These standout spring athletes from Central Florida are ready to add to their already long list of accomplishments.

Emma Hartung, Trinity Prep softball
Hartung, a senior catcher/utility player, has twice been named all-state by the Florida Athletics Coaches Association and is coming off a tremendous junior season in which she batted .500 with three home runs. She will continue her career at the University of Connecticut.

OFM: How are you feeling heading into senior season?
EH: It’s bittersweet because it’s our last season in high school, but I’m really excited. Being a UConn commit, I’m excited to uphold their standard, and I just want to get better and also have fun.

OFM: What is the potential for this year’s team?
EH: We’re a younger group and we have a lot of new girls, but our practices have been going really well and we have a lot of potential. We’re super close, too. Our practices have been fun and I can’t wait to get on the field with them in games real soon.

OFM: Is catcher your primary position?
EH: This year it will be, but I’m also a utility. I can play anywhere.

OFM: As a catcher, is your main focus to support the pitchers?
EH: Yes. I love my relationship with my pitchers—that’s my favorite part about being a catcher. A lot of our pitchers are newer this year, so it’s really fun to create new bonds and also to guide them through bullpens and their routines.

OFM: What’s it like to catch McKenna Hawley, who is working her way back from an injury right now?
EH: I love catching McKenna. I miss her so much but I love that her recovery is going well. She’s a great competitor and she’s super active on the field.

OFM: How did you get started in softball?
EH: I started in sixth grade. I used to play tennis, and then one day I was like, ‘I’m over it.’ So I picked up softball. I was super nervous starting a new sport because I had never played it. I grew up playing tennis—my whole family played. But I loved all the equipment for the catcher, and I loved the team aspect too. That’s what made it click. I had never played a team sport, and now I would never go back and I would never trade it. I love being part of a team.

OFM: I knew you played for a different school in North Carolina before coming to Trinity. Is that where you grew up?
EH: Yes. I grew up near Charlotte, just north in Davidson, and then I moved here. I had lived in the same house and gone to the same school my whole life, so moving was definitely a big deal to me. It was after my first year of high school, so it felt super abrupt and it was so scary. It wasn’t an easy transition at all, but after the first semester and after we got settled, I started loving it and it’s perfect now. I love the people, I love the team and I love Florida. It was a hard transition being in the heat, but I love it now. Softball was hard too, not knowing any players or any coaches. It was adversity I had never faced before, but getting through it was great.

OFM: What are some of the benefits to living in the Orlando area?
EH: It’s nice wearing shorts every day because it doesn’t get that cold. Being able to play year round with not a lot of weather conditions that can restrict you is great.

OFM: Obviously, that’s going to change for you next year. What did you like about the school and softball program at UConn that made you commit there?
EH: Even when I was living in North Carolina, I always wanted to move up north just to get that experience. In North Carolina we had snow, but I wanted to have more snow. My dad grew up in Connecticut and he grew up a big UConn fan, so I love the school. I want to be a psych major and they have a great psych program and a great arts and science program. I also love the campus. It’s a big school but it has a small-school feel, and I’ve gone to small private schools my whole life. Having that small-school feel in a big school will be good for me. It’s also rural—there’s a cow farm on campus. I love the coaches too … because off the field they care about their players. It just feels right.

OFM: What else do you do for fun?
EH: Another good thing about living in Florida is that the beach is close, so I try to get to the beach as much as possible. I enjoy reading and exercising outside of softball—running and lifting. Listening to music is another big thing.

OFM: Speaking of music, do you have a walk-up song?
EH: I think I do. I narrowed it down and I wanted something less serious for my senior year, so I’m doing a Disney song from Mulan. I just wanted to have fun with it.

McKenna Hawley, Trinity Prep softball
A senior pitcher who has been competing at the varsity level since sixth grade, Hawley went 7-3 with a 0.81 ERA as a junior and has amassed more than 1,000 career strikeouts. She is recovering from shoulder surgery and hopes to return later this season before playing at UCF.

OFM: What can you tell us about your injury?
MH: I originally dislocated my shoulder around a year ago, diving into third base. I went to PT and came back, and they did tell me that the risk was that I would need surgery. But they didn’t have a lot of research on softball pitching—they only had research on baseball—so they said there was a possibility it wouldn’t affect me because our motion is less [stress] on the arm. I just couldn’t throw overhand as much. But me being me and how athletic I am, I was throwing the football around and re-dislocated it. Luckily, there was an EMT person there and she popped it back in, so I didn’t think it was a big deal, so I just avoided throwing overhand. But then I was pitching a few months ago and had a [subluxation]—it partially came out and went back in. After that, I realized I probably needed to do the surgery now, before I get to UCF, so that I had plenty of time to do rehab and to get better, even though I would probably miss my senior year of playing. So I got the surgery a little more than a month ago and I’ve been doing PT, and it’s going well. I’ve pretty much gotten my full range of motion back, but I’m still working on over my head and behind my back.

