Prime-Time Performers
Central Florida is gearing up for another spring sports season, and these talented student-athletes are sure to make it a memorable one.
Halle Zimlich, Seminole Girls Water Polo
Zimlich is coming off a remarkable sophomore season in which she led the state with 159 goals, including five in a 10-6 win over West Orange that secured the program’s first-ever state championship. She was rewarded with All-American recognition.
OFM: Are you excited for another season to begin?
HZ: I’m very excited. This is my favorite time of year.
OFM: Last season was obviously a memorable one. Did you see that coming?
HZ: I personally did not see us going that far. I was hoping for us to have a good season and to get better, but I did not see everything that came with it.
OFM: What did it mean to you to be part of the first state championship in program history?
HZ: It felt really cool for me and my teammates to do that and to be a part of that team, especially with how close we are, even outside of the pool. We’re so close and it was fun to be able to go through that together and make our mark as a team.
OFM: Where does that chemistry come from?|
HZ: We’ve all been playing together for a very long time and been friends outside of [the sport]. When I hang out with friends it’s always with teammates.
OFM: What goals do you have this year for yourself and the team?
HZ: I’m really excited for the season to start but we’re just kind of staying in the moment and working at getting better as a team. We have a lot of good teams in our district and region so we have to work hard to become an even better team than last year.
OFM: Were you surprised at all with your individual success as a sophomore? How did you feel about your performance?
HZ: It was really cool and an honor to be recognized as a person. Me and a few of my teammates got awarded with All-American, so it was really cool to be able to share that with them.
OFM: How did you get into this sport? Were you a competitive swimmer first?
HZ: Yeah, I was. Me and my two siblings all swam, and then my brother, who is five years older than me, started playing. So I got to watch him play and learn the game, and then I tried it out and started liking it more than swimming. I started probably seven years ago, so it’s been a while.
OFM: What is something about water polo that most people don’t know?
HZ: I always say to my friends when they ask what water polo is that it’s like swimming and wrestling together inside of a pool. It’s a combination of a ton of different sports, but it’s a lot of endurance and conditioning but also very physical.
OFM: Are you completely exhausted after a game?
HZ: I still get very tired right after. It takes a while after the game to catch my breath and settle down. The constant moving back and forth and swimming and being physical with people takes a lot out of you.
OFM: Do you still compete on the swim team as well?
HZ: Yes, I do.
OFM: Are you looking to focus on water polo in college?
HZ: I’m thinking about it and I’m starting to talk to college coaches and starting the recruiting process. I don’t have a decision yet.
OFM: Are most of the top programs on the West Coast?
HZ: Yes. I think it would be really cool. I’m very close with my family so it would be hard to be that far away, but I think it would be fun and a great opportunity.
OFM: I know you’ve had experience with USA Water Polo and have competed in national tournaments. How has that been for you?
HZ: I did that last year and I actually did it again this year, and I just found out a week ago that I made the national team again. A few of my teammates also made it, so we’ll be going to Salt Lake City and playing there in March. It’s really cool—I like being able to go and play with other people, because you get comfortable with your own teammates and it’s nice to play with new people and learn how to adapt to them, and adapt to other coaches and get their opinions. In those situations the competition is a lot higher, so it makes me better to play against teams from other places.
OFM: Is playing in the Olympics a long-term goal for you?
HZ: I don’t think so. That’s not a huge interest of mine.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
HZ: I’ve been thinking about physical training or communications and media. But I don’t know for sure yet.
OFM: What else do you do for fun?
HZ: I love spending time with my family and friends and my teammates, obviously. I like going to the beach and doing watersports on the lake, such as skiing. I also play the piano and I enjoy doing that.
OFM: What kind of music do you play?
HZ: Kind of anything. I play pop music, sometimes I play jazz. Right now I’m playing Billy Joel songs, so I’m kind of all over the place. I’m playing “Piano Man” and “My Life.”
OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
HZ: Yes, my whole life. I like staying in one place and being able to have friends who I’ve known my whole life. I like the warm weather—my parents lived in Colorado and then Indiana for a while, so I have family in those places and I like going there and experiencing the snow, but I don’t think I’d like living there.
Blake Fields, The First Academy Baseball
A senior outfielder/pitcher, Fields hit .403 with 36 runs and 22 RBIs to go with three saves on the mound last year as the Royals won a region title and reached the 2A state semifinals. He has high expectations for his final high school season before moving on to college baseball.
OFM: How do you feel heading into the season? Are you excited to see what this team can accomplish?
BF: I feel great. Everybody is looking stronger, the team is looking better and it’s going to be a fun start to the year.
OFM: Do you have any particular goals in mind for yourself or the team?
