Athletics News

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Ethan O'Connor

1/24/2025

Since he was little, Ethan O’Connor has always been a huge fan of the NBA so it felt natural to follow his father’s footsteps and begin playing basketball at the age of four. At Palmer Trinity, O’Connor has worked his way up the ladder, working through the MS program and JV team before earning a spot on the Varsity squad his sophomore year. As a junior, O’Connor broke through, winning the job as the Falcons’ starting point guard.

Unfortunately, a torn ACL in June following his junior year altered what was supposed to be a promising senior season with a senior-led team. Despite the setback, O’Connor has remained positive and active within the team. O’Connor attends every practice, film session, game, and traveled with the team on its recent trip to the UK over the holidays. “This season, not being able to play has been difficult, but I try and show my support for the team by going to practices and every game while trying to help younger players on the team find a role,” says O’Connor. Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach Manny Bloom is proud of O’Connor’s effort to become a role model and leader. Bloom notes, “he hasn’t missed a single game or practice and has been a great teammate while offering great insight all season.”

O’Connor has progressed well in his rehab and remains well ahead of schedule in hopes of returning to the team before the end of the season and is excited about what lies ahead, both this season and beyond. “Through my time here, the basketball program has been on an upward trajectory,” O’Connor states, “the future for Palmer Trinity basketball is bright with the young players in the program and Coach Bloom.” In reflecting in his time in the program, O’Connor proudly claims the 30-point win over Ransom Everglades in 2024 as his favorite moment.

Off the court, O’Connor remains active on Palmer Trinity’s campus as a member of multiple sports and enjoys playing baseball, golf and lacrosse. O’Connor is also involved in many clubs on campus, such as Model UN and Afrikids. O’Connor, who says his fun fact is that his mom ran him over at the zoo, says his favorite movie is Skyfall, favorite artist is Frank Ocean (despite never having been to a concert in his life), and lists Florida State as his favorite college. In the fall, O’Connor plans to study Marketing.

Be sure to come out and support Ethan and the rest of the Varsity Boys Basketball team as they host Ransom Everglades on Friday, January 31st at 7:30pm for Senior Night!

Go Falcons!

Remi Bacardi '25 Named Miami Herald Golfer of the Year

1/22/2025

Congratulations to Remi Bacardi '25 on being named the Miami Herald Golfer of the Year for a remarkable fourth consecutive year! Bacardi capped an illustrious Palmer Trinity career by finishing second overall at the FHSAA State Championships in November. Bacardi's senior season included a District Championship, Regional Championship, and fourth consecutive Youth Fair Championship. Bacardi will continue her golf career at the University of Virginia in the fall.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Mario Paredes

1/21/2025

From the moment he stepped onto Palmer Trinity’s soccer fields as a 6^th grader on the MSJV Boys Soccer team, Mario Paredes was determined to succeed and advance through the Falcons’ Boys Soccer program. Each year, Paredes took a significant step. In 7^th grade, he made the MSV Boys Soccer team before being named captain as an 8^th grader. As a freshman, Paredes was named captain of the JV Soccer team and was moved up to Varsity by the end of the year. Sophomore year marked Paredes’s first year as a full-time Varsity player, followed by his first game as a captain as a junior. Now a senior, Paredes is the full-time captain and leader for the Varsity Boys Soccer team.

Paredes believes his field and leadership experience led him to learn and grow quickly. Paredes, who started playing soccer at the age of three after being encouraged by his father, has played every position on the field. After starting as a striker, Paredes moved to goalie before settling in as a midfielder and center back on the Varsity team. As a leader, Paredes said his growth comes from the leaders before him. “I tried to copy them on and off the field because they set the standards,” Paredes recalls of his previous captains. Varsity Head Coach Tunde Adeyemi has always been impressed by the leadership qualities Paredes shows. “Mario is the true reflection of what it means to be committed, hardworking, and responsible,” Adeyemi describes of his captain.

Reflecting upon his time at Palmer Trinity, Paredes’s favorite memory is defeating Westminster Christian in the Regional Semifinals in 2023. “The passion during that game from our classmates and families along with the team’s determination is unmatched,” says Paredes of the 3-1 upset win in front of a packed crowd.

Paredes is excited for the future of the program under the stewardship of Adeyemi. Paredes believes that by instilling values in the team such as discipline and loyalty, checking in on student-athletes academically, and teaching his vast knowledge of the game, Adeyemi is creating more than just soccer players. “He changed the attitude of the players and has created this huge sense of passion in the locker room. He pushes us to our maximum limits and strives to create the best version of ourselves on and off the field.”

Off the field, Paredes loves to bike and play padel. He is also known as a diehard Manchester United fan and enjoys waking up early on the weekends to watch Premier League games with his father. Paredes helps to run the Plates4Purpose community service club that helps provide meals to immigrants who have just come to the United States. Paredes claims Mexican cuisine, such as enchiladas and chilaquiles, as his favorite food and Casino Royale as his favorite movie. In the fall, Paredes will attend Boston University where he plans to study International Relations.