OFM: How are you mentally handling your injury and the fact that you might have to miss your entire senior season?
MH: There’s a possibility I may pitch at the end of the year, but it just depends on how my arm feels and how PT goes. It’s definitely frustrating because I’m the type of person who enjoys doing athletics in general. Anytime I pick up a ball, or even a football or basketball, it’s so hard not to play. But the reason I’ve been able to move past it is because I’ve still been able to have a role on the team. I pretty much go to practice every single day. I’ve been fielding but not throwing, I’ve been catching in the outfield, and I’ve been helping coach with whatever she needs help with. Mentally it’s hard, but I’m still involved in everything and going to all the games, so it hasn’t been too challenging.

OFM: Even if you don’t get to play this year, it’s been a remarkable career at Trinity Prep. What stands out when you look back on it?
MH: I’m really proud. I know that I’m lucky with the amount of years I got compared to other people. I’m glad that I had all of those years, and I think I would have been more devastated now if I hadn’t. Obviously, I still had some goals for my senior year, but I’m also ready for UCF and I’m looking forward to going to college and being in a D-I atmosphere.

OFM: Have you always been a pitcher?
MH: I was actually a pitcher and a catcher. I would pitch, and then when the other girl went in, I would catch. I was not a very good catcher—that wasn’t the position for me. I wouldn’t say that I liked the attention on me [from pitching], but I felt like I wanted to be in control and I wanted the ball in my hands. When you play other positions, sometimes the ball comes to you and sometimes it doesn’t. With pitching, I felt that I could be involved on every single pitch and control the outcome more—sometimes good, sometimes bad. It was in my hands and I had power to do as much as I could do.

OFM: What made you want to play for UCF?
MH: Obviously, I live close, so I’ve been going to UCF football games, softball games, baseball games and basketball games since I was really young. I have photos of me when I was 5 going to UCF football games. I think the reason I loved it is that I started going to camps there. At first, I wasn’t thinking about college, I was just thinking about how nice the girls were. As I continued going to camps there and I got older, I realized the culture they have there. It’s not just a game, it’s a family, and they push each other and support each other. Coach [Cindy Ball-Malone’s] kids are always hanging out with the team. There’s just a sense of family there, and I feel like I can be pushed enough but also supported on and off the field. … I also wanted to be in a program that wasn’t already really, really good and in the top five. I wanted to be on a team that was growing so that I could contribute to that team. I didn’t want to be just another name, but someone who actually did something for the program and can help them be better than they are right now.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
MH: I want to study education. I’ve always enjoyed hanging out with kids. My family is ginormous and we always have hangouts, and I’ll take care of my cousins and play games with them. I’ve always known that’s what I wanted to do.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Central Florida?
MH: Probably that it feels so big but it’s really not that big. There are so many people that I know all over, yet I feel like I run into new people every single day. I also like the culture in general. All of my friends are close and we all pretty much support each other.

OFM: What else do you do for fun?
MH: I really, really love sports. I’m actually getting into golf, even though with my shoulder I haven’t been able to do that [lately]. I also enjoy art—I’m taking AP 3-D Art, and I enjoy doing that. I’m a very crafty person and right now I’m working on bedazzling softballs.

Giselle Jaskiewicz, Lake Highland Prep girls lacrosse
A sophomore midfielder who has been part of the varsity program since she was in seventh grade, Jaskiewicz scored 73 goals to go with eight assists and 39 ground balls last year. She helped the Highlanders go 20-4 with a state championship.

OFM: How are you feeling heading into another high school lacrosse season?
GJ: I’m really excited. We have great plans for this season.

OFM: Do you think this year’s team has the same potential of winning a state title?
GJ: Yes. The goal for this season is definitely to go back-to-back with state championships. It would be the first time we ever won two years in a row. We have a great team with lots of talent.

OFM: You had come close a few times to winning a state title in your career before last season. What did it mean to accomplish the feat?
GJ: We fought through a lot of adversity—we had multiple injuries and we really fought through them. We had great chemistry on and off the field, and I think that helped us play well and ultimately win the state championship.

OFM: This program has such a great tradition, but that also means that every opponent gives you its best. Does it feel like there’s a target on your backs sometimes?
GJ: Sometimes I do feel like there’s a target on our backs, because we’re a great team. But it’s just really fun to play with my best friends and for coach [Chris] Robinson.

OFM: After playing varsity lacrosse in seventh and eighth grade, it seemed like things really clicked for you as a freshman. Did you anticipate stepping up your game like that?
GJ: Yes. I think having those two years as a middle schooler, getting to learn from the older girls and having the experience with my coaches helped a lot. This year as a sophomore, I’m looking to step into more of a leadership role.