BF: For myself, I want to hit over .600 with around 10 home runs. For the team, the main goal is to get back to the state championship and win. Last year left us with a sour taste in our mouth and we don’t want that to happen again.
OFM: Do you think last year’s experience will be a big help since you know what it takes to get there and what it’s like to play in that environment?
BF: Yes sir. The seniors who are coming back and the juniors on our team should be experienced. I wouldn’t say it affected us last year, but there were some nerves that I think we’re going to be able to overcome.
OFM: Are you batting leadoff again this year?
BF: I don’t know yet; it’s up to coach [Alan] Kunkel. Anywhere I’m at, I’ll be able to produce. I don’t really have a preference but I do love getting the game started.
OFM: Will you be contributing on the mound this year?
BF: Yes sir. I might be starting, but I definitely know that I’ll be relieving and closing. Anything that coach Kunkel needs, I’m able to do. It helps being versatile and being able to pitch when needed, and if he does call on me I know I’ll be able to give him two solid innings.
OFM: How did you get into baseball in the first place?
BF: Through my parents and my brother. I started getting into baseball around 5, and ever since then I’ve never looked back. It’s always been my dream to become a professional baseball player.
OFM: How is the recruiting process going?
BF: It’s going good—I actually just committed to Miami Dade [in early February]. What led me there is that it felt like home, it felt like a great fit and I know I’ll get better there. I had connections with the coaches … and my family also thought it was the right decision for me.
OFM: Are you hoping to get drafted or move to a four-year college after that?
BF: Yes sir, whichever one calls me first. If I play well enough at that JUCO and commit to a bigger D-I [school] and the draft doesn’t work out, then I’ll go play at the D-I.
OFM: I know you play for the FTB Phillies Scout team [in travel ball]. Do you happen to be a Phillies fan?
BF: I’m a Cubs fan, but right after that is the Phillies. I love their stadium and the energy that they play with.
OFM: Have you ever played in a big-league park?
BF: I played at the Diamondbacks’ stadium in Arizona. It was fantastic; it was everything I thought it would be and more.
OFM: Since you’re a Cubs fan, if you could pick any ballpark to play in, would it be Wrigley?
BF: Oh yeah, 1,000%. That was actually my first-ever MLB game that I went to. It was amazing.
OFM: What is it going to take to get to that level?
BF: Hard work, dedication and being consistent.
OFM: Do you play any other sports?
BF: I used to play basically everything—basketball, football, soccer—up until high school, and then I just stuck with baseball.
OFM: What else do you do for fun when you have a break from baseball?
BF: Mostly just hang out with family. I golf with my brother and my dad, and I go bowling with my family.
OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
BF: It’s always warm, so you can always be outside playing. When me and my brother were kids, we were always outside with kids in our neighborhood playing basketball, football. Wiffle ball. I loved growing up here.
OFM: What do you like about going to school at The First Academy?
BF: That it’s Christ-centered. That’s a big thing for me, and the education.
OFM: Do you have a walk-up song?
BF: I do—it’s “Calabria 2008.” That’s what I used last year and everybody loved it. It’s more like a beat than words.
OFM: Who is the funniest guy on the team?
BF: I would have to say Remo Indomenico. He’s quiet, so whenever he says something it’s always pretty funny.
OFM: If baseball doesn’t work out, what kind of career would you like to pursue?
BF: In college, I’m most likely going to study business or I’m thinking about doing something with mental health. … The biggest thing with baseball is probably mental health, and [I like] business because that’s what my parents did and it opens up so many job opportunities.
Lizzie Ozim, Foundation Academy Softball
Ozim, a senior outfielder, batted .500 with four home runs, 20 RBIs and 32 runs as a junior to help Foundation reach the region semifinals. She is looking forward to another memorable season before continuing her career at Belmont University.
OFM: Are you looking forward to your senior season?
LO: Yes, I am super excited. We start games [soon].
OFM: Last season was a successful one for you and the team. What are your goals for this one?
LO: I hope we go far and hopefully we can win states. That’s been a goal for us ever since my sophomore year, when we went to states but didn’t perform that well. Hopefully this year for senior season we can win.
OFM: Do you have any personal goals?
LO: I don’t necessarily have any personal goals. I just want the team to do very well, because obviously we win together and we lose together. I want to do anything I can to help the team win.
OFM: Do you know where you’re batting in the lineup?
LO: I bat anywhere throughout the lineup. Sometimes I’m at the top, sometimes I’m in the middle. It depends on the team we’re playing—when we study them, we know if we need bunters or faster players at the top, and then I’ll be a little lower as a power hitter. Or sometimes I’m the one who needs to bunt to get things going. It moves a lot throughout the season so I don’t know exactly where I’ll be starting, but whatever is most successful for the team is where I’ll go. I don’t have a preference at all … and obviously the coach knows best.
