Westminster Christian lacrosse makes history. Plus state scholar athletes and more lacrosse
The Miami Westminster Christian girls’ lacrosse team made school history this season.
The Warriors defeated Palmer Trinity 11-6 to win the District 16-1A championship.
This is Westminster Christian’s first district girls’ lacrosse title in the program’s fifth year of existence.
Kiera Vanegas (6 goals, 1 assist), Addison Dominguez (2 goals), Grayson Clarke (2 goals), and goalie Ashley Gomez (11 saves) keyed the school’s historic victory.
The Warriors, the highest ranked girls’ lacrosse team in Miami-Dade County, were the only Miami-Dade County girls’ lacrosse team to advance to the regional playoffs this season.
Their stellar run came to an end in a 1A region quarterfinal, where they lost to Delray Beach American Heritage.
Westminster Christian (12-4) was led throughout the season by junior Kiera Vanegas (61 goals, 23 assists) and senior Addison Dominguez (45 goals, 13 assists).
More postseason lacrosse
St. Thomas Aquinas boys’ and girls’ lacrosse teams are still alive in postseason lacrosse, playing for region titles, while eyeing state.
How they got there and more.
In 2A boys, St. Thomas Aquinas (18-3) won the District 16-2A title with a victory over Columbus. Both teams advanced to regionals.
The Raiders then beat Naples Gulf Coast in a region quarterfinal and Martin County in a region semifinal. They will play Jupiter for the region title on Saturday.
St. Thomas Aquinas is led by James Finch, Diego Salazar, Aidan Llera Cohn, Anthony Dara, and goalies Zachary Rosenberg and Lukas Packer.
Columbus (12-9) defeated Fort Myers in another region quarterfinal. The Explorers were eliminated in a region semifinal by Jupiter.
The locals were led by Diego Duque, Angelo Llach, Marcus Dean, Andres Salabarria and goalie Ben Rhode during their playoff stretch.
Miami Palmetto (10-9), a District 16-2A semifinalist, was eliminated in a region quarterfinal also by Jupiter.
In 2A girls, St. Thomas Aquinas (14-5) won the District 16-2A title with a 13-4 victory over Stoneman Douglas. Both teams qualified for regionals. Davie Western, a district semifinalist, also advanced.
The Raiders then eliminated Wellington in a region quarterfinal. Stoneman Douglas (10-8) beat Boca Raton Spanish River in another region quarterfinal. The Eagles were led by Chloe Resnik, Aubrey Kasen, Kaitlyn Irwin, Patricia Phang and goalie Marissa Gallagher.
Vero Beach is tough, advancing to the region finals by eliminating Western and then Stoneman Douglas. The Indians (18-3) will play for the region title on Friday against St. Thomas Aquinas, which eliminated Viera. The Raiders are led by Mia Layne, Jordan Palmer, Madison Dobson, Joie Safonte and goalie Jackie Feldman.
In 1A boys’ lacrosse, Miami Gulliver Prep won the District 16-1A title with a 15-4 victory over Miami Ransom Everglades.
The Raiders (12-6) advanced to regionals and beat West Palm Beach Oxbridge Academy 14-9 in the quarterfinals.
Boca Raton St. John Paul II eliminated Gulliver Prep 11-6 in a region semifinal. Leading Gulliver Prep during the playoff run were Sebastian Schnur, Hoban Noyes, Jordi Quirch, Cristian Murciano, Max Blumenthal, and goalie Thaddeeus Slanker.
Miami Belen Jesuit won the District 15-1A title by edging Plantation American Heritage 10-9. The Wolverines (12-5) were eliminated in the region quarterfinals to West Palm Beach Cardinal Newman 10-9 in overtime.
Plantation American Heritage (8-7) advanced, too, but lost to Boca Raton St. John Pail II in another region quarterfinal.
District 14-1A semifnalist Pine Crest (14-5) was eliminated in a 1A region quarterfinal to Boca Raton St. Andrew’s.
In 1A girls, Fort Lauderdale Pine Crest won the District 15-1A title with a 9-8 victory over Plantation American Heritage. The Panthers season concluded at 13-7 with a region quarterfinal loss to Boca Raton St. Andrew’s.
State academic honors
Broward and Miami-Dade counties were well represented as the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced its 31st Annual Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team, a recognition program that honors 24 graduating student-athletes who excel in athletics and academics.
With this being one of the most important special recognition programs the FHSAA sponsors, 12 girls and 12 boys from throughout will be awarded a total of $50,000 in scholarships.
“Florida’s dairy farmers are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of these dedicated student-athletes,” says John Larson, Board President of Florida Dairy Farmers. “We are honored to support a program that upholds a strong tradition of excellence both on the field and in the classroom. These students exemplify the hard work and determination needed to succeed in both arenas, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments.”
To be eligible for this award, students must be a graduating senior with a minimum 3.5 unweighted grade point average and earned a minimum of two varsity letters in at least two different sports during their junior and senior year. The 2025 Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team selection committee evaluated scholarship nominees based on their athletic participation, academic record, extracurricular activities, community service and essay.