OFM: Do you have any personal goals for this season?
GJ: Personally, my goals are to stay healthy, to learn in practice, and to apply what I learn in games.

OFM: Have you always played midfielder?
GJ: Yes. My siblings both play in college—my sister is a senior at Georgetown University and my brother is a sophomore at Providence College—and they are both midfielders, so I got it from them. They brought me to play the sport when I was growing up in Danbury, Connecticut.

OFM: How old were you when you came to Florida?
GJ: I was in fourth grade. I don’t think the adjustment was hard because I was so young. I also loved the weather down here. It was scary to leave my friends from all of my sports, but I definitely loved the change because of all the opportunities I have here in Florida.

OFM: Do you still play other sports?
GJ: No. I used to play soccer, basketball, tennis and flag football, but lacrosse has always been my favorite since I was little. I love the fast pace—it’s the fastest game on two feet—and being a midfielder, I love that I get to play both sides of the field, because I don’t like standing around and watching. It’s exciting to watch and play.

OFM: Even though you’re a goal scorer, do you take pride in your defense as well?
GJ: Yes, definitely. I think defense is a big part of lacrosse. Getting a check or a caused turnover is one of the best plays you can have.

OFM: Do you take the draw?
GJ: I used the draw when I was in middle school on my club team, but for Lake Highland I’m on the draw circle, not taking the draw.

OFM: Have you started thinking about college yet?
GJ: Yes. I want to continue playing lacrosse in college. It’s my dream to play Division I and compete for a conference and maybe even a national championship. I technically can’t talk to schools until Sept. 1 of my junior year, so we’ll have to wait and see. Specifically, I’m looking for a college with good academics and a strong athletic program.

OFM: Do you ever get to see your siblings play at that level?
GJ: Yes. I love going up and watching their games in the spring. It’s hard because my season and their seasons are at the same time, but I love making trips up there whenever I can.

OFM: Do you have any idea yet what you would like to study in college?
GJ: I hope to study business in college—maybe finance or marketing.

OFM: What else do you do for fun when you get a break from lacrosse?
GJ: Off the lacrosse field, I enjoy lake days on the boat, and I love to play pickleball with my friends during the summer or on weekends.

OFM: What’s the best part about growing up in Central Florida?
GJ: Obviously, the weather and that you can play pickleball or go on boats year-round—you’re not just stuck having fun in the summer. I think there’s more opportunity because you can be outdoors more.

OFM: What do you like about going to school at Lake Highland Prep?
GJ: I like it because of the great campus, people and teachers. I appreciate how much the people support the student-athletes.

OFM: How do you get ready for a big game?
GJ: My team has a tradition of having a big dance party in the locker room or on the bus before a game. It really pumps us up before we play and it’s my favorite tradition.

OFM: Is there a rival that you most look forward to playing?
GJ: It’s always American Heritage. We always play them in states so it’s a big rivalry. It was a one-goal game last year and it was very exciting. It was such a great feeling to win.

Aiden Fontaine, Winter Park boys volleyball
Fontaine, an outside hitter, recorded 262 kills, 32 blocks and 137 digs last year as the Wildcats claimed their second consecutive state championship. He has high hopes for his senior season before moving on to Division I volleyball at Queens University of Charlotte.

OFM: Are you excited for your senior season?
AF: I’m really excited. I think it’s going to be a lot different this year.

OFM: I know you graduated some key players, but are the expectations the same this year?
AF: I think so. The way that we do things and our traditions have still held up. That’s not going to change, even with changes to our coaching staff.

OFM: It’s hard enough to win one state championship. How did it feel to repeat last year?
AF: It was a good way to send off last year’s seniors, just because they had been so big for the program over the last three or four years. It was a little lackluster, in my opinion, because they changed it to three state titles [by school size], rather than everyone in Florida competing for one. So two years ago was definitely more of an accomplishment, but it was still a great feat to go back-to-back last year as well.

OFM: Do you expect to be more of a leader this year?
AF: I definitely think that it’s going to be up to me and other people on the team to fill that spot. I feel like I’m one of the bigger pieces for that just because I’ve been part of the program and I’ve been on varsity since freshman year.

OFM: Your team graduated a great setter in Jacob Little-Phillips. Who is taking over as the starter and how is your chemistry with him?
AF: It will be Nick Baker. Me and Nick both made varsity our freshman year and we’ve been on it ever since. We’ve also been playing club volleyball together for the past three years, so we have a pretty strong chemistry. This is not the first time he’s set, because he’s set in high school practices and in club practices before. It’s not like we’re just throwing him in fresh.

