After a dominant freshman season from Kaden Latrielle, he decided to take his talents further to the state round. Latrielle competed in the FJT Redland Open, ages 13-15, from March 30th, with a goal to win the state title. With dominant competition, Latrielle took home the state win on that Sunday. Latrielle finished with a total score of 142, 73 in round one and 69 in round 2. Latrielle set an all-time MIA record and has been nationally recognized by the Florida State Golf Association. Latrielle has a 76.3% win rate out of all 372 career matches, making him the #3 golfer in Collier County, #73 for the Class of 2028, and #124 in the state of Florida. With Latrielle only being a freshman, many opportunities for our young Manta Ray are on the rise! 

The 2024–2025 season was one for the record books as Marco Island Academy’s boys soccer team experienced a dramatic turnaround. After a challenging 2023–2024 campaign that ended with a 3-7-2 overall record and a 1-2-1 district finish. Our boys placed 82nd out of 101 teams in Florida’s Class 2A division, but new visions of an outstanding team were on the horizon for coach Fernando Higuera. With the addition of numerous skilled freshman starters, our boys bounced back instantly for the whole MIA community to see. 

Moving into Florida’s Class 1A division for the 2024–2025 season proved to be a game-changer. The team showed immense growth and resilience, ending the regular season with a 9-6-2 record and a 4-0-1 district performance, securing 2nd place in the district and ranking 25th out of 83 in their new division.

More than just numbers, this team brought passion, grit, and heart to every match. Each game was played with intensity and unity, reflecting the program’s growth under Coach Higuera’s guidance. The highlight of the season came when MIA hosted its first-ever home district playoff game on the Manta Ray field. It was a historic night filled with energy, pride, and emotion for all of the Rays in attendance.

Facing off against a strong First Baptist Academy team, the Rays fed off the electric crowd. The sideline was buzzing, the stands were full of roaring students and faculty, and even Coach Higuera couldn’t contain his excitement. The team delivered in dramatic fashion, defeating FBA 2-1 with goals from talented freshmen Benjamin Savarino and Raul Antonio-Carrillo. The win marked a defining moment in MIA athletics history.

The 2024–2025 season will be remembered not just for wins and rankings but for the heart and brotherhood that brought the boys’ soccer program to new heights.

Sophomore standout Brianna Ferro has emerged as a rising star in MIA’s Cross Country program, continuing to build upon a stellar freshman year with even more record-shattering performances in 2024. As the Manta Rays’ top 5K runner, Ferro has proven herself to be a force on the course, competing at the highest level across district, regional, and state competitions.

In 2023, Ferro made school history as the first freshman to individually qualify for the FHSAA State Championships at MIA. She not only qualified but thrived, placing 19th overall in the 1A Division with a time of 19:39 on the notoriously tough Tallahassee state course. 

Ferro placed a new MIA record for the event. Earlier that season, she clocked an astonishing 19:30 at the North Port Invitational, shattering the previous school 5K record of 19:45 set by Olivia Watt in 2016. Her consistency and drive carried over into the 2024-2025 season.

Ferro has already posted impressive times early on and continues to help lead her teammates with determination and discipline. Her speed, mental toughness, and poise under pressure are turning heads across Florida. 

Ferro returned with her blazing speed into her second year. She was able to place 1st in the MIA Rays Invitational, 5th at Districts, and 15th at Regionals, setting the tone for her state performance. In November, she once again competed in Tallahassee, running a 22:04 with a split of 7:05, placing 103 out of 237 in a highly competitive field. While just outside the top 100, her time remains the best ever for a consistent MIA athlete on that course.

With the graduation of team captain Janie Cartwright, Ferro is stepping confidently into a leadership role. Now a seasoned competitor with two years left, she is poised to keep breaking records and paving the way for MIA’s future success.

Junior Medney Garraux reached an outstanding career milestone this past September by securing her 1,000th kill, a feat few high school volleyball athletes ever accomplish. Since stepping onto the MIA court on varsity as a freshman, Garraux has been a force to be reckoned with. Her presence on the court has helped continue the competitive legacy of MIA’s volleyball team.

Throughout the 2024–2025 season, Garraux has proven herself to be one of the most elite outside hitters in the nation. She currently ranks #1 in Florida and #29 in the country for total kills this past season, with 502.

Her consistency, power, and game awareness have made her a standout not only within the school but also in the wider volleyball community. This past 2024-2025 season, Garraux won Girls Volleyball Player of the Week and was nominated for the Naples Daily News Athlete of The Week award twice for her outstanding play and statistics. 

