Signing Day 2024: See which Sarasota-Manatee county student-athletes chose colleges

This is a roundup of National Letter of Intent signing ceremonies held in Sarasota and Manatee counties on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Cardinal Mooney Catholic

SARASOTA — The smallest student-athlete among the 17 gathered on Wednesday in the Cardinal Mooney gym for Signing Day will have the biggest collegiate expectations.

Cougar Addison “Addie” Dempsey finished in the top three in all 12 of her cross-country events this past season. She won eight of those 12 races, finished second once and third twice. At the Class 2A State Finals, she placed third in a time of 18 minutes, one second.

Last year, she was named the Herald-Tribune Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year. Last month, Gatorade named the 5-foot-5 cross-country and track-and-field runner the 2023-24 Florida Girls Cross Country Runner of the Year.

Dempsey dominated at the high school level. But can she outrun the competition on the college stage, hers to be at the University of Miami starting in the fall.

“Give her time, that’s what I would say,” said Cardinal Mooney cross-country coach Christi McDonald. “She didn’t dominate her first year (at Mooney). She’ll be surrounded by better people; they’re going to make her better, and she will work. She is untapped.”

“Oh, yeah, I’m ready,” said Dempsey in response to the question of whether she was ready to put in the necessary work. “You just get more support, I would say. With the teammates and everybody, we’ll all be at that level, so I think it will contribute to a great environment to get better.”

Besides Dempsey, other Cougar student-athletes who signed were: Nick Bryan (Gannon University), Bobby Cantrell (Massachusetts Maritime Academy), Zeshon Casimir (Gannon University), Chase Edens (University of Tennessee-Martin), and Santino Trina (Ava Maria University) in football; Lukas Wahlstrom (New College of Florida) in golf; Connor Heald (Husson University) in basketball; Morgan Costallos (Flagler College) and Lillian VanderPol (Lewis University) in women’s lacrosse; James Frankauski (Merrimack College), Drew Roberts (Florida Institute of Technology), Mason Sheffield (New College of Florida). Hunter Sheffield (New College of Florida), and Giovanni Zanoni (Limestone University) in men’s lacrosse; and Joseph Seifert (Florida State College at Jacksonville) and James Rieff (Florida Southern) in baseball.

As for picking Miami, Dempsey said it reminded her of Dubai, where she lived for seven years before returning to America with her parents and enrolling at Mooney as a sophomore.

“Miami gave me that feeling of home again,” she said. “I feel like I bonded really nicely with the girls and the coach. The coach is new, and I’ll be new, too, so I think we can help each other out and learn as we go.” Dempsey said she will major in business, with the hope of one day opening her own gym.

“Here’s the thing,” said McDonald. “She just has an unbelievable work ethic. That’s what sets her apart. She will never be outworked. And if someone beats her, she’s going to keep practicing until she beats her.”

Dempsey said she’ll run cross country at Miami and the longer track events. McDonald said she envisions her one day running a marathon.

“She just never stops running,” she said. “You’ll see her at lunch, running around the track.”

The one-time soccer player was asked if she ever saw herself being this good.

“I am very shocked,” Dempsey said. “My sister told me last night, ‘Addie, all the effort you put in really paid off.’’’

- Doug Fernandes

Addison Dempsey, University of Miami, cross country

James Rieff, Florida Southern, baseball

Joey Seifert, Florida State College at Jacksonville, baseball

Morgan Constallos, Flagler College, girls lacrosse

Mason Sheffield, New College of Florida, lacrosse

James Frankauski, Merrimack College, lacrosse

Giovanni Zanoni, Limestone University, lacrosse

Drew Roberts, Florida Tech, lacrosse

Santino Trino, Ava Maria, football

Connor Heald, Husson University, basketball

Zeshon Casimir, Gannon University, football

Chase Edens, University of Tennessee Martin, football

Nick Bryan, Gannon University, football

Lukas Wahlstrom, New College of Florida, golf

Lilly Vanderpol, Lewis University, lacrosse

Manatee High

One way or another, Manatee High School senior Tyreek’e Robinson was likely going to continue his football career in the state of Florida.

Early in his recruitment, he thought that college would be Miami. But as the process continued, a new favorite emerged: the University of Central Florida.

“Miami was the favorite,” said Robinson, a 6-foot-3, 325-pound defensive tackle. “Toward the end of my recruitment, there was less contact. But UCF kept contacting. I went back there in January (for an unofficial visit) and that solidified my choice.”

Robinson made it official on Wednesday during a ceremony at Manatee High, signing with the Knights and head coach Gus Malzahn. Central Florida plays in the Big 12 Conference.

“The less contact (from Miami) was definitely a big thing,” Robinson said. “UCF, how they operate, how they recruit players, that really stood out to me.”

Along with Miami and Central Florida, Robinson also considered an offer from Louisville, although he never made any visits to the Kentucky-based school.

“UCF plays in the Big 12; that’s as big as it can get,” said Manatee football coach Jacquez Green. “Tyreek’e has a good relationship with the coaches over there, especially his position coach. He’ll continue to get better once he gets that college coaching.”