OFM: How did you first get into the sport?
AF: I started when I was 13, in eighth grade, so this is my fifth year playing. When I was in eighth grade I tried out for every sport that was available, just because my seventh grade year was COVID and it got cut off pretty abruptly. We weren’t allowed to try out for sports during COVID, so when we came back I wanted to try out for every sport I could, and I made the volleyball team. I realized I had a natural gift for it and I kind of took it and ran with it from there.

OFM: Do you also play for Team Florida?
AF: Yes. My first year was two summers ago, and me and my team won [the USAV All-Star Tournament]. I also made the team last year but we lost in the semifinals.

OFM: Where is that tournament held?
AF: Last year it was in Wisconsin, and two years ago it was in Des Moines, Iowa. They move it every single year between all the different regions.

OFM: What made you commit to Queens University of Charlotte?
AF: It was really my only option [for volleyball], because I committed this year and a lot of people commit way earlier. A lot of things fell through with the roster changes and all of that. I know the coach, Roger Peluso, because he used to coach at Winter Park High School, and he’s a phenomenal coach and a phenomenal person. He started recruiting me so I went on a visit there, and I loved it. The team was great, the college itself was great. It just seemed like a perfect fit for me.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
AF: As of right now I want to be a physical therapist, so at Queens I would major in exercise science.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
AF: I’ve lived all over. I was born in Los Angeles and then my family moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Then we moved to Phoenix, Arizona, and then we moved here. We’ve been here for the longest time.

OFM: Do you have a favorite spot out of all of those?
AF: Definitely here, just because we’ve been here for the longest and I’ve been able to make the most memories and the most friends here. I feel like there’s so much stuff to do, at least in the Winter Park area. I don’t even know where to start—there are so many places to go, walk around and hang out. The weather is hot but it’s perfect here in my opinion. It’s a great place to live.

OFM: Do you play beach volleyball at all?
AF: I love beach volleyball but the only issue was that there were no places to play. But now they’ve built three courts right next to the Cady Way Trail, and I’m very excited to play there. I’ve always wanted to play, there just weren’t any locations other than an actual beach. So I’ve been more into the grass side of outdoor volleyball.

OFM: What else do you do for fun?
AF: As a second sport, I do play soccer too, and we just finished our soccer season at Winter Park. I hang out with my friends, I like to work out, and I play a lot of video games—probably too much. I hang out with my girlfriend a lot too.

Nakira Hudson, Montverde Academy girls track
Hudson, a senior, captured the 2A state title in the 400 meters last spring to go with district and regional crowns, and she also placed third in the state in the 200. A South Carolina commit, she helped the Eagles win team championships at districts and regionals and finish second at states. She also has a national title in her collection in the indoor 4×200 relay.

OFM: Has it hit you yet that this is your final high school season?
NH: Yes. I’m very excited to be back on the track. … We’re making our way to the outdoor season.

OFM: Last outdoor season was a hugely successful one for you. Do you have any certain goals for this one?
NH: I just want to continue that momentum. I want to win states, districts and regionals again, and possibly get another national title to add to my résumé.

OFM: Did you expect all of those accomplishments last year?
NH: Yeah, I kind of expected it. It’s not something that’s new to me, so I expected to go out and achieve the things I set my mind to.

OFM: When did you first get into track?
NH: I started in middle school during my seventh grade year, so this is going to be my sixth year.

OFM: What inspired you to start—were you always fast?
NH: Kind of, yeah. When I was younger, I would always race my cousins and family members. They would always say, ‘You’re so fast.’ So I decided to try it.

OFM: Have you competed in other sports?
NH: I’ve done gymnastics and flag football.

OFM: How did the 400 become your specialty?
NH: I was just testing things out and that’s the one thing that stuck, so I continued doing it. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite race, but it’s the one I’m good at, so I respect it. My favorite race is the 200—it’s shorter and it’s like a happy medium between the 100, which is short, and the 400, which is long.

OFM: What is like having other great sprinters on your own team, like fellow state champion Dasia Reed? Do you bring out the best in each other?
NH: Yes, all the time, from practice to anything like our diet, which we stay on each other for. They always push me to be better, on and off the track, so I love having them.

OFM: How long have you attended Montverde, and what has the experience been like?
NH: This is my third year. I went to Dr. Phillips [before]. It’s definitely different from public school; they’re more hands on with you for academics and things like that. It hasn’t been rough, though. It was easy to get adjusted and it’s a nice environment. I like it for sports and academics.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
NH: I love the weather. It’s always hot—I couldn’t see myself being anywhere cold.

OFM: What made you commit to South Carolina?
NH: On my visit, I loved the team and I loved the dynamic. The coaches are nice, and I love the training program they have for my event, the 400. There was nothing they lacked. I really like everything about South Carolina.

OFM: What is your ultimate goal in the sport?
NH: I would like to go pro eventually. It’s going to take discipline and making track a lifestyle, not just something that’s a hobby. I have to continue doing what I’ve been doing.