Each Florida Dairy Farmers Academic All-State Team member will be recognized at a banquet on Monday, June 2 where they will receive a $1,700 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.
Out of the 24 All-State Team members, one male and one female will be named the Ronald N. Davis Scholar-Athletes of the Year, the FHSAA’s most prestigious honor bestowed on any active student-athlete. The winners of this award will earn a commemorative trophy and an additional $4,600 in scholarship funds – $6,300 in total.
Locals who earned this honor include:
Braelen Cintron – Braddock (Miami): Braelen Cintron has maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned recognition as a Miami Herald Silver Knight General Scholarship Nominee. A dedicated athlete, Cintron has competed in basketball, volleyball and softball, receiving the Scholar Athlete Award in all three sports. Beyond athletics, Cintron has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as the founding president of the National Athletic Honor Society, President of the World Language Honor Society, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta, Treasurer of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America, and Historian of Rho Kappa.
Her commitment to community service includes 80 hours tutoring middle school students, 300 hours dedicated to community fundraising efforts, 160 hours assisting with My Home Doctor clinical visits, 120 hours providing horseback riding lessons for children, and 70 hours organizing school drives. Cintron, the daughter of John Cintron and Jany Sanchez, will attend the University of Miami in Coral Gables, where she will pursue a degree in pre-medicine.
Grace Finneran – St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale): Grace Finneran maintains a 4.0 GPA and has earned recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit Commended Scholar, and an Aquinas Veritas Scholar. A standout athlete in cross-country and track & field, Finneran was named the 2024 Miami Herald Cross-Country Runner of the Year. She also secured the runner-up position at the Florida High School Cross Country State Championships, demonstrating her exceptional talent and dedication to her sport. Beyond athletics, Finneran has taken on multiple leadership roles within her school. She serves as a core leader and co-vice president of Campus Ministry, as well as vice president and co-president of the St. Thomas Fellowship of Christians. Additionally, she leads as a St. Thomas Student Ambassador and is an active member of several honor societies, including the Italian, Science, English, and Athletic Honor Societies.
Her commitment to service is evident through her extensive volunteer work, accumulating over 500 hours. She has served on the Church by the Sea Serve Team, contributed to STA Campus Ministry, volunteered with the Plantation Swim Team, and assisted at Plantation Christian Preschool. She is daughter of David and Nicole and plans to attend either the University of Florida in Gainesville or the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she will study landscape architecture.
Kai Guth – Coral Shores (Tavernier): Kai Guth holds a 4.0 GPA and ranks third in her graduating class. An Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Guth has demonstrated a strong academic record, earning recognition for her dedication to excellence in the classroom. As a student-athlete, Guth competed in cross-country and tennis, excelling as a member of the Coral Shores cross-country team. She was named team MVP and earned a spot on the All-County Cross-Country Team for her outstanding performances. Beyond athletics, Guth has taken on numerous leadership roles in student organizations. Guth serves as president of both the Interact Club and the National Honor Society, is a member of the Islamorada Youth Council and Key Club and leads as editor-in-chief of the yearbook. Additionally, she is an active competitor on the Mu Alpha Theta math competition team. Guth has also dedicated significant time to community service, amassing more than 600 hours with the Miami Open, Village of Islamorada Youth Council and Interact Club. Guth is the daughter of Mitchell and Laura and plans to study biochemistry at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Anna Lavernia – Ransom Everglades (Miami): Graduating from Ransom Everglades with a 3.98 GPA, Anna Lavernia has distinguished herself academically, including participation in the prestigious Yale Young Global Scholars program for Innovation in Science and Technology. An accomplished athlete, Lavernia has competed in soccer, cross-country and track & field, serving as a team captain across multiple sports. In student leadership, she serves as Vice President of both the HealthcaRE Club and the RE Spirit Club, while also contributing to the Ransom Everglades Speech and Debate team as a varsity coach, mentoring younger members. Her dedication to community service includes 100 hours with A Soccer Life Foundation, 50 hours with the Health Information Project, 40 hours with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and 40 hours as a virtual tutor for students in Miami and Colombia. Lavernia is the daughter of Carlos and Caridad and is currently undecided on her college selection.
Casey Manno – Ransom Everglades (Miami): Casey Manno holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and the Ransom Everglades Seal of Biliteracy. A dedicated multi-sport athlete, Manno has competed in water polo, soccer and swimming throughout high school. In water polo, Manno was named to Miami Herald All-Dade Second Team. In soccer, she earned an Honorable Mention from the Miami Herald, and in swimming, she was recognized on the Miami Herald All-Dade Third Team.
Manno has also been actively involved in student organizations and leadership roles. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the Science National Honor Society, and the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. Additionally, she serves as vice president of Students Against Gun Violence and as a board member for the Health Information Project, reflecting a strong commitment to advocacy and public health awareness. Community service has been a cornerstone of Manno’s high school experience. She participated in the ILAC Medical Mission Trip, contributing 140 hours of service, and volunteered for 90 hours at the Plymouth Preschool Camp. She is the daughter of Peter and Elaine Manno and plans to study public health in college.
