The high school sports season is heating up, and that means it's time for one of our favorite weekly traditions: The Gainesville Sun's Athlete of the Week Poll for May 4-10. We've scoured the field to highlight the best performances from Gainesville-area athletes, and now it's your turn to vote for the standout who deserves the spotlight.
This season, our nomination process has a fresh twist. Coaches, athletic directors, and statisticians are encouraged to submit nominees and their stats to nram@usatodayco.com for consideration—we're building this list from what's available on MaxPreps and through direct submissions. It's all about celebrating the hard work and talent on display every week.
Last week's winner, Kagan Hewett from the Lafayette baseball team, set the bar high. Hewett crushed a home run and drove in two RBIs during the Hornets' 12-8 region semifinal victory over Aucilla Christian, earning over 8,800 votes and proving just how passionate this community is about its athletes.
This week's nominees are loaded with game-changing moments. One standout delivered a complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits while striking out 18 batters in an 8-0 region semifinal win over Bronson. Another athlete racked up three RBIs, two hits, and a double in a 10-6 Game 2 Region Final triumph over Pace. And let's not forget the player who drove in two RBIs and added a triple in a 14-0 region quarterfinal rout of Escambia.
From the diamond to the field, these athletes are bringing their A-game when it matters most. Whether you're a fan of clutch hitting, dominant pitching, or all-around hustle, this week's poll has something for everyone. Cast your vote and help us honor the next Gainesville-area Athlete of the Week!