OFM: Are there any Olympians or pros you look up to?
NH: I would say Masai Russell. She’s someone I look up to because she shows perseverance and determination, and I really like that about her.

OFM: What are you going to study at South Carolina?
NH: For now, I plan to major in sports media. I’m still not sure about it but that’s what I’m leaning toward right now.

OFM: What else do you do for fun when you have a break from training?
NH: I like to go out with my friends and eat dinner, go shopping—the basic teenaged stuff.

OFM: Do you have a particular routine before a big race?
NH: I wouldn’t say I have any traditions. I kind of keep it simple before all of my races. Everybody likes listening to music, but I don’t. I like being aware of my surroundings while I’m getting ready for my race.

OFM: Have you traveled a lot through the sport?
NH: Yes. I’ve been to Alabama, Canada, Philly and Boston. I liked Philadelphia the best. It was hot when we were there and I got to see the city a little bit.

OFM: Did you get a cheesesteak while you were there?
NH: [Laughs] No, but we did go to Raising Cane’s.

Bodhi Lyon, Lake Mary boys lacrosse
Lyon, a senior goalie, made 92 saves and posted a miniscule 1.8 goals against average during his sensational junior season as Lake Mary went 19-1 and reached the 2A state semifinals. He will play Division I lacrosse at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

OFM: Are you excited to get back on the field and continue Lake Mary’s outstanding tradition?
BL: Oh yeah, we’re super excited for the upcoming season. We have a lot of new guys coming in and a lot of potential. We’re excited for where things are headed.

OFM: You lost some key players from last year for various reasons. Have the expectations remained the same?
BL: Yes. Just because we lost some key guys, the expectations have already been set. Hopefully we can continue that tradition of winning. Nothing has really changed in our eyes.

OFM: Do you have any personal goals?
BL: Personally, I would like to make first-team all-state. But a state championship is the ultimate goal no matter what, and whatever I can do to put my team in the position to win a state championship is all I need.

OFM: Do you have to be more of a leader this year as a senior?
BL: Yeah. I think I’ve definitely stepped up to take more of that leadership role. A lot of our other guys have stepped up too, even some of the guys who are injured. They’re out at practice teaching the younger kids, and it’s been cool to see. A lot of the guys I played with in eighth grade and as a freshman have stepped up and become leaders.

OFM: Leadership probably comes with your position.
BL: Yeah, you have to be the quarterback of the defense. Last year, we still had some older guys who knew the ropes better, but I’m definitely in the spotlight now.

OFM: How did you become a goalie in the first place?
BL: I started off playing attack and middie. There’s a club team in Lake Mary called the Mohicans, and they needed a guy in goal, so I stepped up. Ever since then, I haven’t looked back. I love the position and I wouldn’t change a thing.

OFM: Do you have to have a short memory as a goalie, since a lot of goals can be scored in lacrosse?
BL: Without a doubt, within the game you have to have a short memory. But I would say when the game is over, you have to go back and watch the film, see what went wrong and fix those things. During the game, you can’t afford to be thinking about what went wrong on the previous goal. If you’re not mentally focused, it can cause a snowball effect.

OFM: Did you grow up playing other sports, or did you just focus on lacrosse?
BL: Since I picked up a stick, it was mostly lacrosse. But I played soccer for about six years, I played football, I tried out baseball, I played basketball for a couple of years and I even did a couple of tennis camps. I definitely tried out every sport, but lacrosse is the one that stuck.

OFM: What do you like about growing up in Florida?
BL: The people. Everywhere I’ve been, it’s been the most welcoming people and an incredible vibe. You can’t beat the weather down here, either. Besides the cold front that just came in, it’s almost always paradise. But it’s mainly the people. I grew up in New Smyrna Beach, and when I moved to Lake Mary, nothing changed. Everybody I’ve met has been amazing.

OFM: Speaking of the weather, that’s going to change for you when you get to New Jersey for college. Are you ready for that?
BL: I’m looking forward to snow. When I was younger, we would travel out west to see my cousins in Colorado, and it was always a fun experience seeing the snow. It’s going to be a little different, definitely, but I’m excited to see the change in seasons and the snow. I’m not afraid to play in the snow—I welcome it.

OFM: What did you like about NJIT to make you commit there?
BL: First off, I love coach [Eric] Wolf, coach [Bobby] Russo and [the other coaches]. They all seem like great people and they seem like they have the program going in the right direction. When I toured the school, it was incredible. The facilities are amazing, the academics are good and it fits what I want to study. Then when I took more of an official visit with some of the other recruits, I met some players and the culture all fit what I was looking for. It seemed like a perfect fit.

OFM: What are you going to study?
BL: I’m looking to study biomedical engineering. I’ve always been interested in the human body and all the different aspects of it, and I’m interested in engineering and building all sorts of different things. I take some pretty advanced classes, so I figured, why not combine the two?

