Athletics

Athletics News

List of 8 news stories.

  • Senior Athlete Spotlight: Melina Ruiz

    Melina Ruiz sees the huge impact that tennis has had on her life. Contrary to most sports, tennis does not allow on-court coaching, forcing Ruiz to lean on her years of training and guide herself to the best of her ability. In turn, Ruiz believes that she developed many characteristics such as independence, problem solving, and determination from a very young age that has set her up for success.
     
    Ruiz’s mom first placed her in the sport at the age of four after watching her best friend play. Along with tennis, Ruiz competed in gymnastics and dance until the age of seven when she had to choose one to stick with. Ruiz chose tennis and never looked back. That decision shaped the remainder of Ruiz’s childhood and even educational experience. Something many students may not know is that Ruiz does not attend Palmer Trinity full time. She enrolls in three classes in person and completes the remaining ones online. This allows her to complete a full day of training. On Monday-Saturday, an average day of training for Ruiz entails a two-hour practice in the morning, gym training afterwards, and two-three hours in the evening back on the court, on top of her schooling. Weekend tournaments consist of three-six matches and her national schedule has brought her to compete all over the country.
     
    Her vast experience has led her to thrive as a captain on the Varsity Tennis team. She loves competing individually, but to constantly support those around her. “As the captain, I have learned to reassure the players that all that matters is that they go out on the court and give their very best, no matter the outcome,” Ruiz describes. Varsity Head Coach Kevin Chow believes that everything Ruiz does is to the best of her ability, referring to her as a “team player who goes above and beyond what is needed of her.” In return, Ruiz always feels that her teammates are there for her no matter what. Ruiz notes that her favorite memory as a Falcon was playing in the District Finals as a sophomore with her full team and large crowd watching, fueling her to compete at her very best.
     
    Off the court, Ruiz loves to spend time by the ocean. With a full schedule of tennis, Ruiz does not always have much time to relax, but feels fully at peace out on the beach. She is very active in Palmer Trinity’s community through community service, attending the Visions Trip to the Dominican Republic, serving as Co-President of Fueling Futures which helps underprivileged students at Miami-Dade College ensure they have food and groceries to live, and is an ambassador and active member of Miami Learning Experience and Fight Like a Kid.
     
    Ruiz, whose favorite food is pasta, favorite artist is Morgan Wallen and once broke her knee in middle school from growing too fast, is excited to study biology on a pre-med track in college while hopefully continuing to play her favorite sport. She is currently considering the University of Florida, Clemson, College of Charleston, SMU, and University of Tennessee.
     
    Be sure to come out and support Melina and the rest of the Varsity Tennis team as they continue a great start to the season. Senior Day will be held on April 3rd.
     
    Go Falcons!
  • Gold Standard Breakfast February 2024

  • Varsity Girls Basketball Wins District Title

    Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Basketball team on capturing their fourth District Championship over the past five seasons with a 51-46 win over Somerset South Homestead. Both teams battled with neither able to pull away until late in the game. Jade Leon '24 led the Falcons with 23 points. Emma Esparza '27 added seven points, nine rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Palmer Trinity will host Carrollton on Wednesday, February 14th at 7:00pm in the Regional Quarterfinals. 

    Go Falcons! 
  • Senior Athlete Spotlight: Santiago Franceschi

    When you hear the name Franceschi around Palmer Trinity, memories of the 2018 and 2019 Boys Soccer State Championship teams quickly come to mind. Brothers Alberto ’19 and Eduardo ’21 were members of those teams, with Alberto being selected as the Class 1A State Player of the Year both seasons. However, current senior Santiago Franceschi believes he has the advantage over both of his brothers. “I am different because I am the youngest and I can learn from their experience,” Santiago says. He uses his brothers for inspiration and often goes to them for advice on how he can improve his game to best prepare for another state title run. Alberto and Eduardo are quick to help because, as Santiago believes, they all have the same love and passion for both Palmer Trinity and the game. “For us, playing for Palmer is the best experience,” Santiago proudly boasts.
     
    Santiago has been playing soccer since before he can even remember, oftentimes serving as the designated goalie for his older brothers. His father and brothers inspired him to begin playing and ever since, it has become the sport they have all loved and shared. As a player, Santiago believes in hard work and discipline in order to gain the trust of both his teammates and coaches. He has worked hard to improve as a leader, knowing that his actions have impacts on others and that he can inspire his teammates with positive energy. This translates to off the field where Santiago works to plan team activities outside of the school to help create a family bond on the team and make the underclassman feel included.
     