OFM: Will you be back in the outfield?
LO: I’m a centerfielder. I’ve played the outfield since I started travel ball, pretty much since I was 10 years old.
OFM: How did you first get into the sport?
LO: I was watching the [College] World Series with my dad when I was younger and I remember turning to him and saying, “I want to do that.” So he signed me up for a local Little League, and at that Little League I met my best friends who I still play with and consider my best friends today.
OFM: Now you’re going to be playing college softball yourself at Belmont University in Nashville. What made you want to commit there?
LO: I went on my visit there last summer and I just fell in love with the campus and the family culture they have there. I felt very welcomed by the coaches and the staff and the players, and also when I was there I was with other 2025 commits who were welcoming. It just felt like family and I knew I was in the right place.
OFM: Do you know what you want to major in?
LO: I’m not entirely sure yet but I’ll probably go into marketing or business. Belmont is known for being a really great business school so that’s probably what I’m interested in doing.
OFM: One of your teammates at Foundation is also committed to Belmont, right?
LO: Yes, my best friend Riley Winters is going. I’ve been playing with Riley since I started softball and she’s been my best friend my entire life, so I’m excited to have her there with me. She’s a year younger than me so she’ll be coming a year after me, but I’m excited to continue playing with her.
OFM: Who committed first?
LO: I did. I committed in the summer and then she committed in the fall. I was trying to stay out of her choice—as much as I love her and wanted her to come with me, I wanted her to make the decision that was best for her. If that happened to be where I was, then obviously I wanted to play with her, but I didn’t want to have any influence on her decision at all.
OFM: Her dad Armand is now the head coach at Foundation. Is he fun to play for?
LO: Her dad was actually one of my first travel ball coaches … and he’s been a coach at Foundation ever since I started playing high school ball in eighth grade. This is his first season as the head coach but he’s been an assistant for four years, and he’s super fun to play for. He’s been a really big influence on my life and I’m grateful for everything he’s taught me.
OFM: What do you do for fun when you’re not playing softball?
LO: I really like to travel and go to the beach—that’s my favorite place ever and I definitely want to live at the beach when I’m older and have a house. Hanging out with my friends at the beach is my favorite thing.
OFM: Since you’re going to school in Nashville, I have to ask: Are you a country music fan?
LO: I love country music. My favorite singer is Megan Maroney. I’m really excited to be in Nashville.
OFM: What do you like about going to school at Foundation?
LO: I really like the culture. It’s a smaller school, so everybody is close and everybody is friends with each other. I like how everybody feels like family.
OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
LO: Yes. My mom moved around the country when she was growing up and my dad is originally from Poland, but they both went to the University of Florida and that’s where they met. I’ve been here my entire life … and I love the area. There are a lot of things to do and I like being in Central Florida because we can go to the beach on the East Coast and the West Coast. With Disney and Universal, there’s always fun things to do around here.
OFM: Who is the funniest girl on the team?
LO: I’m going to have to say Riley or Sophia [Smith]. I’ve known both of them forever. Sophia can always make anyone laugh, and if anyone is having a bad day they can just go to Sophia and she’ll make them smile. And Riley is my best friend, so I have to give her a shout-out.
OFM: Do you have a walk-up song?
LO: We haven’t picked them yet but normally I do Hannah Montana, “The Best of Both Worlds.” I don’t really know how that started, if I’m being completely honest. I think it started as a joke my freshman year and it just kind of stuck.
Gabriela Almanza, Lake Nona Girls Tennis
As a junior, Almanza compiled a 12-2 record at singles and led the Lions to the 4A state finals, and she also teamed with Elietta Said to win the state doubles championship. She will continue her career at Division I Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pennsylvania.
OFM: What are your personal and team goals for this season?
GA: I hope as a team we make it to states and this time we get the state championship in the end. We’ll see.
OFM: You certainly came close last year. What was the experience like?
GA: It was really fun. The atmosphere was great, and even though we didn’t end up winning, being there together brought us closer together. We all got to improve from it and learn from it.
OFM: What did it mean to you to win the state title in doubles?
GA: We were a little nervous going in, if I’m being honest, because we had just lost in the [team] finals. But once we started playing we got comfortable and we finally understood what was going on. Winning was such a good experience and our coaches supporting us was a really nice thing.
OFM: Do you like playing doubles?
GA: Yes, I love playing doubles. [Elietta and I] also made it to the state final my freshman year. She’s my best friend so we have great chemistry, but she graduated.
OFM: What goes into success in doubles?
