Latest news with #Boys'PlayeroftheYear
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Somerset's Gabler, Douglas' Bagirathan, Pine Crest's Chalich are Tennis Players of the Year
Stoneman Douglas' Savita Bagirathan and Pine Crest's Bridget Chalich had very different outlooks entering this tennis season. Bagirathan had already won an overall singles state championship last season and returned as a favorite. Chalich had quit the sport at one point last season having lost her confidence. Both found their way to the top this season as overall state singles champions in their respective classes. Meanwhile, Somerset Academy senior Quentin Gabler capped a memorable career with another trip to state after an undefeated season to that point. The three accomplished Broward County players are all recipients of this year's Miami Herald Broward Tennis Player of the Year awards. Gabler is the winner of the Boys' Player of the Year award. On the girls' side, Bagirathan and Chalich share the honors after each secured state titles. In two seasons, Bagirathan has quickly become one of the most dominant singles players in the state overall and the nation. This season, Bagirathan rolled through the competition on her way to repeating as the Class 4A state overall singles champion. She also had a dominant season in doubles playing alongside her younger sister, Dhea Bagirathan, as they qualified for the state meet together. In Class 2A, Chalich was nowhere near being considered a favorite entering 2025. But she persevered and regained the faith she needed to put together the best season of her career as she navigated her way to her first overall singles title. Chalich, who in August will enroll at Florida State University, said she doesn't plan to play tennis in college. She plans to major in Accounting while on a pre-law track. 'I've been playing tennis since I was four years old,' said Chalich, who had only advanced to state once prior in her career as a freshman. After her match at this year's state meet, she let her emotions out after what had been a tough journey back. 'This,' Chalich said, 'was the most meaningful match of my life.' For Gabler, a state championship was not in the cards this season. But he still showed why he is considered one of the best players in the state overall, as Gabler advanced to the Class 2A singles final after going unbeaten in the regular season. Gabler, who was an individual state qualifier each of the past two seasons, followed in his family's footsteps when it came to playing the sport. 'My sister and brother and my father all played tennis and I followed their lead,' Gabler said. 'I loved going to the state tournament because of the competition.'
Miami Herald
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Miami Herald
Westminster Academy's Daniel Cercols is the Broward Water Polo Coach of the Year
Westminster Academy coach Daniel Cercols knew his boys' water polo team would have its best shot at a state championship this season. The Lions faced a path that required them to navigate through the toughest region in the state, however. But Cercols' squad never doubted it could be achieved. 'We knew on paper we had one of the strongest teams, but we were pretty even with the top seven teams in the state so anybody could win,' Cercols said. 'We were consistent especially considering we had some new kids… I'm so happy for the school.' It was a banner year for the water polo programs at Westminster as its boys' squad secured its first ever state championship. Meanwhile its girls' team appears to be on a path toward similar success after a regional semifinals finish through a tough bracket featuring some of the best teams from the central Florida area. In recognition of that success, Cercols, the coach for both squads, is this year's Miami Herald Broward County Boys' and Girls' Water Polo Coach of the Year. Cercols led Westminster's boys to a 24-2 record, which culminated with back-to-back one-goal victories at the state final four against former champion Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas and Mater Lakes. The Lions already had a formidable roster heading into the 2025 season, which got stronger with the arrival of transfer Matthew Troche - one of the top-rated players in the nation. Troche, the Miami Herald's Boys' Player of the Year, became a catalyst for Westminster's explosive attack in the pool. 'It's amazing. We knew we'd be a high-contesting team from the start. But from the way this team put it together, it's just amazing,' Troche said after a 10-9 win over Mater Lakes in the state championship match. On the girls' side, Westminster went 18-8 with its season ending following a 12-10 loss to Orlando Dr. Phillips. The Lions, however, established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in Broward and statewide with a squad led by All-Broward first team selections, Marley Scott, Lynn-Rose Ruiz and goalie Megan Ruiz. With most of its squad returning, the Lions' girls hope next season to reach the milestone their boys counterparts did this season.
