Ayleen has been a part of the cheer team at Marco Island Academy for four years. She began her cheerleading career in her freshman year. Ayleen has a very important position in stunting because as a base, she holds up the stunt and makes sure her flyer doesn’t fall. Her favorite part in her cheer was from last year when a previous senior Lucy McFarland did a flip and Ayleen was able to catch her and made sure she hit the move with confidence. 

Throughout her years Ayleen has loved engaging with the crowd and being able to support both football and basketball teams. She has grown to be stronger and a harder worker. Being a part of the cheer team Ayleen has realized that not everything should be taken so seriously. 

Ayleen’s advice to any future students at MIA is, “a sport is supposed to be fun and exciting, you should make sure to build good relationships and be supportive to those around you.” 

Matthew Asbell is a senior at MIA. Matthew plays for the MIA football team, wearing #5, and is a running back and linebacker. Having three years of football under his belt; his goal is “to get rich.” Even though he’s only been on the team for three years, he’s been a strong representative of MIA for all four years. For Matthew, football isn’t only fun but a way to build a future. One of Matthews’ favorite memories is winning his team’s first game in his sophomore year. His advice is to “Enjoy the time you have.” Matthew’s biggest inspiration and the person he looks up to is his dad. Matthew continues to grow as he works toward his dreams.

Ava Ball is one of the three senior fliers on the MIA Varsity cheerleading team. Ava joined the team with her best friends, as well as being inspired to join by her mom. Ava is a 3rd year flyer who loves being a part of a team that lifts each other up and supports one another. Ava’s favorite memory is cheering at the football game that was won by the MIA football team after a seven-year losing streak. “I was proud. A little surprised, but proud and happy,” she described.

Ava thoroughly enjoys games and practices because they open the door to opportunities to achieve more skills and build a bond with her teammates. Her important piece of advice to future cheerleaders is not to overthink and be confident, and that confidence is the first step to success.

Caleb Barry is an outside linebacker for the MIA Rays football team. He has 7 years experience playing football, and this has made Caleb a key player in their defensive line. His favorite memory was during the last game of the season when they put him in and he tackled a kid so hard his helmet flew off. He remembers how proud he felt especially since this was his first full game played.

Caleb is very grateful for the people who have helped him along his journey. His dad and mom were his first inspirations into football, they supported him fully. His coaches also inspired him and taught him how to play and give it his all. 

Before each game Caleb likes to take five minutes alone and focus for the upcoming game. His advice is “if you want to play your sport in college you should start the recruiting process early, it can help you get the jump on things.”

Cora Billingsley has been making waves in the pool since she was just eight years old, dedicating countless hours of practice and hard work to the sport she loves. Now representing Lely High School, she competes in the 200 IM, 100 Fly, and 100 Breaststroke, challenging events that highlight both her skill and versatility as a swimmer. Her favorite quote, “Just do what your heart tells you,” perfectly reflects the passion and authenticity she carries not only in athletics but also in the way she approaches life.

One of Cora’s favorite memories at Lely was going to regionals, a milestone moment that showed her perseverance and commitment were paying off. For Cora, being part of school spirit goes beyond cheering in the stands, it means belonging to a close-knit family that supports one another through every challenge and celebration. Inspired by the encouragement of her own family, she strives to give that same positivity to others. To underclassmen, she offers advice that comes from experience: block out negativity, stay true to yourself, and always chase the things that make you happiest. Whether in or out of the pool, Cora Billingsley is a reminder that success comes from heart, dedication, and the courage to follow your passion.

John George Brueckner, better known by most as Johnny, has been part of the MIA golf team since his junior year. While he was on the practice squad and didn’t see any official playing time, he still brought spirit and humor to the team, proudly considering himself a “Little Ray.” For Johnny, being part of school spirit has been a fun and memorable experience that made his time at MIA even better.

One of his favorite golf memories is making a birdie during practice, a standout moment he won’t forget. His laid-back approach to sports is inspired by golf legend John Daly, someone Johnny looks up to not only for his game, but for his personality and attitude. Johnny sums up his own mindset with a quote from The Hangover: “It’s not gambling when you know you’re going to win.”