GA: To be a good doubles team you need really good communication. I feel like that’s the main thing to help you win.
OFM: How did you first get interested in tennis?
GA: I was pretty young when I started. My brother was actually the one who got me interested in tennis because I would watch his practices and I was always interested in it. One day I ended up joining him, and from there on it’s always been tennis. I play all year round.
OFM: What made you commit to Saint Francis?
GA: One reason that motivated me to want to play in college was the high school team, because it showed me how fun an individual sport like tennis can be in a team environment. I wanted to do that moving into the future in college. It’s a really nice school and all of the people there are nice.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
GA: I’m going to major in nursing and then go into pre-med. My ultimate goal is to end up being a plastic surgeon. When I was younger I used to watch a show called Gray’s Anatomy and the character who played the plastic surgeon made the job seem really intriguing. Ever since then, I’ve been interested in the field.
OFM: Do you follow professional tennis?
GA: I try to keep up with it and I just watched some of the Australian Open matches. My favorite male player right now is Ben Shelton—I ran into him a few weeks ago and that was fun. I was visiting my friend who works at Bolay and he was there eating, so I said hi and asked for a picture.
OFM: Have you ever been to a pro tournament?
GA: I’ve been to the Miami Open a couple of times and the U.S. Open once a few years ago. It was really fun and inspiring to see all of the pros playing at such an intense level. It made me want to better myself.
OFM: If I offered you free tickets to any Grand Slam, which one would you pick?
GA: Definitely Wimbledon. I think it’s such an elegant tournament and the environment where it’s located would be such a nice place to visit.
OFM: What else do you do for fun when you’re taking a break from tennis?
GA: Usually when I’m not doing anything, I like going to the gym with my friends and just hanging out.
OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
GA: I really like the weather. Some people don’t like the heat but I feel like I thrive in the heat compared to the cold.
OFM: Are you ready for the Pennsylvania winters?
GA: I don’t know. The courts are indoors, which I’m glad about, because I don’t know how I would do in the freezing cold weather. Indoors I should be fine. It was snowing so bad there last month.
OFM: What do you think you’ll miss the most about home when you’re in college, other than family and friends?
GA: Really close to my house there’s a lot of training campuses, and I like having everything close by. In Pennsylvania it’s going to be different being in the middle of nowhere, but I’m excited.
Lila Hernandez, Horizon Softball
A junior centerfielder, Hernandez posted a .484 batting average with 30 runs and 24 RBIs as a sophomore to help Horizon set a school record for wins in a season, capture its first district and regional titles and reach the 5A state semifinals. She should only get better as an upperclassman.
OFM: Last year was such a special one for you and the team. What stands out when you look back on it?
LH: It really was. I think what stands out are all the fun times we had together. We were such a close group of girls, and I think the regional game is something we’ll remember forever.
OFM: Did you see that playoff run coming? Did you think the team had that kind of potential?
LH: I thought we did. At our very first practice, coach Steve [Lenzi] pulled us aside and had us write down one goal for the team and as a player. He didn’t want us to put making it to states because he knew it was going to happen, and from that moment I kind of knew we were going to go a long way.
OFM: Do you have similar goals this season?
LH: Yes. Our goal is always to win a state championship or make it to states. Last year’s team led us in the right direction so we’re going to try again this year.
OFM: Is there anything personal you’re striving to achieve?
LH: I want to reach 100 [career] hits this season and I want to try to bat above .500. I also want to try to set the stolen base record for a single season.
OFM: Is that your game, to get on base and make things happen with your speed?
LH: Yes. I’m not really a power hitter so I just like to make contact and see what I can do.
OFM: How long have you been playing softball?
LH: I’ve been playing since I was around 6. It was the one sport that I stuck with. My dad used to play baseball so that definitely was a factor in me starting to love the game.
OFM: Have you started thinking about college yet?
LH: Yes, I want to play in college. [The recruiting process] is kind of slow right now; I’m trying to put myself out there a little bit. But I’m excited for the summer.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
LH: I want to study exercise science or something in that field.
OFM: What’s it like to be part of a new school like Horizon, which has only been around for a few years?
LH: I think it’s a cool experience because you get to pave the way for the future [students] behind you. You get to set the scene for what it’s going to be like. I also get to play with my little sister this year, so that’s really special. She’s a freshman and her name is Paisley.
OFM: Have you ever been teammates before?
LH: No, we’ve never played on the same team before so this is going to be a fun moment. I have another youngest sister so next year for my senior year, all three of us will be together.
OFM: What else do you do for fun?
LH: I like to hang out with my friends, I love a good beach day and I love shopping.
OFM: What’s your favorite beach spot?