OFM: What else do you do for fun away from lacrosse?
BL: I love to weight lift, I go to the beach whenever I can, and I’m a huge football fan. I watch football every weekend until the season is out, and then we’re blessed with lacrosse. Hopefully the World Cup is promising this summer too. But mostly I love to hang out with friends and I’m just trying to soak up this last year of high school.

OFM: Do you like college and the NFL? Who are your favorite teams?
BL: Yes, both. For college, I have to go with the Gators. I’ve been a huge fan ever since I was young. I’ve bounced around a little bit in the NFL, but right now I’m a pretty big Chargers fan and I like the Dolphins.

Riley Johnson, Bishop Moore softball
A senior infielder, Johnson belted eight home runs last year to set the school single-season record, and she holds the program mark for career homers as well. She also batted .581 as a junior with 12 doubles, two triples and 41 RBIs and will continue her career at Florida Gulf Coast.

OFM: Is it weird that your senior season is here?
RJ: Yeah, 1,000%. It’s [sunk in] a little bit—we’re already talking about Senior Night and everything. It’s definitely getting real.

OFM: What are your goals this year, for yourself and the team?
RJ: Starting with the team, I would like for us to win districts, because we have definitely grown together. This fall we worked really hard, and to reward ourselves, I think it would be nice if we could win districts. Having a better season than last year is the goal. For myself, since I set the record last year, I would like to make it bigger. I also want to prepare for college by being a leader.

OFM: What did it mean to you to set the school record last year with eight homers? That’s a pretty big number.
RJ: [Laughs] Yeah, it is a pretty big number. It was a goal I always had because when I was a freshman here, I became really close with a senior who set the previous record with seven. We always went back and forth, and she knew that one day I would do it. Ever since then, I wanted to break it. Her name is Olivia Lenzen and she plays at Mercer University now. She’s someone I looked up to when I first got here.

OFM: How long have you been playing softball?
RJ: I started playing when I turned 9. My dad played baseball in high school and he was really good. … He’s my hitting coach and my coach for everything, and he’s my inspiration. I used to be a gymnast and I was a totally different person than I am now. But I’m a really big Yankee fan—Aaron Judge, Derek Jeter, all of them—and one day I told my dad I wanted to try [softball]. We went to the field that same day and he said, ‘You have something.’ So I tried out and here we are.

OFM: Did you play any other sports besides softball and gymnastics?
RJ: Growing up, I went to a Catholic school so I played all the youth sports: track, soccer, basketball, volleyball. I pretty much touched it all.

OFM: How did you become a Yankees fan?
RJ: My dad is from Long Island, and when he moved here at 14, he brought that down with him. I grew up a Yankees fan because of him.

OFM: Do you go over to Tampa to watch spring training?
RJ: I have been to Tampa, and when I was 10 my parents surprised me with a trip to New York so I could see the new [Yankee] Stadium in the Bronx. That was really fun. It was right when I started playing, and it made me want to work harder to try and get to that level.

OFM: Is Aaron Judge your favorite player?
RJ: Yes. I have a poster of him on my wall.

OFM: What made you commit to Florida Gulf Coast University?
RJ: I was recruited on Sept. 1 in my junior year, when we’re allowed to start talking to colleges. I committed in November of that year, but then the coach retired and a whole new coaching staff came on. So the recruiting process started again, and we had to see if I still liked them and they still liked me. It went back and forth for a little bit and I kind of reopened my recruitment, but it ended up working out in the end. I did not want to leave the state of Florida, so this was the best choice for me. There were a lot of schools outside of Florida that recruited me, but they were too cold and too snowy. Florida Gulf Coast is going to give me an opportunity to try to play as a freshman, and there’s a beach right on campus—my dorm overlooks the water—so it’s everything I could have asked for and more.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study?
RJ: I’m going into pre-nursing. My whole family is pretty much in the medical field. My dad is in construction, but my mom, grandmother and my uncle [are all in health care]. My mom is [an executive] at [AdventHealth] Fish Memorial in Orange City, and I’ve always looked up to what she does. I feel like I was born with it in me and I’m going to continue it.

OFM: Have you ever watched the show The Pitt?
RJ: I actually did not enjoy it. My mom is obsessed with it—she says it’s so real—but I just can’t get into it. I’m such a Grey’s Anatomy fan, where it’s all fake and a love story. [Laughs] The Pitt is too real.

OFM: What do you love about growing up in Central Florida?
RJ: I love this area because everything is here. You see all of these [softball] teams traveling here for tournaments. Even for cheer—my friends are competing in nationals and everyone is coming to ESPN. So you’re able to embrace the area and also share it with other people when they come here, because they have no idea what it’s like to be in the sunshine all the time with no snow. I just love it here, because I’m so outdoorsy and I love going to the beach. We live on a lake now, we just moved there, so we bought jet skis. I’m able to be outside all the time, and I’m also able to play my sport year round, which I wouldn’t be able to do if I didn’t live here.

