News Summary

In a remarkable achievement for Miami high school sports, coaches Ross “Dylan” Hermelee and Danny Areces have been honored as Florida’s Coaches of the Year for girls’ and boys’ track & field, respectively. Hermelee led Miami Carrollton to their first state championship, while Areces guided Miami Columbus to victory in their category. Additionally, Miami Senior High’s Jamir ‘Jazz’ Cook has signed with Barry University to play women’s basketball, showcasing the continued athletic excellence in the Miami community.

Miami Coaches Shine Bright as Track & Field Champions

In sunny Miami, it’s time to celebrate some incredible achievements in the world of high school sports! Two phenomenal coaches have recently been recognized for their outstanding contributions to track and field, making waves not just locally but across Florida. Ross “Dylan” Hermelee of Miami Carrollton has been honored as Florida’s girls’ track & field Coach of the Year, while Danny Areces from Miami Columbus earned the title for boys’ track & field. Talk about a double delight for Miami!

Leading the Charge

Hermelee truly outdid himself this season, guiding the Miami Carrollton team to their very first state championship in the FHSAA Class 2A girls’ track & field category. In a nail-biting finish, they clinched victory by a mere half a point against Montverde Academy! This remarkable achievement had everyone cheering, and it did not go unnoticed. He has also been named the Miami Herald All-Dade Girls’ Track & Field Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 school year, further solidifying his impact in the community.

On the boys’ side, Areces led Miami Columbus to a stunning win at the FHSAA Class 4A boys’ track & field state title, earning him a much-deserved title of Miami Herald All-Dade Boys’ Track & Field Coach of the Year. Both coaches were also finalists for the USTFCCCA national Coach of the Year honors, which is quite an impressive feat!

Making History

The USTFCCCA recently announced their 11th annual High School Track & Field Coaches of the Year award winners, recognizing the best of the best from each state including the District of Columbia. The selection criteria were rigorous, looking at team performance, scores, placements at state championships, and individual championships. Both Hermelee and Areces truly made their mark, and as winners, they will receive a trophy from the USTFCCCA commemorating their incredible achievements.

Exciting News for Miami Senior High’s Jamir ‘Jazz’ Cook

Shifting gears to another exciting sports announcement, Jamir ‘Jazz’ Cook from Miami Senior High has signed with the NCAA Division II Barry University women’s basketball team. The excitement doesn’t stop there; Barry University’s new coach, Allison Bustamante, believes Cook is going to be a fantastic addition to the team thanks to her talent and tenacity on the court.

Bustamante is no stranger to success, having previously led Miami Doral Academy to back-to-back FHSAA Final Four appearances. Her coaching resume boasts a remarkable record, and she was recognized as the Miami Herald All-Dade Girls’ Basketball Coach of the Year in 2024. With this level of expertise, Cook is sure to flourish!

A Season to Remember

During her time with Miami Senior High’s Stingarees, Cook showcased her skills, leading the team to the state tournament all four years, ending her high school career with an impressive 80-37 record. As a senior, she not only earned Miami Herald All-Dade first team honors but averaged a double-double—13 points and 11 rebounds per game. She proved her efficiency by shooting 59% from the field, which is nothing short of impressive! It’s clear she is set to make a significant impact at Barry University.

Building Winning Traditions

As the cherry on top, Florida State recently appointed Bryant to head their throws group, making a return after two years at the University of Texas. At Texas State University, he had an outstanding track record, coaching three Sun Belt Conference Field Athletes of the Year and nine individual conference champions. His time as a four-time All-Big 12 performer certainly adds to his credibility.

Additionally, Chris Rainey, former University of Florida running back and track star, has taken the reins as the new head track and field coach at Trinity Catholic. Rainey’s philosophy centers on nurturing both character and winning. With his championship background, Rainey is determined to foster a winning mindset and support athlete development at Trinity Catholic.

As Miami’s coaches and athletes make headlines for their successes, there’s no doubt that the vibrant sports scene here continues to thrive. What’s next for this dynamic community? Exciting times ahead for sure!

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