we have an even stronger team than last year. Our coach always says the four goals are the Metro [Conference], districts, regionals and states. Winning states is the ultimate goal this year. I definitely think it’s realistic. The team we lost to last year graduated their top four, so it looks like we have a very good chance.

OFM: Dylan Cass is another senior who played second singles last year, and he was your partner at first doubles. Do you two bring out the best in each other?
PB: Having played doubles with Dylan for a whole season and having known him for a few years now, that definitely helps. We’re really good friends on and off the court.

OFM: What are your individual goals for this season?
PB: I just committed to a college the other day, so I’m focused on staying healthy so I can play in college. I don’t really have any tournament goals. I just want to win with my team.

OFM: What led to your decision to commit to LeTourneau?
PB: First of all, the head coach and assistant coach were both great when I went to visit. They made me feel welcome, and the whole team environment was comfortable. I felt like it was a really good fit. I want to be a commercial airline pilot and they have a really good flight school there, so that was a big factor too.

OFM: Have you always been interested in aviation?
PB: Yes, ever since I was 3 or 4. My uncle is a United Airlines captain so he got me into that. I’ve always known I wanted to be an airline pilot. I’ve talked to a lot of people in the aviation industry through my uncle and I’ve traveled a lot. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

OFM: What are the best places you’ve traveled?
PB: I actually went with my uncle on one of his trips. We went to Denver, Boston, San Francisco and back to Orlando in less than two days. It was a lot of traveling but it was a great time and I learned a lot about what my future career will be like. It was a great learning experience.

OFM: What’s it like practicing at the USTA’s National Campus with your Lake Nona team?
PB: My mom works there as well, and when you walk in you know it’s the place you want to be. It’s the home of American tennis so it’s very special that we get to train there, and most of our high school matches are also there. Having all of the employees know you and cheer you on is pretty cool too.

OFM: Do you ever run into the pros there?
PB: Oh yeah, just walking into the Welcome Center you can see Madison Keys getting her racket strung or CiCi Bellis walking around.

OFM: Do you have any favorite players?
PB: My mom used to run a women’s Pro Circuit event, so I know players who have moved from that into the top 100, like Ali Riske, who I think is ranked 18th in the world right now. I’m actually pretty good friends with her so she’s one of my favorite players.

OFM: Since your mom’s work with the USTA takes her to the U.S. Open every year, do you get to tag along?
PB: Yes. I’ve been to the U.S. Open every year for the last seven years. It’s a great experience. Every year there’s something new and something exciting.

OFM: If you go to one of the other three Grand Slams, which one would you pick?
PB: The Australian Open. I think that would be the most different social atmosphere and I’ve never been that far away. I’ve also heard all of the players love that tournament so I want to see what it’s all about.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
PB: Yes, for 18 years now. I used to live on the East Coast but we moved to Lake Nona about a year and a half ago. I like the environment and the people are great here. Living 10 minutes from the campus and being able to train there has really helped my tennis.

OFM: What do you like to do when you’re not playing tennis?
PB: I mainly hang out with friends who are on the tennis team. We go and play football or soccer.

Weston Baptiste, Montverde Academy boys track
A junior sprinter, Baptiste had a breakout season as a sophomore, taking third at states in the 400 meters with a time of 48.45 seconds. He was also the region runner-up in the event and was crowned district champion in both the 100 and 400.

OFM: Last year was obviously a memorable one for you in spring track. What stands out as the highlight?
WB: For me, the highlight was probably getting third place at states. Even though I didn’t get first place, it was a confidence-booster and it was motivation for me to get first this year.

OFM: What are your goals for this season?
WB: My No. 1 goal is to win a state title this year. I owe a lot to my coach—he’s a really good guy, he knows a lot about track and he’s been doing it for years. So I listen to him, I work hard on the track and I try to keep my mind healthy off the track too, so I can accomplish my goals.

OFM: Your sprint coach, Gerald Phiri, was an Olympic qualifier. Has he had a big influence on you?
WB: Yes, he has. I’m really honored to be able to run under him. The information and experience he has is unmatched by other coaches, so it’s been a privilege to run for him.

OFM: Do you have a favorite event?
WB: The 100, 200 and 400 are my main events and I occasionally run the 800. The 400 is my favorite, because the 100 is over so quick, and the same thing with the 200. But the 400 gives you time to think about the race, develop a strategy and make up for lost time if you make a mistake.

OFM: Have you always been a sprinter?
WB: When I started doing track, I actually ran the 800. But in one meet, me and my friend—who was a 400 runner—asked the coach if we could switch races, and ever since then we both fell in love with each other’s race. I was in seventh grade at the time.

OFM: Do you participate in any other sports?
WB: I played basketball up until ninth grade, but I decided to focus on track that season and stop playing basketball. Sometimes I miss it, but I love track more so it’s not a problem.