LH: Probably West Palm Beach.
OFM: What do you love about growing up in Florida?
LH: Probably the sun [laughs]. I know that’s a weird answer but I like the sun, I love how close the amusement parks are, and we’re pretty close to the beach. It’s perfect.
OFM: Do you go to the parks often?
LH: When I was little I used to go all the time. I really enjoy Halloween Horror Nights at Universal.
OFM: Do you have a certain routine before each game?
LH: Before every game I have to get Starbucks. I’m very superstitious—I have to wear the same jewelry and I have to do my hair a certain way. Then I tell myself to try not to do too much, to stay within myself and to play like I know how to play.
OFM: Do you listen to music before the game?
LH: We have a team playlist that we always play, and before every home game our coach sings “I Want to Dance With Somebody” and we all dance along with him.
OFM: Who is the funniest girl on the team?
LH: I would have to say my friend Addison Lamb. In a tough situation, we all look at each other and smile and we know it’s going to be OK.
Jacob Little-Phillips, Winter Park Boys Volleyball
A senior setter, Little-Phillips is coming off a special junior season in which he recorded 833 assists, 143 digs, 82 kills and 45 aces to lead Winter Park to a 30-0 season and its second state championship in three years. He is committed to Stanford.
OFM: How excited are you for the season to get here?
JLP: I’m excited. It’s my senior year and I’ve been waiting a while for this.
OFM: Last season was obviously a memorable one. What stands out when you look back on it?
JLP: What stands out to me is, throughout every game the whole season we were very, very resilient and we never gave in or let our emotions take over. In the last game, it was a culmination of all those games and we had to be our most resilient in the toughest moment. We were one point away from getting second place and finishing 29-1, and we had to fight back four or five points. That kind of encapsulated the whole season.
OFM: What are your goals heading into this season?
JLP: I felt like last year we were kind of defending the teams we were playing; we were on our back foot. This year I want to go out and dominate, and really take control of every match we play in.
OFM: How old were you when you started playing volleyball?
JLP: I started playing when I was around 6 years old because my dad owns a volleyball club in the area. I would spend every day at the gym when I was little, just messing around with a ball and playing with my siblings and all the kids there. I’ve been playing for a long time.
OFM: Did you love the game right away because of your family influence?
JLP: No, actually I didn’t. When I was little I really wanted to play soccer and I didn’t want to play volleyball. Then when I was 11 years old I had to make a choice, and at that time I was a lot better at volleyball than I was at soccer and it was the family business, so I chose to stick with it. Since then, I’ve definitely loved it and I’m glad I made this choice.
OFM: It seems like you’re capable of playing multiple positions.
JLP: When I was little I played libero, until I was about 14, and then I switched to setting. I started setting around eighth grade.
OFM: Setter is such an important position in volleyball, almost like a quarterback. Do you love the responsibility and the leadership that it requires?
JLP: Yeah, and I also love that every setter has their own style. I think that’s much more apparent in setters than other positions and I think you really get to showcase who you are, not only with your play but with your decision making. It’s kind of like an art form, and it’s definitely the most unique position on the court.
OFM: Does it take a while to develop chemistry with your hitters?
JLP: It does, yeah. The more time I spend with a hitter, obviously our connection gets better and better and you really want that. It can be difficult at first.
OFM: Stanford kind of speaks for itself, both academically and athletically, but what led you to commit there?
JLP: When I took my visit there, everyone I encountered—whether they were on the team, worked there or were just regular students—really reminded me of myself. I took a step back and realized, this is who I want to be when I’m older and this is the standard I want to set for myself. What better place to get me to that point than Stanford? Also, it’s a high level of volleyball and the academics [are excellent]. With everything Stanford has to offer, it felt like a no-brainer.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
JLP: I’m undecided but I’m leaning toward economics probably. I don’t have to declare [a major] until my junior year of college so I’m just going to wait and see.
OFM: How far do you want to go with volleyball?
JLP: If I can make it to the pros, that would be awesome. I would love to play professional volleyball, but that’s also the reason I chose Stanford, because if that doesn’t work out I’ll have a phenomenal education that will help propel me in whatever I choose to do.
OFM: Do you play beach volleyball at all?
JLP: I don’t play beach; I play grass volleyball. I am not a fan of beach volleyball. It’s annoying to play compared to indoor and grass. I don’t feel satisfied when I’m playing beach and it’s a lot more frustrating. It’s not as accessible, either, which is a factor.
OFM: Are you nervous about going to college all the way across the country?
JLP: Slightly, yeah. I think Stanford will take care of me. Obviously it’s a long distance, but anywhere I would have had to go would have been a long flight. I kind of knew that when I decided to play volleyball in college that I was going to have to go far away.