Under Garraux’s leadership, the Lady Rays achieved a blazing 14-9 record, earning notable wins against powerhouse teams such as Bonita Springs, Naples High School, and Bishop Verot. Despite their strong season, the team entered the postseason ranked 7th in the division and unfortunately fell short in the first round of playoffs against Jupiter Christian.

Garraux’s impact extends beyond stats. She is a motivator, a mentor to younger players, and a symbol of perseverance. Her performance this season is nothing short of historic for MIA. The last player to come close to this level of success was 2022 alumna Camryn Rose, who reached her 1,000th kill as well in her senior year. Garraux achieving this milestone as a junior sets her apart and leaves fans excited to see what she will accomplish in her final year on the MIA stage. Keep your eyes on our local superstar!

The 2024 boys lacrosse season at MIA was one for the books, filled with success, growth, and unforgettable moments. With a 5-8 overall record, the Manta Rays didn’t let the numbers define them; instead, they made history. They hosted their first-ever boys district playoff game and pulled off a thrilling 10-4 victory over Lely High School on the Manta Ray Field.

This win wasn’t just a game; it was a milestone. The MIA community showed up in full force, lining the bleachers, waving signs, and fueling the team with unmatched energy. The support from students, staff, and families was electric, and it was clear from the opening face-off that this game meant everything.

Senior Lincoln Labutte led the offensive charge with an incredible 4 goals, showing his leadership and fire in what would become his final game in an MIA uniform. Fellow senior Gavin Pascale added to the scoreboard with a solid goal of his own, bringing the crowd to their feet. Freshman Nick Fielder proved he’s one to watch for future seasons, contributing 2 goals, while junior Veleon Nazarko matched him with 2 goals of his own, each shot fueled by momentum and crowd energy.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came from junior Noah Smith, MIA’s standout defensive player. Known for his grit and endurance, Smith scored the first-ever MIA boys lacrosse defensive goal. It was an unforgettable highlight in the school’s growing athletic history.

Though the season came to a close after a hard-fought loss against the #1 seed, Community School of Naples, in the next round, the legacy of this team’s effort and heart was cemented. The 2024 season wasn’t just about wins and losses, it was about continuing to build the program and continuing the pride of our Manta Rays. 

“Work hard, this is where we get better,” said Head Coach Kyle Ginther as the Marco Island Academy girls lacrosse team took the field for their second season. What started as a brand-new program just a year ago has quickly evolved into one of the most inspiring athletic stories at MIA. After a year filled with learning, growth, and resilience, the Lady Rays came back for the 2024-2025 season with focus, fire, and a hunger to prove themselves up to the top. 

In their inaugural 2023 season, 23 brave athletes laced up their cleats and picked up lacrosse sticks for the very first time. With no prior experience, the girls embraced every challenge head-on, finishing with a 1-8 record and placing 8th in their district. “Coming into the year with zero knowledge on how the game works, I was just proud enough to have some highly conditioned girls out there with their sticks up, ready to go,” Coach Ginther said. That foundational year became the fuel for what came next. 

Fast forward to 2024, and the transformation was remarkable. More students joined the team, practices became more strategic, and the players carried a newfound confidence onto the field. Along with new players came a new assistant coach. Coach Wendy (a former college coach at a Virginia university), our Lady Rays were able to improve their record dramatically, finishing the regular season 5-2. Their hard work and progress earned them the honor of hosting their first-ever district playoff game on Manta Ray Field, where they faced the Cougars of Barron Collier High School.

Although the match ended in a hard-fought loss, the significance of hosting a district game and the strides made by the program are victories in themselves. From humble beginnings to making district waves, the Lady Rays have set a standard of growth, unity, and relentless spirit. 

Brianna McGowan may have only spent one year at MIA, but her impact on the woman’s athletic programs will be remembered for years to come. A multi-sport athlete and natural leader, McGowan transferred to MIA for her senior year and quickly became a standout in both girls basketball and the rapidly rising girls lacrosse program. Her strength, skill, and spirit made her a dominant force on and off the field.

Playing center in basketball and midfield in lacrosse, McGowan quickly established herself as the lead scorer for both teams. Her athleticism, paired with her humble leadership, earned her the role of Team Captain in both sports, which is a rare and well-deserved honor. In MIA’s very first girls lacrosse game against powerhouse Barron Collier High School, McGowan stunned the crowd by scoring four unassisted goals, setting the tone for what would become a historic season for the team.