OFM: Do you have a walk-up song?
RJ: No, I don’t—we’re not allowed in our school. When I was younger, I always had “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne or “Kickstart My Heart” by Motley Crue. Those were my two go-to [songs]. I got that from my dad.

OFM: Who is the funniest girl on the team—someone who can lighten the mood during a tough practice or game?
RJ: Ariana Lara. She plays on my travel team too, so we go through it all together. We’re able to bounce off each other if we need to vent, and if I need to talk about how we’re going to get through something, she’s always there. She wasn’t here my sophomore year and we had a rough year, but she transferred here last year and saved me. Thank God for her.

OFM: Aside from softball, what do you like about Bishop Moore?
RJ: I’ve grown up in a Catholic family and I went to a Catholic school from K-8, so I’m happy to continue it on. My brother is now a freshman here, so we’re able to do this part together. The school itself is amazing and the facilities are so nice. You can’t walk on any other campus and see brand-new buildings, fields and facilities that are top-tier and winning teams. The teachers try to make personal connections with you, so if you’re having a problem you can go to them. You look back and appreciate what you have, because not everybody has that.

Aspen Wooten, Lake Nona girls tennis
Wooten, a senior captain, has compiled a 22-5 record in singles and a 25-2 mark in doubles over the last three years, and helped the Lions finish second in the state in 2024 and 2025. Last season she won the 4A state doubles title with partner Gaby Almanza.

OFM: Senior season is here—is that hard to believe?
AW: Honestly, it’s bittersweet. I’m ready for the season and I’m ready to see what we can accomplish this year. Obviously, we’re shooting for some pretty big goals—three championships—and I think it definitely can be done. I’m excited.

OFM: Last year was such a successful one for you and the team. What stands out when you look back on it?
AW: Just being able to compete with my favorite people. I love this team and we’re like a family on and off the court. Being able to compete at the highest level and to push each other to our limits is really special to me. I’m excited to do that again this year.

OFM: After finishing second as a team at states the past two seasons, what is it going to take to get over the hump?
AW: I think just working together as a team and cheering for each other as we’re playing. … Keeping each others’ heads up, making sure we’re all in it mentally 100% of the time. Start strong, stay strong and finish strong.

OFM: Do you enjoy playing both singles and doubles?
AW: Yes, I love both. My doubles partner this year is Ashley Narath. I feel like we’re a power duo and I think we’re going to be pretty strong this year.

OFM: What made you and Gaby such a strong team last year?
AW: We both have big serves and we’re both strong at the net and from the baseline. We communicated really well and our games just fit perfectly.

OFM: I know you also won a doubles title last summer at the Bobby Curtis Championships. Who was your partner for that tournament?
AW: Jessica Popescu. She’s another great player and we fit perfectly as well. It was really fun playing in that tournament. The competition was great and it was a battle in the semis and the final. We ended up pulling through.

OFM: Do you know what you’re doing next year?
AW: I’m keeping a lot of my options open. I have a couple of schools that are on my radar, and one school that I’m waiting to hear back from, but I should be committed soon. Playing D-I tennis has always been my dream.

OFM: I know you’re a good basketball player too, but has tennis always been No. 1?
AW: Tennis has always been No. 1. I’m always going to love basketball, but tennis is where it’s at for me. I was about 3 years old when I started and I started playing competitively around 7. I did a lot of traveling and I’ve had a lot of coaches. My current coach is Jason Gilbert, and I’ve been with him for four years. I love working with him.

OFM: Do you know what you want to study in college?
AW: If I attend the United States Naval Academy, I will major in cyber operations and then I will commission as a naval aviator. If I go to one of the other schools that is interested, I will probably major in business/entrepreneurship.

OFM: Is pursuing one of the military academies something you have considered for a long time?
AW: It wasn’t something that I initially thought of, but they’ve been recruiting me really hard. I’ve been in contact with them for a while, and ever since I visited the school, talked to the team and did summer seminar, I fell in love with it. I’m definitely willing to serve.

OFM: Why are you drawn to aviation?
AW: Just because I think we’re always going to need pilots. I’m stuck between cyber warfare and aviation, and I would get up until the end of my youngster year, which is sophomore year, to figure out what I want to commission in.

OFM: I was just watching Top Gun the other night.
AW: [Laughs] That’s my favorite movie actually. The second one was really good too, but I have to go with the first one. There’s nothing like the original.