OFM: What are you going to miss the most about home, other than family and friends?
JLP: I have to think about that, because I usually say my family. … We’re very close.
OFM: Have you always lived in Florida? What do you like about growing up here?
JLP: I have always lived in Florida. I like the warm weather and I don’t like the cold, but it is a little too hot here. I’ve never lived anywhere else and I love my life, so I love everything Florida has to offer. I haven’t experienced living anywhere else, so I don’t really know what I appreciate about Florida more than living somewhere else. I kind of like everything here. I love the community I grew up in—I love Winter Park. But I also want to experience living in different places.
OFM: What are your other hobbies?
JLP: I like playing video games and I like watching movies and TV shows. I go to the gym when I don’t have practice and I enjoy working out. I like music—I don’t make music, but I enjoy listening to music. I also like food and I like to find new places to eat, like little hole-in-the-wall places.
OFM: Got any recommendations?
JLP: Stasio’s—it’s an Italian deli over on Colonial in the Milk District and it’s very good. I’m excited to have a whole new area to explore in college.
Aimee Teale, Windermere Prep Girls Lacrosse
Teale moved to Florida from her native Scotland in eighth grade and has had a major impact on the girls lacrosse team at Windermere Prep throughout her career. The senior captain is coming off a sensational junior season in which she had 63 goals, five assists and 32 ground balls.
OFM: What are your goals heading into your senior season?
AT: I hope to just have fun. We have a new coach this year, coach (Vince) Smith, and he’s created a great atmosphere for the team. I think all of the girls are training more together and we have a positive outlook. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun as a team and I’m super excited.
OFM: Did you know the new coach at all before he took over?
AT: Yes. He’s also the boys coach at Windermere Prep and this year he took on the position as the girls coach as well. He was a great mentor for me last year. He was always someone I could go to for advice about lacrosse because he’s very knowledgeable. He’s been around the sport his entire life and he’s just a great coach and a great person. Me and all the girls love him so far.
OFM: You’re coming off such a big individual season. Have you always been a goal scorer?
AT: I played field hockey for the majority of my life because I lived in Scotland until I was 14. I started playing around 8 years old, and then I moved to Florida and took up lacrosse as a freshman in high school. I had a pretty good season that year and scored 20-something goals, which isn’t bad considering it was my first time ever playing lacrosse. Since then I’ve been pretty good with the goals and the stats.
OFM: Do you still play field hockey?
AT: No, I just focus on lacrosse now. Field hockey is hard to find in Florida.
OFM: How hard was it to leave Scotland and move to a different country?
AT: It was very hard. Just being 14 years old and moving across the world is difficult enough as is, but I also moved during COVID so that added some extra stress to the situation. But I love living in Florida—it’s amazing. I obviously miss family and friends from Scotland but I do love living here.
OFM: Is your family here as well?
AT: Yes, my parents and my younger sister. She also plays lacrosse and she’s on the team. Her name is Lily and she’s a sophomore. It’s amazing playing with her. She started playing in eighth grade and she got a lot more into it last year. It will be really fun playing with her for my senior year. I’m super close with her and she’s a great support.
OFM: Do you ever get back to Scotland?
AT: I go back about four times a year. I was just there for Christmas. We get back as much as we can, which is great.
OFM: What’s the biggest difference between living there and living here?
AT: I think there’s obviously a difference with the people, just going from the people I’ve grown up with and coming to a new environment. But a positive for me is the weather and I think it makes all the difference, especially when talking about sports. The good weather gives you so many opportunities to get outside and play and to have games go on. It kind of just lifts your spirits in general to be in the sunshine.
OFM: Are you looking to play lacrosse in college?
AT: Probably not. I don’t have plans at the moment to commit to playing in college, but I do love lacrosse and I have a passion for it, so if the opportunity arises to walk on at a college I want to attend, I will. But most likely my ambition is to just play club in college.
OFM: How is the process of finding a college going?
AT: I’m pretty set on staying in Florida and I got accepted to FSU, so that’s probably my top choice at the moment.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
AT: I want to study business but I want to do it on the pre-law track. I want to do corporate law hopefully in the future. I’m one of those people who is passionate about everything I do and I give my all into everything. In school I take rigorous classes and I’m a very driven person. I’m also very outgoing, so I was one of those kids who people would say, “She should be a lawyer when she grows up.” I guess it transferred well because it’s definitely something I can see myself in.
OFM: Do you like going to school at Windermere Prep?
AT: Yeah, it’s a great environment. Moving here from another country and going to an international school genuinely made all the difference. On my team now, we have five or six girls from our boarding program who are trying out now, and it’s nice to be around people who are going through the same thing. We also have a great athletics department, great coaches and great teachers.