Be sure to come out and support Mario and the rest of the Varsity Boys Soccer team beginning with the District Tournament on Thursday, January 23^rd.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Lucia Infante

1/13/2025

Lucia Infante has been playing soccer since the age of six, ever since she saw people playing the sport at a local park and thought about how fun it looked. After years of playing, Infante made the Varsity Girls Soccer team at Palmer Trinity as an eighth grader. “When I first joined the team, I was shy and scared because I was so young,” Infante reflects on her time as a middle schooler amongst older girls. However, Infante quickly realized how much the team meant to her and her ability to lead came naturally. Now captain of the team, Infante notes “as I grew older, I learned that hard work, communication, and leadership are the most important aspects of a team.”

Infante is quick to acknowledge Head Coach Ifeoma Dieke as being instrumental in her growth as a player and as a leader due to her extensive knowledge and experience in the world of soccer. Infante is also appreciative of Dieke, not just as a soccer coach, but a life coach. Through their time together as Falcons, Infante finds the team’s win over Westminster Christian during her freshman year as the most memorable. Dieke feels that Infante is a perfect example and reflection of Palmer Trinity’s values. “Lucia is a hardworking team player, a true leader, and a warrior,” Dieke describes of Infante.

Infante also serves as President of the Falcon Fury, Palmer Trinity’s student-led spirit club. Infante believes her ability and desire to always bring people together and her love for the athletic community at PTS led her to her involvement in Falcon Fury. “It is so important to me because I get to bring the whole school together during Homecoming week, talk to so many people, and improve the spirit of the school.”

Away from Palmer Trinity, Infante loves to watch TV and movies, go to the beach, and spend as much time in the sun as possible. She also enjoys volunteering through the Special Olympics and coaching youth soccer. Infante lists steak teriyaki as her favorite food, Shawshank Redemption as her favorite movie, Electric Light Orchestra as her favorite band, FSU as her favorite college, and marketing or business as her intended major in school. She also notes how much she loves cheetahs.

Be sure to come out and support Lucia and the rest of the Varsity Girls Soccer team as they gear up for the FHSAA playoffs beginning at the end of the month.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Remi Bacardi

11/8/2024

After trying soccer and tennis at a young age, Remi Bacardi realized she still hadn’t found the sport that was right for her. At the age of five, during a family lunch at the Riviera Country Club, Bacardi walked past the golf bays and said that she “wanted to try whatever that sport was. That day my dad signed me up for the clinic they give to kids and it stuck. I started to take individual lessons and register for tournaments, and the rest is history.”

Bacardi’s golf career has taken her around the world, playing courses in Ireland, Wales, Spain, Australia, and all over the UK. Her favorite, however, are the courses in Maui due to both the conditions and the amazing views. Bacardi has reset the record books at Palmer Trinity. As a six-year Varsity player, Bacardi has been named to five consecutive All-Dade First Teams, set the record for lowest PTS 9 hole (31) and 18 hole (66) scores, won four consecutive Youth Fairs, led the Falcons to three District Championships, and been named the Miami Herald Golfer of the Year in 2021 and 2023, among other accolades. In recent weeks, she won both the District and Regional Championships. Her efforts have resulted in her commitment to continue her golf career at the University of Virginia.

To compete at the level Bacardi has been able to, takes a tremendous amount of time and hard work. Bacardi mentions that she normally practices 5-6 days per week plus plays at minimum 18 holes per week. Her training regimen consists of a lot of chipping and putting drills before heading to the range to hit with her wedge, hybrid, woods, and driver. Bacardi also credits Palmer Trinity, her teachers, and her coaches for always supporting her. “I feel extremely grateful and Palmer has been exceptionally generous.” Bacardi also credits Head Coach Traci Holstein for not only being an excellent coach, but being the spirit of the team. Coach Holstein calls Bacardi the most stoic, consistent, and dedicated student-athlete she has seen. “She leads by example and her teammates enjoy her company, her wit, and her mentorship,” notes Holstein.

Among the lifelong friends and memories, Bacardi’s favorite memory as a Falcon is the bus ride up to states with her teammates. Thinking back to all of her time spent around golf, going to the US Kids Championship at Pinehurst with her dad every year is one of her favorite memories as well as competing in her first professional tournament.

Off the course, Bacardi likes to be outside and travel, swim, hike, go sightseeing, and exercise. She is currently the Co-President of the Twenty Little Working Girls Club, a community service initiative that is very close to her heart as her sisters, mother, and grandmother were all a member of the club. Bacardi doesn’t have a favorite food, but lists American, Mediterranean, and French as her favorite cuisines – as long as no fruit is used as she will not eat any fruit. Her favorite movie is Southpaw and favorite artist is The Weekend. Bacardi looks forward to following her dad’s path and studying Business once she gets on campus at UVA.