OFM: Do you look at other sprinters in the Olympics or World Championships and try to pick up tips?
WB: Yes. I watch other runners and try to see what they do to run faster, and I use that to influence my racing ability. My favorite runner is Noah Lyles—he’s the 200-meter world champion for 2019 and he’s the fourth-fastest 200 runner ever. He’s actually my coach’s training partner so I’ve met him before, and he’s a real inspiration.

OFM: Can you see yourself at that stage some day?
WB: Yes; that is my ultimate goal. I try to take it one step at a time: win states this season, get a scholarship, run D-I college track and then go pro.

OFM: Has this college recruiting process started yet?
WB: A few college coaches have reached out to me, but they’re all holding back a little bit to see my junior season, because it is the most important season. I’ve gotten a lot of letters and emails from colleges that are interested in me.

OFM: Do you have a dream school you would like to attend?
WB: There’s no certain school or conference I would like to go to. I just want to be able to run D-I track and the college has to have a good academic foundation, because I want to get a degree.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
WB: I want to study dentistry like my dad—he’s an orthodontist. I look at how hard he works and how he supports his family and I’m really inspired by that. He’s a good man and I look up to him, and what he does is interesting to me.

OFM: Montverde Academy is well known in the area and around the country. What do you like about the school?
WB: I like the fact that it’s a boarding school, so I get to meet so many people from different countries. Some of my closest friends are not from here. I run track with people from Africa and I’m friends with people from China. I get to experience all of these different cultures in one spot.

OFM: Who do you think is the most famous Montverde alum?
WB: I would have to say either [MLB star] Francisco Lindor or [NBA star] Ben Simmons. One of my closest friends since middle school is actually Francisco’s nephew, so I see Francisco a lot and get to know what’s going on in his life. And I watch basketball a lot, so I get to see what Ben Simmons is doing.

OFM: Is it true that dancing is a big passion of yours when you’re not training for track?
WB: It’s not like I do it competitively or perform, but I like to do it during my free time for fun. I like listening to music—pretty much any kind. I listen to reggae, sometimes I listen to jazz and I like rap and R&B. If I like the song, I like the song—the genre doesn’t matter.

OFM: Do you listen to music before a big race?
WB: I listen to music right up until it’s time to run. I have my headphones on and it helps me clear my head, focus on the race and how I’m going to execute it. I like upbeat music that pumps me up, gets my blood rushing and gets me excited for the race.

OFM: What are your other hobbies?
WB: I have a love for nature, so I like hiking and fishing. I go out with my dad sometimes and we’ve been on boats overnight. This past summer we went to Yellowstone National Park to look at the animals, because I’ve really loved animals since I was a kid.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Central Florida?
WB: I like that there are so many different things to do here, there are so many different amusement parks, the beach isn’t too far and there’s a lot of wildlife here. The sports here are very competitive, so I like that too.

OFM: Do you have a favorite park?
WB: Universal. My favorite ride used to be Dueling Dragons until they shut it down. Now my favorite ride is The Hulk.

Barrett Walsh, Winter Park girls lacrosse
Walsh, a junior attacker, has been a key player for Winter Park since her freshman year and led the team with 41 goals and 49 points as a sophomore. With most of the roster returning this spring, she is hoping to lead the Wildcats to a district championship.

OFM: What are the goals for yourself and the team this season?
BW: Our biggest goal this year is to go to districts, because in past years we’ve gotten really close. This year we’re set on it and we know we’re going to districts. We’re very excited because we all know each other well and we’ve played together for such a long time, so we work well together. For me, I’ve played attack the last couple of years and I want to stay at attack, but I also want to play more middie. My stats have been good at attack and I want to maintain that—I don’t mind scoring goals—but I want to do more with the draw and all over the field.

OFM: Your 100th career goal is within reach with another big season. Have you thought about that milestone?
BW: Yeah. I think I can pass that and it would be great.

OFM: How long have you been playing lacrosse?
BW: I started playing in seventh grade. It’s kind of funny—my cousin forced me to go to a lacrosse camp at Lake Highland and that was the first time I ever picked up a stick. I played with their team for a couple of years and then I started playing club. I picked it up really fast and liked it right away.

OFM: What was your athletic background before that?
BW: Prior to that I played tennis really competitively. I played every day but I just decided I didn’t want to do it anymore. I still play from time to time but not as much. Tennis and lacrosse are in the same season, so that would be a lot. If it was a different season I would probably play for the high school team.

OFM: What do you like about lacrosse?
BW: I like that it’s really fast-paced. There’s always something going on.

OFM: Have you thought about playing in college?
BW: Yes, I have. I’ve done some recruiting and some camps. I’m still figuring it all out with academics and all that jazz. If I play lacrosse, I’ll probably go out of state. I’ve been looking at schools in the New England area—they have really good lacrosse there.