OFM: Do people have any misconceptions about Scotland?
AT: I’ve been asked a lot of times if I speak Scottish and I’ve been told my English is really good, but we do in fact speak English over there. A lot of people tend to not know where Scotland is. There’s not too many Scottish people in this area but for the most part it’s not too bad.
OFM: What else do you like to do for fun?
AT: I’m super close with my family so spending time with them, and also spending time with friends. I really enjoy baking so I bake a lot. I like to work out so I go to the gym a lot.
OFM: Is there a big rivalry game you’re looking forward to?
AT: This year we play a lot of teams that we haven’t played before. Our district is pretty hard so that’s something I’m a little wary of. It’s usually the local schools like Windermere and Horizon, but we actually don’t play either of those schools this year. The most local school we play is Lake Buena Vista, but they’re a pretty new program and not a super developed team, sort of like us, so that will be a good game.
Sam Juhnke, Montverde Academy Boys Lacrosse
A senior goalie, Juhnke was named team MVP as a junior after collecting 132 saves and helping lead Montverde to a 10-6 record. He is set for one final season of high school lacrosse alongside his twin brother Alex before moving on to play at Tufts University in Massachusetts.
OFM: How are you feeling with the season quickly approaching?
SJ: I’m super excited. The team looks good and we’re all excited.
OFM: What goals do you have for yourself and the team?
SJ: We have a lot of new players, who have played for one year or this is their first time playing, so I think a main goal for me is to step up and be a leader for those players. The sport of lacrosse is unique and it’s hard to get into, so I think it’s important for me to be a vocal leader, someone to look up to, and to set a good example for those players.
OFM: How did you get into the sport?
SJ: I’ve been playing since second grade. I got into it because when I was in kindergarten I saw a flyer at my elementary school, but you had to be in second grade to play. … So we gave them a call a couple of years later and started playing.
OFM: Have you always been a goalie?
SJ: I started out at midfield, and in my second season my team didn’t have a goalie so I switched.
OFM: What do you like about the position?
SJ: I think I’m pretty athletic so I bring something to the position that a lot of goalies don’t, from what I’ve seen. I can run out of the goal and participate in the clear a lot. But my favorite part of the position is having a relationship with my defense and communicating with the team in a way that a lot of positions don’t get to.
OFM: What’s it like having your twin brother by your side throughout your lacrosse career?
SJ: It’s amazing. We’ve always been on the same team, so we’ve always traveled together and had the opportunity to step on a field with someone we know and someone we have a connection with. Especially since I’m a goalie and he’s a defenseman, that helps the communication that we’re able to have. We understand each other.
OFM: How hard was it for you two to commit to different colleges, since Alex is going to Rollins?
SJ: We never had a set plan to go to the same college. For me, I always wanted to look outside of Florida and Tufts just happened to be [a great fit]. It’s a really good academic school and a pretty good lacrosse program. In regards to us being separated, it’s definitely going to be a new experience. There’s no way to envision what it will be like so I guess I’ll just see when the time comes.
OFM: Are you nervous about being so far from home for college?
SJ: A little bit, but a lot of my friends are going to school up there too, so I’ll have a lot of my friends around me and I’ll be able to make some trips home hopefully. It won’t be too bad.
OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
SJ: Right now I’m planning on studying economics. One of my close friends … is a partner at [a private equity firm] and I’ve been talking to him about his job. My main goal is to have a job either consulting or working in investment banking—something where I can apply what I’ve been learning in my economics classes.
OFM: What do you like about going to school at Montverde?
SJ: Being around a student body that is mainly athletes, everybody understands the situation that we’re all in. … There’s also a lot of diversity—in every class that I have, there’s probably five different countries represented by the students. It’s a unique experience that I don’t think you get anywhere else.
OFM: Have you always lived in Central Florida?
SJ: I’ve always lived in Apopka. Orlando has a lot of stuff for young people to do, like Universal. Where I live in Apopka, it’s very close to Windermere and Winter Garden, where there’s so much to do. It’s a nice area.
OFM: What else do you do for fun?
SJ: Since I was 8 years old I’ve played guitar. I play electric and classical, and I used to take classes but I just do it for fun now. I haven’t been able to do it as much this year, but I also like painting.
Star Watch
BASEBALL
Nathaneal Davis, Bishop Moore: This talented junior outfielder transferred into the program after batting over .400 with seven doubles last season at Trinity Prep. He is committed to LSU.
Sebastian Hurtado, Timber Creek: This senior catcher excels both at the plate—he hit .330 as a junior—and behind it, as his defense helped the Wolves go 24-7 and reach the state semifinals. He will continue his career at UCF.