When asked what advice he’d give to future athletes, Johnny keeps it real: “Don’t be good enough to play.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, being part of the experience, even from the sidelines, is where the real memories are made.

Elizabeth Grace Chiscavage, known by her nickname “Lily,” has been a dedicated member of the Marco Island Academy cheer team for four years. She joined in the beginning of her freshman year in the fall, being one of the only freshman brave enough to try out for a new school where every face is a stranger. She had the courage to overcome her nerves to get involved in a sport that she loves and has stuck with for her whole high school career.

Serving as both a backspot and a captain this year, Lily has embraced her role in building school spirit and leading her team. Her favorite memories come from practices, where she enjoyed spending time with friends and hitting strong stunts, marking moments that carry her through high school, no matter the amount of work that gets thrown at her.

Inspired by her coach, Ms. Gutwerk, Lily has learned the importance of teamwork, dedication, and making the most of every moment. She especially thanks Coach “Gutty” for giving her the best opportunities and always believing in her.

As she takes her hands off of her flyer’s ankles for the last time hits her last jump out on that field, she advises future cheerleaders to value their time, build strong bonds, turn every practice into a chance to create memories that last forever, and most importantly, never take anything for granted.

Axel Delgado “gucci” has been playing football at Marco Island Academy for 2 years. Axel didn’t play football his freshman year but later joined when he was a sophomore. Although for junior year Axel left football again to work to make money to buy a car he later came back for his senior year. “67.” 

Axel likes to be a part of the school spirit for football because he gets to have fun and interact with people. His favorite memory was winning their first football game because everyone was extremely happy and it was a night of celebration.

Axels’s advice to the underclassmen is, “never give up on a sport you like even if people say you’re not good at it.” Axel says that another senior, Ryan Winterick, has inspired him to play football. Although Axel will not continue his football career in college, he said “playing for the school was unforgettable and so were the memories made.”

Logan Drag is a senior at MIA. This year the only sport he is playing is golf; however, during his time at Marco Island Academy he has participated in soccer, golf, lacrosse, and football. This is his first year playing golf but he’s definitely experienced, having played before MIA. Being a key player, he seemed to fit into the team immediately and create friendships with his teammates without a problem. 

His biggest inspirations at MIA were Chase Polly and Wyatt Bailey, former graduates from the school. They had a close bond when they were all in school and Logan carried that friendship with him throughout his years of High School.

His future advice to any incoming students or golf players is: “Never take advice from someone you wouldn’t want to switch lives with.”

Bianca Fernandes is one of three captains on this years’ varsity cheerleading team. She has been involved in cheer since her sophomore year, making the best memories as the years went on and forming new friendships that she still carries today. She started cheerleading because she wanted to get more involved in school and show her spirit. Since then, she has learned a multitude of new skills, not only in cheer but in her daily life. However, even with all these new skills, her favorite has still constantly been flying. 

Before games, you can see her getting ready for the action by eating a hearty meal, preparing herself for the night. Apart from skills, her favorite part about cheerleading is the bond that she has created with her teammates and watching herself grow in cheer, not as just a flyer but an overall person with the way she acts in school and everywhere else outside which has made her stay throughout her years of high school, growing up in the team and with her coaches. 

Her coaches have especially made a big impact on her life and she would like to say, “thank you for always believing in me and giving me the best opportunities.” 

After all this time, growing up to be a beautiful flyer and person, her favorite memory is the car rides to the football games and the tropical smoothie stops with the whole team and her closest friends. 

Now, Bianca has less than a year left until she turns in her poms and gives back her uniform one more time. Relishing in her last moments of being in the air and coming down for good, her advice to any future underclassmen on the MIA cheer team is: “Always try your best and be open to trying new things because the new thing might be what you are best at.”

Senior outside hitter Medney “Med” Garraux has been a cornerstone of the Manta Rays volleyball program, competing as a 6-rotation player for all four of her high school years. Known for her powerful swings, relentless energy, and steady serve receive, she has made her mark as one of the team’s most reliable leaders on the court. Recently, Med tallied 27 kills, 14 digs, and 14 perfect passes in a match against Canterbury, showcasing her all-around skill and versatility. Her hard work and dedication paid off in a big way when she set the school record for the most kills in Marco Island Academy history, cementing her place as one of the program’s most impactful players.