OFM: New England would be a big change. Have you always lived in Florida?
BW: Yes, I have. That’s what everybody always says: “You’re going to the cold weather?” I like the cold, so I think I can deal with it. It would be an adjustment but it would be fine.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
BW: I feel like Winter Park is a really nice place to grow up. It’s very peaceful and not much happens. All the schools I went to are really good and there’s a lot of opportunities here.

OFM: What do you like about your high school?
BW: I’m in the IB (International Baccalaureate) program so that’s one of the biggest reasons I go to Winter Park. That’s something I’m very lucky to have. The IB program is like a higher version of AP and schools all over the world have it. There are all different curriculums you can do. It’s very challenging but I want to be challenged.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
BW: I’m still figuring it out. Right now I’m looking at computer science but I’m looking all over. Winter Park is really cool because they have a million different electives you can do, which is nice because you can figure out what you really want. Every single year that I’ve gone to Winter Park, I’ve done something different. Freshman year I was in chorus, last year I was in digital video and film and this year I’m in compute science.

OFM: What are your hobbies aside from lacrosse?
BW: I like to sing and make music. I play guitar and the drums and I write songs. [The type of music I write] all depends on my mood—whatever comes to my brain. I like indie but I will listen to any type of music. I also do film photography a little bit. … I’m definitely all over the place. I’m blessed that I’ve been able to do a lot of different things.

OFM: Getting back to lacrosse, who would you say is the funniest person on your team and can lighten the mood during a rough practice?
BW: I think we all are. That’s what I love about our team—that we’re very lighthearted most of the time, except when we’re in a tight game. If we’re having a hard time at practice, someone will always step up and brighten the mood.

Sam Horency, Dr. Phillips girls water polo
Horency has established herself as one of the top goalies in the area over the last several years, helping lead Dr. Phillips to a district championship in 2018 and a second-place finish last spring. She recorded 211 saves, 46 assists and 93 steals as a junior as the Panthers posted a 17-9 record.

OFM: How does it feel to be entering the final season of your high school career?
SH: It’s definitely bittersweet. I’ve been working really hard to get here and my whole team has been working really hard, so it’s exciting to be playing my final season. But it’s also sad because I have to leave all of my best friends who I’ve been with for four years.

OFM: What are your goals for the team and for yourself?
SH: My main goal is to get to states. Most of the girls have been playing for a long time and we want to finally get there, because it would be our first year going to states in a while. My second goal would be helping to build up all the new girls so when the seniors leave, they can continue the tradition of Dr. Phillips water polo.

OFM: Is it important for you to be a team leader, especially considering your position?
SH: Yes. I want to be the leader in the water and help the girls make good plays and understand what they’re doing. I have the best eyes in the pool, so I have to tell them what’s going on and help them out. I’m pretty much like a traffic director back there.

OFM: How did you get started in the sport?
SH: I swam for a while, and then I tried out for the swim team my freshman year and loved it. My coach said I should try water polo too, so I played a club season and I’ve been playing ever since.

OFM: Were you a goalie right away?
SH: I played field [position] for maybe a week and then my coach decided to make me the goalie. Originally he did that because I was the tallest girl on the team, but I picked it up pretty quickly and enjoyed it. I had never played goalie before [in any sport], but I felt really connected to the position and I had good coaches around me to help me.

OFM: It seems like the ball gets on you pretty quickly. What’s it like when you’re getting peppered with shots?
SH: Now, it’s really exciting. It’s the best feeling in the world to block the ball and hear the sound of the ball hitting your arm. There’s a lot of adrenaline.

OFM: Have you made a college decision?
SH: I would like to play club water polo in college but I haven’t made a decision yet. I’m looking for a school with a good sense of community and a lot of people with similar interests, like sports. I’m also looking for a good marine biology program, because that’s what I want to go into. I’ve always had an interest in the water and the ocean and my family would always take me to the beach. I really enjoy learning about the ocean and the reefs and stuff like that.

OFM: What are your favorite beach spots?
SH: Definitely Cocoa Beach or New Smyrna.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida? What do you like about growing up in this area?
SH: I used to live in Illinois when I was really young but my family moved here to get out of the cold. I like being close to the beach and I like that there’s always something to do. There are so many parks and attractions in Central Florida, so you’re never bored.

OFM: Which park is your favorite?
SH: Definitely Universal, because I love roller coasters. I also really enjoy going to places on I-Drive.

OFM: Do you like going to school at Dr. Phillips?
SH: I really enjoy going to school here. My favorite thing about it is probably the fact that they support their sports so much. Our principal and the people who work here understand how much sports mean to the kids who play them.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s March 2020 issue.