Ty Kennedy, East River: Kennedy, a senior shortstop/second baseman, led the Falcons with a .429 average, 36 hits and 21 RBIs as a junior. He is headed to Oklahoma State.
Julian Mercado, The Master’s Academy: A power-hitting first baseman who also contributes on the mound, Mercado is looking forward to a big senior season before moving on to Stetson.
Michael Senay, East River: This senior right-handed pitcher compiled a 3-1 record with a 0.45 ERA and 83 strikeouts in 47 innings last season. He is committed to South Florida.
SOFTBALL
McKenna Hawley, Trinity Prep: A junior pitcher, Hawley went 17-6 with a 1.84 ERA and 280 strikeouts in 141 innings last season. She also batted .433 with 18 RBIs and announced her commitment to UCF in October.
Miranda Murch, Montverde: After batting .451 with five home runs and 43 RBIs last year at Windermere, this first baseman/pitcher will spend her senior season with the Eagles before moving on to Santa Fe College.
Luna Taboas, Montverde: A junior shortstop and Georgia commit, Taboas was on base constantly last year for the 3A state champs. She boasted a .613 average with 36 runs, 37 stolen bases and 21 RBIs.
Taylor Smith, Apopka: A junior who can play multiple positions, including catcher, third base and outfield, Smith batted over .500, scored 25 runs and knocked in 19 as a sophomore.
BOYS LACROSSE
Braden Arja, Winter Park: A senior midfielder who shines both offensively and defensively, Arja finished with 28 goals and 14 assists last year to help Winter Park reach the state semifinals.
Teddy Kachris, Bishop Moore: Kachris, a senior attackman, had 33 goals and 23 assists as a junior to earn Offensive MVP honors for the Hornets for the second year in a row. The two-year captain was also named an Academic All-American.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Savannah Love, Lake Highland Prep: A senior attacker/midfielder, Love filled up the stat sheet last season with 38 goals, 13 assists, 27 grounds balls and 51 draw controls.
Tori Madrid, West Orange: After a phenomenal freshman season in which she scored 73 goals to go with 13 assists and 84 draw controls, it will be exciting to see what Madrid can accomplish as a sophomore.
Lizzie Scalzo, Bishop Moore: Scalzo, a senior attacker/midfielder, contributed 58 goals, 25 assists and 64 draw controls for the Hornets last season and will continue her career at Elon.
BOYS TRACK
CJ Bronaugh, Windermere: A highly recruited football player who is committed to Nebraska, Bronaugh was the 1A state champion in both the 100 and 200 meters last year while running for Foundation Academy and is primed for another big season with his new team.
Kai Evans, Lake Minneola: Last spring, Evans repeated as the 3A state champ in the 400 hurdles and also took first in the 110 hurdles to go with top-10 finishes in the 100 and 200 meters. Touted as one of the country’s premier track standouts, he had the nation’s fastest high school time in the 400 hurdles in 2024. He will take his talents to Mississippi State.
GIRLS TRACK
Loralei Flores, Geneva: Flores, a senior, already holds the school record in the pole vault and is eyeing a state championship this season after placing second in 1A as a junior.
Victoria Hill, Trinity Prep: Hill will focus on volleyball at Appalachian State, but not before she wraps up her sensational track career at Trinity Prep. She was the 2A state champion in the triple jump last year while taking second in the long jump and third in the high jump.
Dasia Reed, Montverde: One of the top sprinters in the area, Reed captured the 2A state title in the 100 meters and took second in the 200.
BOYS TENNIS
Ben Demetriades, Trinity Prep: Demetriades has been playing line one for the Saints since he was a freshman, and with two years of varsity experience in the role he is on the verge of a breakout season.
Mika Pavlovic, Windermere: After playing line one as a sophomore and shining in the top spot, Pavlovic has high expectations for his junior campaign.
GIRLS TENNIS
Emily Meng, Boone: Boone, a senior, is coming off a successful junior season in both singles and doubles. The Braves’ line one and captain provides invaluable leadership to her teammates.
BOYS WATER POLO
Mete Gunduz, Dr. Phillips: Gunduz, a senior goalie, was second in the state with 264 saves last year as he led the Panthers to a 29-3 record and an appearance in the state final.
GIRLS WATER POLO
Bailey Dunn, West Orange: As a junior, Dunn totaled 64 goals, 35 assists and 98 steals to help the Warriors go 25-6 and reach the state final.
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Tristan Guitton, Winter Park: A 6-foot-6 senior, Guitton played a major part in Winter Park’s undefeated season last year as he recorded 324 kills, 54 blocks, 75 digs and 31 aces.