Adrian Muelle – Belen Jesuit (Miami): Adrian Muelle has excelled academically with a 4.0 GPA, earning recognition as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor and receiving the National Hispanic Recognition Award. A dedicated athlete, Muelle has competed in football and soccer, earning 2023 Miami Herald All-Dade Honorable Mention in football. His leadership extends beyond athletics, serving as Student Council Vice President and being recognized with the Belen Jesuit Leadership Award. He is also an active member of the National Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Key Club. Muelle has made a meaningful impact through community service, contributing to Key Club, Belen Youth Missions, and volunteering with the Dolphin Cancer Challenge and Children’s Holiday at North. Muelle is the son of Alejandro and Christina Muelle and will be attending the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he plans to study industrial engineering.
Marco Prieguez – Belen Jesuit (Miami): Marco Prieguez holds a 4.0 GPA and is an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and a College Board National Hispanic Recognition Scholar. He is an active member of several honor societies, including Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Science National Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. In athletics, Prieguez has contributed to the success of the Belen Jesuit cross-country and track & field teams. As a three-time Florida High School Cross-Country Team State Champion, he earned recognition as First-Team All-District and First-Team All-Region, as well as achieving an impressive fifth place individual finish at the state championships.
He also qualified for the Florida Highs School Track and Field State Championships. He is also an active member of several clubs, including serving as an Executive Board Member for both the DECA Business Club and the Mock Trial Team, and participating in the Just Humanity Club. His commitment to community service includes volunteering with organizations such as the Miami Learning Experience, Fundación Hermanos de la Calle, Teach Hope Spread Love, and Just Humanity. The son of Manuel Prieguez and Luz Balandra, he plans to study philosophy, politics and economics at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Nicole Rivero – Miami Country Day: Nicole Rivero has achieved academic success with a 3.83 GPA, earning recognition as a Garners Scholar and a member of the Upper School Director’s List. A standout multi-sport athlete, Rivero has played varsity lacrosse and soccer, serving as captain of the lacrosse team. She was named to the Miami Herald All-Dade Second Team for lacrosse and competed with the USA South Florida National Team. Additionally, she contributed to back-to-back soccer district championships. Beyond athletics, Rivero has been a leader in student organizations. She serves as president of the Mental Health Student Association, is a peer counselor, and works as a student ambassador. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Jack Dubois Social Studies Honor Society. Rivero has dedicated significant time to community service. She serves as a social media intern for the Kennedy Kids Foundation and created the “Did You Know?” campaign, contributing 250 hours of service. She is the daughter of Manuel and Lourdes Rivero and plans to study business and marketing in college.
Ethan Sullivan – Ransom Everglades (Miami): Ethan Sullivan holds a 4.0 GPA and has earned numerous academic distinctions, including Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction, Cum Laude Honors, Bryan Cameron Impact Scholar, and Coolidge Senator. Athletically, Sullivan has excelled across multiple sports, competing in cross-country, swimming and diving, water polo, and track & field. He is a three-time cross-country state qualifier, a swimming state finalist and a school record holder. Additionally, he has competed as a track and field state finalist and has been named a three-time USA Triathlon All-American, demonstrating his versatility and dedication in endurance sports.
Beyond athletics, Sullivan has been a leader in student government, serving as both Class President and a Representative for the Student Government Association. He is also deeply involved in academic and extracurricular clubs, serving as President of Mu Alpha Theta and as a Project Leader for the Boy Scouts of America. Sullivan’s commitment to service is evident in his extensive volunteer work, having served 140 hours as a Senior Patrol Leader, 80 hours in environmental sustainability efforts, and 40 hours as an advocate and fundraiser for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. He is the son of John Sullivan and Ivette Motola and will attend Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire to study pre-medicine.
State basketball honors
After voting by a statewide panel of high school coaches and media representatives, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced the winners of the Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Class 2A Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Players of the Year—and for the first time, both recipients are from Fort Lauderdale Westminster Academy.
Alex Lloyd and Markeli Jones–Tynes were honored with this prestigious recognition for their outstanding performance on the court and their leadership as student-athletes. In addition to this historic achievement, both were recently named All-Broward First Team the Miami Herald.
Lloyd will continue his academic and athletic career at NCAA Division I University of Florida in Gainesville, and Jones-Tynes will take the next step in her journey at NCAA Division I Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania.
Westminster Academy Athletic Director Ehren Wallhoff said: “We are proud of their accomplishments and the way they have represented Westminster Academy with excellence, humility and perseverance.”
Since 1992, the Florida Dairy Farmers High School Sports Awards program has recognized more than 5,000 of the state’s top athletes and coaches across 30 FHSAA-sanctioned sports. As the longest-running sports awards program in the nation, it is often regarded as the equivalent of the Heisman Trophy in Florida high school athletics.
Send high school sports results
For high schools in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, if you have varsity results and top performers (with stats), email hssports@miamiherald.com.
They will run in the newspaper and online. Photos accepted, too. No deadline. Send after the game, the next day or weekly. You will be alerted when it will appear in the newspaper and online.
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Roundup compiled by Jim Varsallone
jvarsallone@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published May 1, 2025 at 8:35 PM.