Robinson, who played in the North Florida vs. South Florida All-Star game in December, knows playing time at UCF won’t come easy.

“Coach told me he has his returners coming back; they were All-American, All-Conference players,” Robinson said “But the next few years they’re gonna be entering the NFL draft. As long as I work hard, I’ll be on that field.”

Robinson was joined at Wednesday’s ceremony by a number of his Manatee teammates, including senior cornerback Daron Jean, who signed to play football at South Florida.

“Actually, (USF) just called me on Monday,” Jean said. “The guy who offered me at Florida International, their cornerback coach, he’s at South Florida now. He was like, ‘This is one of the guys you need.’ Literally, this Monday I was still undecided.”

Jean (5-10, 165 pounds) was an All-State honorable mention selection as a junior. He also considered offers from FIU, South Dakota and North Carolina at Charlotte.

“Daron can cover and he’s mentally tough,” Green said. “He’s a guy we put on the other team’s best receiver and we know they won’t have a big game.”

Other Manatee football players to sign with colleges were: Bonshavior Bean Jr. (Shorter University); Max Freeman (Ave Maria University); Christian Johnson (Edward Waters University); Damontez McDowell (Stetson); Elijah Perry (Warner University); and Tristan Titus (Warner).

Other Manatee athletes to sign were: Diego Garcia-Gill (baseball; Hillsborough Community College); Truman Brugos (baseball; Maine); Daniel Walker (baseball; New College of Florida); Alex Papale (weightlifting; Lenoir-Rhyne University); Logan Stephens (lacrosse; University of Montevallo); and Keegan Merrifield (lacrosse; Point University).

— Chris Nelsen

Diego Garcia-Gill, Hillsborough Community College, baseball

Truman Brugos, University of Maine, baseball

Daniel Walker, New College of Florida, baseball

Alex Papale, Lenoir-Rhyne University, weightlifting

Bonshavior Bean Jr., Shorter University, football

Max Freeman, Ave Maria University, football

Daron Jean, University of South Florida, football

Christian Johnson, Edward Waters University, football

Damontez McDowell, Stetson University, football

Elijah Perry, Warner University, football

Tyreek'e Robinson, University of Central Florida, football

Tristan Titus, Warner University, football

Logan Stephens, University of Montevallo, lacrosse

Keegan Merrifield, Point University, lacrosse

Parrish Community High

Moments after signing her college letter of intent Wednesday at Parrish Community High School, senior Alex Call made one thing clear: Her focus is on the present, not the future.

And for good reason. The Bulls are the defending Class 5A state softball champions.

“I’m focused only on this spring,” said Call, a star infielder who signed to play softball at the University of Virginia. “All the pressure is off. I get to enjoy my senior season before I go to college. I just want to run it back and win states again.”

Call, who started at shortstop in last year’s state title game and typically bats fourth or fifth in the Bulls’ lineup, picked Virginia over a number of college suitors, including Coastal Carolina and Troy.

“I’ve always been looking for an academic school, one that can challenge me and help me pursue my career in law school,” Call said. “Knowing Virginia is a Top 10 law school in the country, it was an automatic decision.”

Call was joined at Wednesday’s ceremony, held in the school gym, by teammates and fellow college signees Julia Girk (Appalachian State), Rylee Little (Palm Beach Atlantic University), Ella Romano (The College of Coastal Georgia) and Jade Kruse (New College of Florida).

“I can say it already sunk in,” Call said of winning last year’s state championship. “Now we get to go for it again. There’s always that excitement and drive to do it again and keep pushing for another school record.”

The Bulls begin their regular season Feb. 27 at Palmetto.

“We absolutely take a lot of pride in softball,” Call said. “We will be a powerhouse for many years to come.”

Among the other Parrish Community athletes to sign on Wednesday was senior baseball star Troy Guthrie, who’s headed to Florida Gulf Coast University.

“The coaches made it feel like home,” Guthrie said of his college choice. “It’s a good school, a good program, very good baseball team. They have a bright future ahead of them.”

Guthrie, a starting pitcher, finished last season with a 0.93 earned-run average and 75 strikeouts. His fastball has been clocked at 93 miles per hour, and he also throws a slider, curveball and changeup.

“It means a lot,” Guthrie said of the turnout from parents and teammates at Wednesday’s event. “This school is family to me; everybody here is good people.”

Other Parrish Community baseball players to sign with colleges were: Will Rawls (State College of Florida); Calin Heath (State College of Florida); Matthew Thompson (Rock Valley Community College); Jacob Traeger (Averett University) and Logan Maguire (New College of Florida).

Other signees were: Lane Tomlinson (football; Ouachita Baptist University); Sarah Griffin (weightlifting; Lindenwood University); Maddison Ciasto (swimming; Columbia College); Alijah Giustino (track; Lynn University); Hallie Prater (equestrian; Delaware State); Brianne Bonzheim (soccer; Morehead State); Kendall Hecht (soccer; Florida Gulf Coast); Hayden Lepley (soccer; Mercer); and Sydney Weslowski (soccer; Georgia Southwestern).

