On Wednesday, February 25, the Lady Raiders led STA to their 137th State Championship, securing the FHSAA State title for the first time since 2017 with a 1-0 victory over Niceville High School. The game-winning goal was scored by freshman Camila Velez, marking a historic and unforgettable moment for the program.

Reflecting on her incredible achievement, Velez shared, “ I always dreamed of that moment since the season started. Imagine scoring in a state final! As a freshman, scoring the goal means a lot, it means that dreams really can come true.” She added, “ And everything is possible when I trust in God.”

The Girls Varsity team includes:

Elina Ross – Goal Keeper (Freshmen)

Aimee Colson – Goal Keeper (Junior)

Aniya Harriott – Defender, Midfielder (Senior)

Martina Querol – Defender (Senior)

Marisa Robison – Midfielder, Defender (Senior)

Catalina Esteban – Midfielder, Forward (Senior)

Brooklyn Burbridge – Forward, Midfielder, Defender (Sophomore)

Belen Cassina – Midfielder, Forward (Junior)

Marissa Arellano – Midfielder, Forward (Junior, Captain)

Madison Polelo – Midfielder, Forward (Senior, Captain)

Giuliana Kostick – Midfielder, Defender (Senior, Captain)

Bianca Raskin – Midfielder, Forward (Senior, Captain)

Alexandra Polelo – Defender, Midfielder (Freshmen)

Camila Velez – Midfielder, Forward (Freshmen)

Mia Calpin – Forward (Sophomore)

Piper Battaglia – Midfielder, Forward (Senior)

Aimee Vignola – Midfielder, Forward, Defender (Freshmen)

Claudia Timmer Rodriguez – Midfielder (Senior)

Camryn Smith – Defender, Midfielder (Sophomore)

Madison McKeon – Forward, Midfielder (Senior)

Emma Rosenstein – Forward (Senior)

Niyah Carmona – Defender, Midfielder (Junior)

Addison Zintsmaster – Forward (Senior)

Isabella Smith – Midfielder, Forward (Freshmen)

Kayla Ringoen – Midfielder, Defender, Forward (Freshemen)

Victoria Young – Defender (Freshmen)

Lauryn Smith – Defender, Midfielder (Senior, Captain)

Senior Aniya Harriot shared the depth of the moment saying, “Winning a state championship my senior year feels unreal. It’s something we’ve worked towards all season, and to end my high school career that way means everything.” All of the early morning practices, hard games and sacrifices were worth it. She added, “ The highlight of the game for me was when Camila Velez scored the goal that won us the state championship. It was such a huge team moment, and celebrating together right after is something I’ll always remember.”

This team has put in relentless work throughout the entire season, finishing with an impressive overall record of 23-2-1. The players and coaches have developed a close bond during the season, making their relationship feel more like a family than a team. Captain Madison Poleo expressed how “watching everyone grow so much throughout the season and come together as a family to secure the win,” meant the world to her. She reflected on a tremendous season that could not have ended in a better way. 

 Camila Velez summed it up perfectly: “ Hard work always pays off.”