Be sure to wish Remi luck as she heads to the State Championships at Mission Inn next week.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Emil Infante

10/25/2024

When Emil Infante’s dad encouraged him to play football when he got to Palmer Trinity in the 6th grade, he didn’t hesitate. “My father always encourages me to take advantage of any opportunity that I come across because you never know what could happen,” Infante recalls. Six seasons and a position change later, Infante has become a huge part of a Palmer Trinity Football team that just won its first District Championship since 1980. Head Varsity Football Coach Mark Reese describes Infante as “a great young man who is a tremendous teammate and leader.”

While Infante initially began as a quarterback and played the position throughout his time in Middle School, he switched over to tight end when he joined the Varsity team. Instead of focusing on arm strength, Infante has committed himself to the weight room and the physical change that he needed to go through in order to block defensive linemen while also maintaining his speed and agility when catching passes. Despite missing two games due to injury, Infante is third on the team in both receptions and yards while tied for second in touchdown receptions. Infante also believes his time as a quarterback has helped him as a receiver. “I have a better understanding of why I am running certain routes and what I need to do as a tight end to make my quarterback’s job easier.”

Infante’s experience as a quarterback has been helpful as he has seen action on the Varsity squad as a quarterback when the starter has gone down with injury. In fact, he can’t pick his favorite memory as a Falcon, naming a tie between his first touchdown reception and his first
touchdown pass which went for 70 yards. When reflecting over his time at Palmer Trinity, he
encourages younger student-athletes to give football a try and to take advantage of the time you have because it goes by very fast. “I would tell them to train consistently as early as possible,” Infante adds.

Off the field, Infante volunteers heavily within the sports realm. He has volunteered at Palmer Trinity’s Summer Basketball camp, served as a course director at the annual St. Thomas 5k, and coached younger athletes with special needs. His favorite food is French Dip from Hillstone, favorite movie is Shutter Island, and favorite artist is Disclosure. He looks forward to studying Business in college and names Florida State as his favorite school that he is applying to.

Be sure to come out and support Emil and the rest of the Varsity Football team as they have officially clinched their spot in the Regional Quarterfinals on Friday, November 15th. Senior Day will be held on Friday, November 1st at 4:00pm prior to kickoff against Florida Christian.

Go Falcons!

Varsity Girls Golf Rolling Towards District Tournament

9/26/2024

The Varsity Girls Golf team is on a roll in recent weeks. Dani Hernandez '28 won the Palm League Championship, with her score of 68 being the lowest amongst all boys and girls players. Remi Bacardi '25 placed second with a score of 69 en route to a 4th place team finish. Later that week, Hernandez had her first ever hole-in-one. To round out the month, Bacardi won her fourth-consecutive Miami-Dade Youth Fair Championship with a score of 67. To read more about Bacardi's four-peat, please see the link below.

The Varsity Girls Golf team continues their preparation for the State Series, beginning with the District Tournament on October 30th.

Remi Bacardi Youth Fair

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Natalia Reyes

9/13/2024

Natalia Reyes first joined the Varsity Track & Field team during her sophomore year as a way to stay in shape for the following soccer season. However, Reyes quickly realized that she actually had found a love for running, even more so than playing soccer. Reyes jumped at the chance to also join the Varsity Cross Country team the following fall and has become a leader on each team ever since. Varsity Cross Country and Track & Field Head Coach Tammy King believes Reyes has fit seamlessly into these teams due to how she carries herself and comes prepared. “Fun, high-spirited, and a hard-working individual,” Coach King describes of Reyes.

Reyes is committed to a strict training regimen both in and out of season as she works on continually improving. During the season, a week consists of five practices of varying distanced runs, and outside of the season she goes on long runs despite her involvement in other sports, and trains with coaches on campus, at Tropical Park or on Key Biscayne. “With the campus, equipment, and coaches, Palmer Trinity has helped me accomplish everything I have wanted and more athletically,” Reyes reflects on the past two years. She also believes that Coach King’s belief in her and ability to push her has led her to become the best version of herself. “While I am only one of many athletes that she trains, she gives me 100% every practice which has had a great impact.”

Reyes is quick to remember the 2024 Varsity Girls Track & Field team as she thinks about her favorite memories as a Falcon, insisting that finishing as the FHSAA State Runner-Up is a moment she will never forget. However, she believes that ultimately her favorite memories are just being around her teammates. “The girls and guys I run with became my family,” Reyes states.

Off the track, Reyes is active in the community through volunteer work. She works with the Special Olympics and raises money to build schools and buy school supplies for those in Haiti. She considers her favorite food to be sushi, favorite movie is Hunger Games, and favorite artist is Mora. This fall, she is excited to submit college applications to study Sports Nutrition. Reyes currently lists Clemson and FSU as her favorite schools.

Be sure to come out and support Natalia and the rest of the Varsity Cross Country team as they look to defend their 2023 District Championship. The Falcons will host the Palmer Trinity Invitational on September 28^th and the District Championship on October 29^th.

Go Falcons!