    Varsity Boys Soccer Head Coach Abiodun Adeyemi believes he was fortunate that Santiago was a part of the team during his first year at Palmer Trinity, believing that Santiago was exactly what the team needed. “Not only did he bring elite skills, his qualities fueled the team with the confidence and the belief that we were the best team in the state,” Adeyemi recalls. Santiago, in return, is thankful for Coach Adeyemi for making him feel valuable and supported. “He helped a lot with my leadership skills. He asks for my opinion and demands excellence in setting an example for others,” Santiago speaks of his head coach.
     
    During his time as a Falcon, Santiago has many memories to reflect back upon, but the recent win over Ransom Everglades where the whole team’s focus and mentality led them to the win on the road is the first that comes to mind. The other is last year’s Regional Playoff win over Westminster Christian, where the team thrived on the support and energy of the crowd.    
     
    When he is not playing soccer or spending time with his family, Santiago tries to make an impact on another community. With the political instability and violence in Venezuela, many Venezuelans have made the move to Miami without financial backing. Santiago created a website named “Imigrantes Miami” that catalogs and explains resources available to those who need them. Through various fundraisers and contributors, Santiago is proud to offer assistance to low-income families because he wants to help those making the difficult transition.
     
    Santiago, whose favorite food is steak and arepas, favorite movie is Harry Potter, and favorite artist is Myke Towers, is excited for his next chapter next fall. He hopes to continue playing the game he loves while studying business analytics or finance. For now, the only thing on his mind is joining his brothers in bringing a state championship home to Palmer Trinity.
     
    Good luck to Santiago and the rest of the Varsity Boys Soccer team as they compete next week in the Regional Tournament! 
     
    Go Falcons!
  • Varsity Girls Soccer Wins District Championship

    Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Soccer team on their 4-0 win over Keys Gate to capture the 2024 FHSAA Class 3A District 16 title. The Falcons scored all four goals in the second half. Gabriella Feetham '26 opened the scoring before Ariana Adessi '26, Olivia Baumberger '26, and Cailyn Sullivan '24 each scored to put the game out of reach. Luna Diaz '26 earned the shutout in net. Earlier in the District Tournament, the top-seeded Falcons defeated Coral Shores 8-1 in the District Semifinals. The Varsity Girls Soccer team will host the Regional Quarterfinal on Tuesday, February 6th at 3:30pm. 

    Go Falcons! 
  • Senior Athlete Spotlight: Colin Carletta

    As the lone senior on the Varsity Boys Basketball team, Colin Carletta finds himself leading his younger teammates through kindness and trying to lift them up when they’re down. Positivity, he finds, is the best way to lead others. Being a positive role model is something Carletta is used to – he loves nothing more than being a role model and a helping hand to his two younger sisters and is very grateful to be a part of a close-knit family.

    Carletta grew to love the sport of basketball when watching his uncle coach high school basketball, so much so that he has now played for 12 seasons. Through those 12 seasons, Carletta believes he has grown immensely, both as a player and a person. On the court, he credits Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Manny Bloom as helping him become the player he wants to be. “He has allowed me to learn a new system and play a role that helps the team win,” Carletta speaks of Bloom. Carletta also states he has worked hard to improve his basketball IQ, his hustle, and belief in winning over personal statistics or success. As for Bloom, he is proud of Carletta’s presence as a great teammate and a hard worker, noting that Carletta has been an instrumental part in the building process of the basketball program.

    This summer, Carletta had the opportunity to travel to France as a part of the Varsity Boys Basketball exchange program. Carletta boasted about this experience, calling it his greatest memory as a Falcon. In living with a host family, Carletta formed lasting relationships with the French student-athletes and felt that his own Palmer Trinity team grew closer as individuals and strengthened their team bond.

    Colin’s love of the game inspired him to volunteer as a basketball coach at his former elementary school. “It has become more than just community service, but also a passion,” Carletta notes, “being able to teach kids younger than me ways to have fun, make friendships, and learn to play together has been something I have loved to do.” Off the court, Carletta loves to hang out with his friends. His favorite food is fried rice with both chicken and steak, favorite movie is Rudy, favorite band is Coldplay and favorite artist is Drake. Carletta also loves to cook, always wanting to try new recipes for his family to try. In the fall, Carletta is excited to study business or sports management.