Despite facing a lower-back injury towards the end of lacrosse season that kept her out of practices for two weeks, McGowan returned stronger than ever. In a thrilling district playoff game against Barron Collier, she added two more goals to her stat line, pushing through pain with grit and heart. Her coaches have repeatedly praised her dedication, resilience, and humility, calling her an example for future MIA athletes to follow. Many underclassmen have been mentored under McGowan this past season. 

As she looks ahead, McGowan plans to continue playing club lacrosse at Florida Atlantic University, keeping her passion alive at the collegiate level. Reflecting on her time at MIA, she states, “Always remember to be passionate about what you love, and remember to listen to what your heart wants. I am very thankful to have an amazing MIA community who has gotten me through this transition and teammates I will never lose contact with.”

The weekend of May 3rd was filled with a lot of excitement for our MIA track team. Runners Jacob Watt and Jacob Lebowitz qualified for the Regional round, and safe to say, left their mark at the race in St. Petersburg. Lebowitz qualified for the 200 Meter Dash, and Watt qualified for Long Jump and Triple Jump Varsity. All runners who cracked the top ten, qualified for the state round. 

First off, Lebowitz ran his 200 Dash and placed 10th place, with a personal record time of 23.25 seconds. Lebowitz ran at amazing speed, and set the record for the fastest runner in MIA history. 

Watt also had an outstanding weekend. Watt’s triple jump placed him 11th, which was just outside of qualifying. He jumped 12.25 meters, which is the equivalent to 40 feet. While impressive, his long jump was more stellar. Watt placed 5th and qualified for states with a 6.54 mark, which is equivalent to 21 feet. 

We will see both athletes in Jacksonville the weekend of the 10th to hopefully run for the victory in their respective races!

MIA recently introduced a new coach to their girls basketball program that elevated and raised their performances this past season. A friend of boys coach, Jim Watt, Bethann Baden was added after a big need in the coaching department after their 2023-2024 season. In 2024, our girls finished with a 10-3 record, which was less than stellar. 

This past season, our girls team consisted of only 6 girls, who came to every practice and worked above and beyond to increase their skills. Baden calls the girls the “Fab Six” according to the Coastal Breeze. “We really gel well together. We are young. We only have one senior, we have two juniors, and three freshmen” she also noted. 

After a 4-6 season, the slump that these girls went through is finally being smoothed out. Baden quickly found her golden player, Brianna McGowan, who was the team’s top scorer and elite playmaker of the team. Having her really boosted their competitiveness. Along with McGowan was team captain and three year starter, Bianca Fernandes, who also kept their synergy and eliteness alive. New freshman additions Aubrey Webber and Riley High boosted the team’s defensive abilities as well, which were also lacking in past seasons. 

This team is on the rise next year. Although losing McGowan will affect the scoring game from this past season, there are new freshmen that are interested in the team, as many slots are open this upcoming season. Don’t take your eyes off of these Lady Rays!

This spring marked an exciting new chapter in Marco Island Academy athletics with the addition of girls beach volleyball to MIA’s resume of sports. After years of vision, planning, and persistence, Coach Alyssa Stolinas made her long-standing dream a reality. Passionate about expanding volleyball opportunities at MIA, Coach Stolinas took her idea to Athletic Director Gerard Miller and Principal Melissa Scott last year. After a large amount of planning, the girls were able to make their dreams a reality.

With the indoor gym vacant during the spring season, MIA had the perfect opportunity to introduce a new sport without conflicting with other programs. The result? A dynamic and fast-paced beach volleyball team that gave student-athletes a chance to sharpen their skills in a completely different environment.

Unlike traditional indoor volleyball, beach volleyball is played in teams of two, requiring intense communication, endurance, and versatility. It was a challenge that MIA’s volleyball athletes eagerly embraced.

The team featured players from the indoor volleyball season, many of whom were excited to continue playing and improving. Their hard work and adaptability quickly paid off. In their first-ever season, the Lady Rays achieved a 4-4 record, an impressive feat for a first-year program. They secured notable wins against strong teams such as Naples Classical Academy and Southwest Florida Christian, establishing themselves as a team to watch.

Though their season ended with a tough district loss to St. John Neumann, the Lady Rays proved that they belong in the sand. Their grit, determination, and team spirit were evident in every match. More importantly, the beach volleyball team laid the foundation for what is sure to be a growing and exciting part of MIA athletics.