Collier County Schools is recognizing the skills of our Lady Gators. Each month they are selecting student-athletes that are nothing short of spectacular, exhibiting their skills on the soccer field, basketball court, wrestling mat, and in the weight room. Winter sports teams are experiencing a lot of success throughout the District and that success is due in large part to these team leaders. We are so proud of you!

January: Freshman standout Olivia Demere is a tenacious defender from her guard position on the Everglades City School girls varsity basketball team. She is currently the second highest scorer for the Lady Gators, averaging six points and four steals per game. Her coaches say Olivia is the tone-setter on defense, always looking for opportunities to make a key steal or cause a turnover!

December: Junior Gena Collins is a captain of the Everglades City School girls varsity basketball team. Despite not playing all the time, she is an important member of the team and a positive driving force. She is one of only two upperclassmen, and coaches say Gena is a mentor and true leader for her younger underclassmen teammates in practices and during games. She is a three-sport athlete, adding softball and volleyball to her athletic resume for the Lady Gators.

November: Josey Ryder is a sophomore at Everglades City School and is an outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team. She has steadily improved, becoming a much more efficient all-around player this year with an impressive 70% hitting rate, 75% serving rate, and 79% passing rate. According to Josey’s coaches, she has a true passion for the game, always plays to win, and is a steadfast competitor on the court-inspiring her teammates to do the same.

October: Nora Potter is a freshman and team captain on the Everglades City School (EVG) girls cross country team. She is an excellent runner, already earning a state championship appearance last year and holding the school record in the 3K. With three top-20 finishes so far this season, coaches praise Nora’s work ethic, saying she pushes herself to excel and helps her teammates develop their own skills. Nora is a member of student government and the EVG News Crew.

September: Junior Jayde Freeman, from Everglades City School, is a co-captain and outside hitter on the varsity volleyball team. She is having a fantastic season so far and is the team leader in three different categories: serving (97%), hitting (74%), and passing (73%). According to Jayde’s coaches, she is always working hard to improve her contribution to the team on and off the court, and is an instrumental leader for the Lady Gators.