For Med, volleyball has been about more than just competition—it’s also about community. She says one of her favorite parts of the game is hearing the energy and support of her classmates and friends in the stands. Among her most cherished memories are big wins over rivals Canterbury, Oasis, and CSN, games that brought out both her competitive spirit and the tight bond of her team. She credits her family for being her greatest inspiration, encouraging her to push herself and never settle. To underclassmen, she offers advice that reflects both courage and growth: “Don’t be afraid to try something new.” Med also lives by her personal motto, “You’re not tired, it’s your mind,” a saying that reflects the resilience and determination that has carried her through every practice, game, and challenge in her volleyball career. 

Aubrey Guidry is a senior at Marco Island Academy. She has participated in various sports over the years, such as Varsity Cross Country (3 years), Varsity Soccer (3 years), and Varsity Tennis (4 years). Aubrey was inspired by her dad.

She is full of school spirit and enjoys participating in team sports. Her motivation is always present because she believes that being a part of a team, you are a part of something bigger than yourself. One of Aubrey’s favorite memories is hitting a header in the goal during a soccer game in her sophomore year. 

Some advice Aubrey would like to leave for future classes is to join all the sports you can and fully participate in them. It’s the days that you don’t want to show up and skip practice that matter most. A quote that she would like to share is “To guarantee success, act as if it were impossible to fail.”

For the past six years, volleyball has been a huge part of Rylee’s life, and her dedication has left an undeniable mark on the MIA volleyball program. A four year varsity athlete, Rylee has proven herself as not only a skilled player, but a committed teammate and leader. Over the years, she earned Most Improved Player as a sophomore, and was later recognized as Offensive Player of the Year her junior year, showing growth, determination, and her impact on the court. 

When asked about her favorite memories, she does not just highlight the big wins or different moments in games. Instead, she reflects on the special moments spent with her team off the court. One memory that stands out from the rest is when they lost to Jupiter in the regional quarterfinals, on the way home, the back of the bus turned into a full on singing competition, while Alyssa was crashing out in the front. To Rylee, these trips, full of laughter, energy, and singing captured what it is really like being on a team. 

Beyond the court, Rylee is preparing for an exciting future. After high school, Rylee plans on going to college and studying psychology, carrying forward the same drive and determination she has always shown in athletics. Volleyball has always been more than just a sport to Rylee– it has been a family tradition and source of inspiration. She credits her mom, who also played volleyball, for sparking her passion for the game and motivating her to keep achieving bigger goals.

Rylee lives by her favorite quote: “You aren’t tired, it’s your mind,” – a phrase from Jan Class. It’s a mindset that has guided her through tough practices, long seasons, and all the challenges that come with being an athlete. Her advice to younger athletes is just as powerful: “Act like a team—even if you aren’t off the court.” These words reflect that success does not only come from talent, but unity, respect, and support from one another. 

As Rylee graduates, she leaves behind a legacy of resilience, leadership, and heart. Her teammates and coaches will not only remember her for her skills, but also for her ability to bring joy, energy, and encouragement to the program. She has set an example of what it means to be a great teammate, and these qualities will serve her well in what’s ahead. 

Congratulations, Rylee, on an incredible high school career. The volleyball program, your teammates, and the MIA community are so excited to see where the future takes you. 

Jonathan Henry Juels, or simply Jon to friends and teammates, left his mark at MIA through sport, school spirit, and leadership. A team captain during his senior year, he averaged 7.7 tackles per game and proved what can be done through dedication and hard work. His favorite phrase, “Who decided that?”, reflects both his sense of humor and individuality.

For Jon, school spirit has been a standout experience of his high school career. He likes to see how many students turn out for football and volleyball games, cheering together as a group and motivating each other. From Wynne’s Warriors, breast cancer awareness, or Christmas decorations in the hallways, to pep rallies filled with energy and party favor giveaways, Jon appreciates the work and unity that bring the school experience so much fun and spirit.

Jon started athletics with track as a freshman but truly found his passion in football during sophomore year. By junior year, he was competing in football, tennis, and track, showing his drive as a multi-sport athlete. Senior year, he focused on football, leading as captain and setting the tone for his team.

