The Hernando County School District held its third annual Athletics Award Show at Crosspoint Church on Friday, May 15. The district’s leaders, such as District Athletic Director Dustin Kupcik, worked tirelessly to put together an event to honor all of the hard work local athletes put in during the 2025-2026 academic year.
“A lot of these athletes have survived two-a-days, bus rides after away games, mystery locker room smells, coach yelling ‘one more sprint’ 27 times,” said Dr. David Dahmer, Family Chiropractic. “You have already proven you are tougher than most adults. … In sports, there is a lot of discipline, confidence, resilience, leadership, character that is built. Honestly, some of life’s best lessons happen after a tough loss, during early morning workout, or when a teammate needs encouragement.” Friday’s festivities cost the district “zero dollars,” Coach Kupcik added. The entire bill was footed by local community businesses and partners that care about student athletes and interscholastic athletics.
The awards were presented in chronological order, starting with the fall sports. Here is a comprehensive list of every player, team, and coach to receive autumnal accolades:
- Girls Cross Country:
- First Team All-Conference: Kylee Redmond (Springstead High School), Alyssa Hoyt (Springstead High School), Xianni Smith (New Port Richey High School), Sarah Reak (New Port Richey High School), Aliya Rosario (Springstead High School), Alondra Jimenez-Capo (Springstead High School), Lila Casey (New Port Richey High School), Roma Chmiel (Weeki Wachee High School)
- Runner of the Year: Lainee Mercer (Springstead High School)
- Coach of the Year: Bill Toler (Springstead High School)
- Team Champion: Springstead
- Boys Cross Country:
- First Team All-Conference: Theodore Toler (Springstead High School), Tyler Boucher (Weeki Wachee High School), Colin Mindt (Springstead High School), Avery Smith (Springstead High School), Keith Smith (Springstead High School), Vindell Bridges (Weeki Wachee High School), Aaron Wingfield (Hillsborough High School), Jean Cintron (Weeki Wachee High School)
- Runner of the Year: Noah Carpenter (New Port Richey High School)
- Coach of the Year: Bill Toler (Springstead High School)
- Team Champion: Springstead
- Volleyball:
- First Team All-Conference: Kendyl Eastin-Setter (Weeki Wachee High School), Paloma Verde – OH (Springstead High School), Jalena Hathorn – OH (New Port Richey High School)
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
