May 23, 2025
Outstanding coaches and students were celebrated at the annual Athletics Banquet. Special award winners and Coaches of the Year were recognized at the celebration on May 22 at the Central Park Performing Arts Center.
The Nickolas Grasso Leadership Award went to Jim Felce of Palm Harbor University High School. A staunch supporter of coaches and athletes, Felce is known for innovative coaching and strategies that enhance athletic programs.
The Scott Anderson Athletic Trainer of the Year Award was presented to Erika Miller of St. Petersburg High School. A fixture in athletic training in Pinellas County for 19 years, this is her first year at St. Petersburg, where she has already transformed the school’s athletic training program.
The Henry Deck Awards, which recognize the most outstanding male and female athletes, went to soccer standout Ava Tutas of Palm Harbor University High and football powerhouse Jeff Jones of St. Petersburg High School.
Ava has received countless awards and recognitions over the past four years for both her athletic and academic prowess, but what makes her so exceptional is her dedication to the community and leadership.
Jeff has been a four-year starter for St. Petersburg High's varsity football team. An all-around athlete, Jeff was also the starting point guard for the 2024-2025 basketball team that made it to the Final Four, and he placed fifth in the region for the 100-meter in track.
Two Superintendent's Awards were also presented:
- The Superintendent’s GPA Award, which recognizes the school with the highest unweighted cumulative GPA of all student-athletes across all sports, went to St. Petersburg High School (3.53 GPA)
- The Superintendent’s Cup Award for the best overall athletics program was awarded to Osceola Fundamental High School.
The Mike McPheron Award, which recognizes coaches and students for perseverance and resilience, went to Coach Chris Blackwell, the head boys’ varsity basketball coach at St. Petersburg High School. He just completed his 24th season at St. Pete High, leading his team to another state Final Four appearance. While battling cancer, he continued to lead practices and inspire his team.
Congratulations to the special award winners and all Coaches of the Year:
Football: Auggie Sanchez, Seminole
Volleyball: Stephen Shepherd, Palm Harbor
Boys Golf: Todd St. Louis, St Petersburg
Girls Golf: Hollie Miller, Pinellas Park
Boys Cross Country: Pete Eagleson, Osceola
Girls Cross Country: Maria Morrison, Dunedin
Boys Swimming: Tera Cox, Seminole
Girls Swimming: Karen Smalley, Osceola
Boys Bowling: William White, Northeast
Girls Bowling: John Foss, Osceola
Boys Soccer: Thurston Johnson, Palm Harbor
Girls Soccer: Michelle Newman, Hollins
Boys Wrestling: Ryan Washington, Pinellas Park
Girls Wrestling: Joe Marzo, East Lake
Boys Basketball: Larry Murphy, Gibbs
Girls Basketball: Heather Ashlin, Countryside
Baseball: Michael Eby, Countryside
Softball: Hannah Kolodziej, Pinellas Park
Boys Track & Field: Leviticus McKinnon, Largo
Girls Track & Field: Anthony Blakeney, Osceola
Boys Tennis: Alberto Lense, Osceola
Girls Tennis: Joseph Bloznalis, East Lake
Flag Football: Gary Kifer, Dunedin
Boys Lacrosse: Luke Weaver, Countryside
Girls Lacrosse: Greg Pozun, Palm Harbor