His favorite memory at MIA is the Christmas Parade, where teamwork and school spirit stood out as much as any game. Jon’s advice to future athletes and cheerleaders is clear: “Put in the work. It will pay off.” Inspired by NFL linebacker Luke Kuechly, Jon carried that mindset throughout his career, leaving a strong example for future Warriors.

Sean James McGowan has been a member of Marco Island Academy’s football team for two years, playing as a wide receiver and defensive end. Over his time with the team, he has earned 205 receiving yards and scored two touchdowns. Sean describes being part of MIA school spirit as “amazing,” especially feeling the energy and connection with his teammates on the field. His favorite memory is winning the first game of the season, which set the tone for the year. Inspired by Ryan Winterick, Sean believes that “success is where preparation and opportunity meet” and leaves future athletes with this advice: work hard, and it will pay off in the long run.

Axton Middlebrook has been a member of the MIA football team throughout his high school years. For him, being part of the team means carrying the pride of MIA on his shoulders and playing not just for himself, but for the entire crowd cheering on the field. One of his best memories on the field is  creating many good friendships on the team. Axton’s favorite quote is “Leave it all on the field, no regrets, just results.” His advice for future athletes is to give it your everything. 

Sophia Moriarty has been part of the Marco Island Academy golf team for just one year but in this short time, she’s made lots of memories already. Sophie brings lots of positivity and determination to the golf course, and she’s always living by her favorite quote: “You never know if you never try.” To her, being part of the team means more than just playing a sport, it’s about representing MIA with pride, supporting her golf friends, and creating bonds. Sophie’s biggest inspiration is her grandfather, he’s motivated her to work hard and give her best effort no matter what. From early practices to celebrating team wins together, Sophie’s time on the golf team has been filled with laughter and growth. 

Alina Nguyen has been a passionate athlete, cheering at MIA for the past three years. Alina is a flyer and loves the sport, always bringing her energy and enthusiasm to every practice and performance. Her favorite memory from this season was messing around in the gym with teammates Lily Chiscavage and Bianca Fernandes, creating fun moments that made the season unforgettable. She describes cheer as “so fun, I love it,” and that is definitely clear in her performance. 

Her inspiration comes from Collette Combs, an MIA alumni who cheered during Alina’s first season, whose dedication and spirit have motivated Alina both on and off the mat. Alina’s advice to underclassmen is simple, “You’ll make so many friends in your sport, just be kind.” For Alina, it’s all about building strong friendships and supporting those around her as they work toward their goals together.

A quote that resonates deeply with Alina is from 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” This message encapsulates her outlook on life, her faith, and cheerleading. She is grateful for the love and support from her parents, coach, and teammates. Looking ahead, Alina knows the bonds she’s formed through cheer will continue to guide and inspire her.

Nathan Olsen, also known as “Nate,” “Big N,” or “Batman,” is a member of the MIA golf team. With a self-proclaimed 30 handicap and two years of experience, Nathan enjoys the game and  what comes with representing MIA. One of his favorite memories is playing practice rounds with his friends Jordan and Johnny, making golf more memorable and fun. His advice to future athletes is, “Don’t take everything so seriously, just have fun.” Nathan looks up to his brother, a Division I athlete, and his dad, who once played professional golf. 

Jordan Alan Rodden, or as most people know him, J-Rod, has been a proud member of the Manta Ray golf team since his sophomore year. Over the years, he’s grown both on and off the course, and he says being a part of the team has been one of the best parts of his high school experience. “I love being a part of the Manta Ray golf team. I strive to be a better Ray every day,” he shared.

Known for his sense of humor and laid-back approach to the game, J-Rod lives by the quote: “Cart golf is way better.” And let’s be honest, he’s not wrong.

When asked about his favorite memory from the team, he didn’t hesitate: “Watching Colin Cherr not be able to hit a golf ball for the life of him.” Moments like that made the practices just as entertaining as the matches.

His advice to future Manta Ray golfers is simple: “Be better than me and don’t throw your club in the water.” A fair warning from someone who clearly learned the hard way.

Jordan credits his inspiration to Chase Polley, someone who helped shape his approach to both golf and team spirit. Whether it was through laughs, learning moments, or cart rides, J-Rod’s time on the course definitely left a mark.