    Be sure to come out and support Colin on Senior Night on Tuesday, January 30th when the Varsity Boys Basketball team hosts Mater Bay at 6:00pm.
     
    Go Falcons!
  • Palmer Trinity Partners with Special Olympics of South Florida

  • Senior Athlete Spotlight: Mackenzie Metka

    When asked about why she loves the game of soccer, Mackenzie Metka eagerly responded “I love competition and I love to score”. At a young age, Metka loved watching her older brother play the game and when she turned three, she joined a local recreational league and only grew from there. Over the past four years, as a member of the Varsity Girls Soccer team, Metka believes she has not only grown as a player, but also learned how to be confident and a role model both on and off the field. On the field, Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach Ifeoma Dieke commends Metka for being a hardworking, technical player who always wants the ball. “She is never satisfied and strives to be better. A captain that leads by example,” Dieke describes of Metka.

    Metka considers her time as a Falcon as a roller coaster. Her favorite memory is winning the Palm League as a sophomore, with Palmer Trinity ultimately defeating Benjamin School in penalty kicks to capture the school's first Palm League Championship. "Everyone rushed to the field and the energy was so amazing," Metka recalls, "we all felt on top of the world." However, late in her sophomore year, Metka tore her ACL, forcing her to miss all summer, fall conditioning, and the majority of her junior season.

    Thinking back on the injury, Metka admits that she struggled mentally, missing the game that she loved dearly and fearful that she would never be the same player again. Metka is quick to credit Coach Dieke in helping her stay motivated and focused, utilizing Dieke's own experience in an ACL recovery as a valuable lesson and inspiration. Metka also focused on her goal of playing collegiate soccer.

    Right as she returned from injury, Metka started her recruiting process. Knowing her dream was to play in Boston, she attended an ID camp and was quickly introduced to Suffolk University's Head Coach. "Suffolk was the right fit for me, perfect location, and I have family right by campus so it was perfect," according to Metka. After meeting the team and touring campus, Metka officially committed and looks forward to joining the team and studying Psychology beginning in the Fall of 2024.

    Off the pitch, Metka enjoys drawing, frequently sketching animals, landscapes and portraits. She actively volunteers at art festivals and joined an environmental community service club called The Turtle Team which focuses on beach cleanups and the safety of sea turtles. Metka also enjoys watching "mind-bending movies", including her favorite, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Her favorite food is sushi, favorite artist is Frank Ocean, and she is proud to share her fun fact that she has a little sister 15 years younger.
     
    Be sure to come out and support Mackenzie and the rest of the Varsity Girls Soccer team as they begin the FHSAA Playoffs with the District Tournament the week of January 22nd.
     
    Go Falcons!
     
View All News

Recent Games

Friday, 3/15/2024

Lacrosse - Girls, Varsity
Versus
6:00 PM
Away
Key West High School
Win 6-5


Friday, 3/15/2024

Lacrosse - Boys, JV
Versus
4:00 PM
Away
North Broward Prep
Loss 1-2


Friday, 3/15/2024

Baseball - Boys, Varsity
Versus
3:30 PM
Away
Killian High School
Win 13-12


Thursday, 3/14/2024

Softball - Girls, Varsity
Versus
4:00 PM
Home
Pine Crest School
Win 5-4


Thursday, 3/14/2024

Baseball - Boys, MS
Versus
3:30 PM
Away
Riviera Prep
Win 15-9


Wednesday, 3/13/2024

Lacrosse - Boys, JV
Versus
5:00 PM
Home
Gulliver Prep
Loss 1-6


Wednesday, 3/13/2024

Lacrosse - Boys, MS
Versus
4:00 PM
Home
Florida Christian
Loss 4-7


Wednesday, 3/13/2024

Baseball - Boys, Varsity
Versus
4:00 PM
Home
SLAM Charter School
Win 9-3


Main Entrance: 8001 SW 184th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Mailing Address: 7900 SW 176th Street, Miami, FL 33157
Main:     305.251.2230
Admission:     305.969.4208