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Sarasota | Sports

Owen Ayers played his first two seasons of minor-league baseball exclusively with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans of Single-A. So far in 2026, he's spent time with the South Bend Cubs of High-A and Knoxville Smokies of Double-A.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 4, 2026
Sarasota High baseball alumnus turns the corner with consistency

Owen Ayers focused on being himself from day to day in order to reach Double-A, his highest level yet in the minors.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
The title-winning U16 Women's Eight for Sarasota Crew at the 2025 USRowing Youth National Championships. From left to right: Addison Wilson, Brooke Wilson, Gabrielle Davis, Maya Jewell, Lillian Teague, Megan Murdock, Isabella De Liz, Sydney Soboleski and Rose Ottaviano.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 3, 2026
Sarasota Crew's success started with a change in culture

The youth rowing club has become a household name nationally thanks to its focus on individual development above all else.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
As a junior last season, Jayla Griffin led the Cougars in points, rebounds and assists per game en route to the FHSAA Class 3A-Region 2 semifinals.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • June 2, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Jayla Griffin

With multiple Div. I offers, the rising senior guard for Cardinal Mooney girls basketball has much to consider.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Amanda Boswell has taken over a program with a historically high standard. The Cougars won the 2025 FHSAA Class 3A state championship following four consecutive state finalist finishes.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 28, 2026
First-time high-school coach gets comfortable at Cardinal Mooney

Amanda Boswell, with 17 years of coaching experience, is on a new adventure with the Cougars.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Casey Izquierdo's spring with Riverview High football is complete, and now, he looks forward to his junior season starting in the fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 26, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Casey Izquierdo

The rising junior cornerback for Riverview High football recently earned his first NCAA Division I offer.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Rising senior quarterback Louisen Desinor will start under center for Braden River High football in the fall. This spring was his opportunity to strengthen bonds with the playmakers around him.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 25, 2026
High school coaches defend relevancy of spring football in Florida

Although it's the only sport allowed to have two separate seasons, coaches say it is an important developmental tool.

  • East County
  • Sports
Gia DePastino was one of five seniors on the Sailors' 13-person roster in 2026. She'll play for Warner University at the NAIA level this fall.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 20, 2026
Despite regional final defeat, Sarasota High softball succeeded

The Sailors posted their most wins in over a decade and were district champions this season under a new coach.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Tyre Smith is in his second year with Sarasota Rugby Club. He switched over from football after competing with Riverview High School and Wittenberg University.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 18, 2026
Sarasota Rugby Club hits the sand

Stepping away from its grass pitch, the club held its first annual 'Siesta 7s' beach rugby tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Vance Freeman became the 10th different state champion in Sarasota boys weightlifting program history May 7. The senior hit all three of his lifts in the bench press to secure gold.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 14, 2026
Sarasota High lifter crowned at state championship

Vance Freeman won an individual state title to conclude his high school weightlifting career with the Sailors.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Daryl Cherry (left) and Jamar Byrd (right) battle with a medicine ball during practice. Byrd, at 6-foot-4 and 315 pounds, was an offensive/defensive lineman as a sophomore in 2025.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 13, 2026
Uphill climb coming for Booker football

After graduating the most talented class in program history, the Tornadoes will have to build back this fall.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Kaleb Exume has taken his talents from Parrish Community to Cardinal Mooney football for his senior season this fall. But beyond the gridiron, he's dominated in the weight room.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 12, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Kaleb Exume

Competing in the unlimited weight class, the Cardinal Mooney junior placed second at the FHSAA Class 1A boys weightlifting state championship.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Ben Milliken is the all-time leading passer in program history for Sarasota Christian football. Now, he's the first Blazer headed to an NCAA Division I program.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 7, 2026
Sarasota Christian quarterback caps legacy with history-making commitment

Ben Milliken, who originally signed with Southeastern University, flipped to Furman and became the Blazers' first Division I commit.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Dick Vitale, even amid his battle with melanoma, kept the focus of his 21st annual gala in Sarasota on helping kids fight — and beat — cancer.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 6, 2026
Dick Vitale reminds us, once more, pediatric cancer research matters

The $21 million raised at the 21st annual Dick Vitale Gala represents a major victory for an ever-important cause.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Noelle Tenaglia is headed to the FHSAA Class 4A track and field state championship May 9 at Jacksonville's Hodges Stadium alongside relay teammates Kenna Borras, Ella Dabringhaus and Madison Muller.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • May 5, 2026
Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Noelle Tenaglia

The senior led Riverview's 3,200-meter relay team to victory at the FHSAA Class 4A-Region 3 championship.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
Sarasota baseball players watch from their dugout during the FHSAA Class 7A-Region 2 quarterfinal April 24 against Plant City. Despite holding the No. 2 seed, the Sailors went one-and-done in the regional tournament.
    By
  • Jack Nelson
  • April 30, 2026
Winning season comes to an early end for Sarasota High baseball

Bats go quiet as the Sailors exit in the first round of regional tournament.

  • Sarasota
  • Sports
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Latest in Sarasota

1
Daniel Bitter, 7, tosses the lasso.
  • June 7, 2026
Campers at Sarasota City YMCA try their hand at throwing a lasso
2
Cole Ralston and Aether Baskin enjoy the con experience.
  • June 7, 2026
SRQCon brings pop culture fans together at Selby Library
3
Brody Floyd, 6, his mom Sara Floyd, and brothers Jacob Floyd, 9, and Benjamin Floyd, 6, prepare for the run.
  • June 6, 2026
Kids Summer Beach Runs kick off for the year
4
Steven High is retiring as executive director of The Ringling, a position he has held since 2011.
  • June 5, 2026
Steven High to retire as executive director of The Ringling
5
The Community Foundation of Sarasota County's Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund is meant to pay for immediate relief and long-term resilience efforts in the four-county area.
  • June 5, 2026
Patterson Foundation donates $500,000 for storm relief

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