Kai Schertell is a safety for the MIA Rays football team. He has 9 years of experience playing football, and this has made him a key player for the Rays defensive line. His favorite memory is when he helped the Rays to their first victory in five years. He remembers winning and the whole crowd erupting with happiness and how proud he was of him and his team.

Kai is very grateful for the many who have helped him along his football career. His friend especially, who originally convinced him to play tackle football in the 6th grade after just having played flag football in the past. His mom was also a big role for him as she took him to practice all the time and pushed him to do his best at all times.

Before each game Kai likes to listen to his favorite songs to focus and really get in the right headspace. His advice for others is “don’t get hit, be the one who hits.” Kai also has a nickname as the “Freshman Fien,” given to him from his teammates.

Autumn Skubin is a senior cheerleader at Marco Island Academy. As her first time cheering, she was placed in the position of a backspot.

She was inspired to start cheerleading by her friends Marisa and Ana Luna. When she is not cheerleading, she spends time with them or her family.

What Autumn loves most about cheerleading is stunting, and how it works her muscles, and how it grows the bond and trust with her teammates. She also loves how engaging and rewarding it is. Autumn says cheerleading is “really fun and when everyone gets involved, it makes you feel happy to be there.” One of her best memories is stunting at practice and during games. 

A piece of advice Autumn wants to share is “Make sure to give it your all, take the sport seriously, and don’t let other people tell you it isn’t a sport or it isn’t important. Lifting people in the air takes a lot of strength. Also, make sure to tighten your core and use your legs.” 

After high school, she plans to go to college to become a sonographer. She also wants to shout out her coaches for pushing her and her teammates to their limits, she also wants to shout out her best friends for making high school just a little bit better. 

Her advice for any future cheerleaders is, “Surround yourself with people who love you for you.”

Noah Smith has been a key player at MIA for the past 4 years,  dedicating his time and effort to the sport he’s grown to love. Noah is a running back and a defensive lineman, always showing up and showing out. 

His favorite memory goes all the way back to day one, showing up to his first football practice and refusing to get out of the car until the coaches had to come over and coax him out. Since then, Noah has come a long way, becoming one of the strongest players on the team and embracing every part of the game.

For Noah, school spirit plays a huge role in his experience. “It’s nice being a part of a school that enjoys showing spirit,” he says. “It’s like I can feel the spirit inside me during every game and spirit week.” His pride in being part of the MIA community shines through, and he’s always brought that energy to the field. 

Noah’s advice to underclassmen reflects his tough-love approach: “Don’t be chicken”

 As Noah wraps up his senior year, he wants to leave it with a quote that has resonated with him for the past 4 years, “If you get knocked down, get back up, because if you don’t, no one will pick you up.”

 Noah wants to leave behind a legacy of perseverance, team spirit, and never backing down from a challenge, even if it starts with getting out of the car.

Senior Jenna Snover has been a part of the MIA Varsity Cheerleading team for four years, cheering a total of eight seasons. Being inspired by her older sisters, Jenna joined the cheerleading team in her freshman year and has enjoyed it ever since, saying, “I love how fun it is and being able to help my teammates grow.” Her favorite memory is when she was rewarded MVP of the team. She said she felt “proud and recognized.” Being a cheerleader and being a base have taught her a lot of discipline, and her best advice for future cheerleaders is to “always put your best effort towards your sport.”

During practice, Jenna loves that all of the cheerleaders can have fun while accomplishing something they’ve been working hard towards. Jenna describes being a part of school spirit as fun and exciting, and feeling good to be a part of a team. Jenna’s final piece of advice is to “enjoy it while it lasts.” 

Madelyn Sodergren, nicknamed “Maddy” by many, has been cheerleading since her junior year for MIA, having a vital position of basing during stunts. One of her favorite memories has been performing a dance for cheer at Veterans Park. She was inspired by the team to join, seeing their amazing cheers.

Maddy brings the joy of school spirit. She says it feels amazing and inspires her to do her best out on the field while cheering.

A piece of advice that Maddy would like to leave for any future classes is to always stay determined to reach your goals and strive to improve yourself every day. A quote she would like to share is “You don’t have to be perfect, just as long as you show up with a smile on your face and give it your all.”