— Chris Nelsen

Will Rawls, State College of Florida, baseball

Calin Heath, State College of Florida, baseball

Troy Guthrie, Florida Gulf Coast University, baseball

Matthew Thompsen, Rock Valley Community College, baseball

Jacob Traeger, Averett University, baseball

Logan Maguire, New College of Florida, baseball

Alex Call, University of Virginia, softball

Julia Girk, Appalachian State University, softball

Rylee Little, Palm Beach Atlantic University, softball

Ella Romano, The College of Coastal Georgia, softball

Jade Kruse, New College of Florida, softball

Lane Tomlinson, Ouachita Baptist University, football

Sara Griffin, Lindenwood University, weightlifting

Maddison Ciasto, Columbia College, swimming

Brianne Bonzheim, Morehead State University, soccer

Kendall Hecht, Florida Gulf Coast University, soccer

Hayden Lepley, Mercer University, soccer

Sydney Weslowski, Georgia Southwestern University, soccer

Venice High

VENICE − The only suspense at Signing Day at Venice High School surrounded football player Zycarl “CJ” Lewis.

Lewis had been silent about his commitment since decommitting from the University of Colorado.

To add to the intrigue Venice football coach John Peacock announced Lewis last among Peacock’s four players putting pen to paper Wednesday afternoon.

Zipping open his jacket and grabbing a cap, Lewis donned a light blue “Roll Tide” shirt and Tulane cap.

Lewis is heading to New Orleans to play for the Green Wave.

“It was a better opportunity for me and my family,” Lewis said. “I just felt like it was the right move.”

Other football players signing Wednesday at Venice High were Deylen Platt with the University of South Florida, Alvin Johnson with Bethune-Cookman University and Carter Dalton with the University of Mount Union.

Other athletes committing at Venice were softball player Layne Preece to Florida State College in Jacksonville, swimmer Addyson Domian to Dartmouth College, beach volleyball player Madeline Dickerson to the University of Central Arkansas and basketball player Magdalena Daukaus to North Central University.

Lewis, a wide receiver/punt returner for Venice, led the team in receiving yards with 950 and receiving touchdowns with 10. The 6-foot, 170-pounder recorded 426 yards in kickoff returns and 219 in punt returns to top the team with 1,773 all-purpose yards.

Lewis said Tulane visions him as a slot receiver and possibly returning kicks.

“They talked about kick return,” Lewis said. “That would be fun.”

Playing mainly cornerback, the 6-3, 177-pound Platt was in on 56 tackles, tied for the team lead with three interceptions and seven passes defended. He also recovered a fumble and blocked a field goal.

On offense, both of Platt’s receptions went for touchdowns.

Platt said new Bulls coach Alex Golesh has been in touch with him since the start of his senior year.

“With what he did in his first year, he’s going to have great success with the program,” Platt said of Golesh. “Every athlete I’ve talked to has a good standpoint on him. With me, he was always checking up on me, talking to me every day.”

The 5-11, 190-pound Johnson was Venice’s second-leading rusher with 1,107 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught six passes for 81 yards.

The 6-2, 220-pound Dalton played outside linebacker and strong safety. He recorded 127 tackles, defended five passes, recovered a fumble and recorded a sack.

Preece went 6-5 with a 3.59 earned run average last year in a team-high 17 games as a junior.

Daukaus averages 4.2 points and 3.6 rebounds for the Venice girls basketball team.

Domian reached the state swimming finals all four years.

− Dennis Maffezzoli

Deylan Platt, University of South Florida, football

Alvin Johnson, Bethune-Cookman University, football

CJ Lewis, TBA, Tulane University

Carter Dalton, University of Mount Union, football

Layne Preece, Florida State College at Jacksonville, softball

Addyson Domian, Dartmouth College, swimming

Madeline Dickerson, University of Central Arkansas, beach volleyball

Lakewood Ranch High

Evan Bolick, Ave Maria University, football

Cal Hengel, Kenyon College, football

Vincent Jovanovski, Concord University, football

North Port High

CJ Kemble, Webber International University, golf

Omar Branch, St. Thomas University, football

Jayson Louis-Jeune, St. Thomas University, football

Jillian Guilbault, Tiffin University, cheerleading

Riverview

Dylan McDonald, New College of Florida, baseball

Paige Sherlock, University of North Florida, swimming

Hailey Harford, Lindenwood University, weightlifting

Alloysen Byerley, Lindenwood University, weightlifting

Braxton Thomas, North Carolina A&T, football

Weston Gruttadauria, University of West Florida, football

Anthony Campbell, Seton Hill University, football

Henry Fioriglio, Northwestern University, football

Chase Caldwell, Knox College, football

Jeremiah Dawson, Southeastern University, football

Sarasota Christian School

Judah Avery, Southeastern University, football

Southeast High

Denis Jones, Florida Institute of Technology, swimming

Connor Arp-Elia, McPherson College, football

Cecil Crawford, Culver Stockton University, football

My'Kell Gipson,William Penn University, football

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Signing Day 2024: Sarasota-Manatee county student-athletes commit to colleges