Spring is heating up on the fields and courts of Sarasota and Manatee counties, and the Herald-Tribune is once again asking fans to weigh in on which local high school squad deserves the title of Top Team of the Month. From gridiron glory to volleyball victories and soccer standouts, the 2025-26 season has already seen some truly memorable performances.
The Bayshore High football team kicked things off in style, taking home the Team of the Month honors for September 2025 with a dominant start to their campaign. October belonged to the Venice High volleyball team, whose precision and teamwork earned them the top spot. November saw the Venice High boys soccer team control the pitch and capture the monthly crown, while December's award went to the Cardinal Mooney Catholic football team for their impressive late-season push.
Now, the focus shifts to March, where the competition was fierce. The Cardinal Mooney baseball team emerged as the clear fan favorite, securing a commanding 61% of the vote. The Cougars were simply unstoppable, posting a perfect 12-0 record in March to build an impressive 18-3 overall mark. Their performance has them ranked among the Top 30 teams in the state—a testament to their hard work and consistency.
How does it all work? At the start of each month during the high school sports season, the Herald-Tribune selects standout teams based on scores, stats, and nominations submitted by coaches and athletic directors from Sarasota and Manatee counties. Coaches are encouraged to email their team's achievements to htincoming@gmail.com by the last day of the month for a chance at recognition. Once the nominees are set, the decision is in your hands—fans vote to determine which squad is crowned Top Team of the Month.
Voting for the current month's nominees is open until 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at heraldtribune.com. So whether you're a player, parent, or passionate fan, make your voice heard and support your local champions. After all, every great team deserves its moment in the spotlight—and maybe even a fresh new look from the sidelines.