OFM: Have you always lived in Florida?
AW: I grew up in Tennessee in the Memphis area, and then I moved to Orlando about five and a half years ago. I feel like I’ve fit in pretty well. I used to attend Evert Tennis Academy, which is in Boca, so I did that for two years and I was living in dorms while my family was living in Tennessee. So I was kind of already used to Florida and the people here. There’s a lot more tennis here than in Memphis, Tennessee. I liked the transition. There’s a lot more diversity here than where I used to live.

OFM: Obviously, tennis takes up a lot of your time, but what are your other hobbies?
AW: I like to play my guitar and I make music. I like to draw and I like to hang out with my friends. I also have my own business so I do that in my free time. It’s a nonprofit called OMG Tennis Incorporated, and I give lessons to kids and provide kids with resources. I’m currently building my app and trying to finish that up. It’s exciting.

OFM: Have you ever been to a Grand Slam?
AW: I’ve been to the U.S. Open twice in my life and it was amazing. I got to see Serena Williams play [at Arthur Ashe Stadium]. She was my favorite player growing up.

OFM: If you pick any of the other three Grand Slams, which would you pick?
AW: I love the U.S. Open, but I would have to go with Wimbledon. It’s definitely different and I love everything about Wimbledon.

Juan Orta, Lake Nona boys tennis
Orta is coming off an impressive junior season in which he posted an 11-0 record at third singles and an 11-1 mark in doubles. His most important victory came in the 4A state final, as he prevailed 7-6 (10-8), 7-5 to clinch the match and the championship for the Lions.

OFM: Let’s go back to last year, which ended in thrilling fashion with your win in the state final. What stands out when you look back on that day?
JO: Just the emotions I was going through in that match. That match was a roller coaster with a lot of ups and downs. I saved set points in both of the sets. I just stayed positive and managed to push through the match. I think I was on the court for three and a half hours.

OFM: Is enduring through a match like that just as much of a mental challenge as a physical one?
JO: Yeah, totally. Of course, when you’re on the court for that many hours, you’re physically exhausted. But mentally you have to keep going and keep reminding yourself that it’s not over. You have to finish the job.

OFM: What goals do you have for this season, for yourself and the team?
JO: For myself, my main goal right now is to commit to a university. I still don’t know where I’m going to go. As a team, of course our goal is to win states again. I think we would be the first Orange County school to ever win back-to-back state championships.

OFM: Are you confident in accomplishing the repeat?
JO: Yes. Even though we lost our top two players from last year, we got two more very good players. I feel like it’s super possible.

OFM: How is the college recruiting process going?
JO: I’m trying to get my UTR (universal tennis rating) up because some of the coaches I’ve talked to said I would be a good fit, but my UTR is a little low. So I’m working on that and then I’ll decide soon.

OFM: Do you know what you would like to study in college?
JO: I would like to study finance. Since I was a kid, I’ve been really good with numbers.

OFM: How did you get started in tennis—have you been playing for a long time?
JO: Oh yeah. When I was in my mom’s belly, they used to take me to the courts for my older sister’s practices. Honestly, she’s the one who got me into the sport. She started playing, and then my parents introduced me to the sport. I’ve been playing ever since I [can remember].

OFM: How long have you lived in Florida?
JO: We’re from Venezuela and we moved here in 2020, right after the pandemic. Of course in Venezuela, the language is Spanish, so coming to a language I didn’t know, it was a little tough. But with the help of all my teachers, my parents and my coaches, I managed to get used to it.

OFM: What do you like about living in Central Florida?
JO: I love Lake Nona High; for me it is the best school I could have gone to. We have the USTA national campus here, which is the biggest complex in the country. And I have to say, I like the [theme] parks. They are so much fun.

OFM: Do you have a favorite ride?
JO: I would say the VelociCoaster [at Universal].

OFM: What do you miss about Venezuela?
JO: Honestly, a lot. I still have some family and friends there, so that’s what I miss the most.

OFM: Do you have any favorite professional tennis players?
JO: The GOAT—Novak Djokovic. I like everything about him, especially his mental toughness. As you can see throughout his entire career, he’s been through a lot of pressure moments and he’s always managed to push through. In that one [Australian Open] final against Rafa [Rafael Nadal], the match was like six hours and they were both super exhausted. I think his mental toughness helped him win the match.

OFM: Have you ever been to the U.S. Open?
JO: Yes, I’ve been to the U.S. Open two times and I just went last year. It was awesome. The atmosphere is out of this world.

OFM: If you could only pick one other Grand Slam to attend in person, which one would you choose?
JO: I have to go with Wimbledon. The history of that tournament has is something else.

OFM: What else do you do for fun?
JO: I go out with my friends or just spend time with my family. I also like to hit with my teammates.

OFM: Do you ever play pickleball, or just tennis?
JO: Just tennis. There’s something about pickleball that I don’t like. But this year there was a pickleball tournament where they gave the winner a free prom ticket, so I played because I wanted the free ticket. I ended up winning it.