For Madison, volleyball has been more than just a sport, it’s been a passion since the age of nine. Over the years, this passion has only become stronger, shaping her into the person and leader she is today. Known to her friends and teammates by many names such as Mad, Mads, and Madie Moo, she has made an unforgettable impact on MIA both on and off the court.

 As a four year varsity athlete, Madie’s accomplishments speak for themselves. She is the school record holder for the most aces in a single game and the most assists in a season. Her dedication and talent even earned her recognition from Naples Daily News as Athlete of the Week. Playing as a Setter and Rightside Hitter, Madie has become the backbone of the team. 

But Madison’s favorite part of volleyball goes beyond the court. When asking about her favorite memory, she immediately recalls the “singing on the bus rides no matter if we won or lost.” For her, it’s moments like these that make volleyball so special to her. 

Her favorite quote, “My crown might tilt, but it never falls,” captures the perseverance and confidence she brings into every challenge. Madie credits her aunt as the person who helped her pick up a volleyball for the first time when she was little, starting this journey that has helped create the person Madie is today. She hopes to pass down her wisdom to the next generation of young athletes: “never give up on a sport you put your whole heart into.” 

Looking ahead, Madie is excited for what’s ahead after graduation. She plans to attend Paul Mitchel hair school, to pursue her dream of working in cosmetology, where her creativity and determination are to shine just as brightly as they did on the court. 

Madie, your legacy of hardwork, leadership, and love for the game will always be remembered at MIA. Thank you for all you have given to your teammates, coaches and the school community. You will always be a part of the MIA Volleyball family. 

Logan Terreri has only been on the team for one season but to his teammates, “Big L” has been with them for a lifetime. Although he’s been at MIA for all four years of his high school career, he started playing football his senior year. “I started playing because I like the sport and I thought the physical activity and teamwork would help me stay focused throughout the year.” 

Playing both Offensive Line and Left Tackle, Logan is a key player to the MIA Rays. He described his favorite part of football as “watching myself get better and improving after making mistakes.” Logan is a determined player who constantly shows a craving to get better and play harder. Over these months, Logan’s favorite memory has been taking ice baths with the team after games, creating a close team bond. 

Logan has thoughtful advice to give to the underclassmen and any future incoming football players for the MIA football team. “Don’t get discouraged by all the little mistakes you’re making, just keep working. It will get better.”

Leah Tschida has been a dedicated member of Marco Island Academy’s varsity cross country team for all four years of high school. Throughout her time as an athlete, Leah has found that being a part of school spirit is not only fun but also helps her feel connected to her community.

One of her favorite memories from cross country is spending time with her teammates at practice, where she built lasting friendships and shared plenty of laughs. She believes that the best part of being on a team is the encouragement and support athletes give each other.

Her advice to future athletes is simple but powerful: “Try your hardest and encourage your teammates.” Leah draws her inspiration from both her coach and her teammates, who continually push her to be her best.

After graduation, Leah will leave behind a legacy of positivity, dedication, and school spirit that will continue to inspire future MIA athletes.

Ryan is a senior on the MIA Football team. Playing for the last three years he mainly plays Wide Receiver and defensive back. Ryan’s best memory of his time at Marco Island Academy was when they won their first home game. 

Ryan feels that moments such as these are what it is all about being part of a team. They also remind him to work even harder every time he steps on the field.

Ryan characterizes Marco Island Academy school spirit as larger than life. To him, being there is not only his own accomplishment, but that of his peers’, classmates’, and his community’s inspiration. On the field, cheering on the sidelines, or at school events, he feels a sense of belonging and pride. Being in that environment gives him the drive to play at his best each time because he knows his best is playing for greater than himself and his own game. Ryan states that it is great to have such an awesome environment.

When Ryan was asked to name his greatest inspiration, he had no second thoughts in naming his dad. His father was always on hand to counsel and assist him whenever necessary. Ryan attributes all his motivation and initiative to him, on and off the field. His counsel to young athletes is succinct yet powerful: “Don’t give up.” With good values, outstanding achievements, and an unstoppable attitude, Ryan Winterick will be leaving a legacy motivating his teammates and peers long after he graduates.