Athletics

Seven Commit on Early Signing Day

On November 10, seven Spartan athletes took advantage of Early Signing Day to make a commitment to continue their academic and athletic careers at the next level. By signing a National Letter of Intent, they commit to play a sport at a particular college or university. These signees included: „

Brad Hodges (baseball) – University of Virginia „

Finn Howell (baseball) – University of North Florida

Jude Howell (baseball) – Rollins College „

Jordan Taylor (baseball) – Florida State University „

Julia Boaventura (soccer) – University of Southern Mississippi „

Isabella Pontieri (soccer) – Virginia Tech „

Matthew Stratton (cross country) – University of Florida

“We are so proud of each of these athletes and the tremendous achievements we recognize with this signing ceremony,” said Director of Athletics Traci Peacock Livingston ’90. “They have each worked so hard, and they and their families have made many sacrifices to get to this point. We look forward to watching them continue to grow and improve over the years to come.”

Brad Hodges '22 and family

Cheerleading

Photo: Semaj Williams ’23

Under the new direction of Coach Kim Kurnitsky, the varsity squad cheered with great organization and excitement throughout the fall season. Excitement and pep were definitely in the air, and the School was thrilled to have such a large number of students out cheering on the Spartans. Middle School cheer also had an awesome season with Coach Kurnitsky. The squad cheered at numerous Middle School volleyball games throughout the fall.

Football

Under the direction of Head Coach Rocky Bantag, the Spartans continued membership in an 8-man league under the Sunshine State Athletic Conference. The Spartans gave their all in every contest and showed great character, including at the final home game on October 22, where St. Johns recognized the senior football players and cheerleaders.

In December, three Spartans were named to the SSAC 1A-2A 8 man All Conference team: Caleb Cameron ’25 (DE), Josiah Jones ’22 (LB), and Thomas Pounds ’23 (OL). Congratulations, Spartans!

Golf

Addy Vogt '25

The boys’ golf team had an outstanding year, and Head Coach Bryan Kipnis had them playing golf year-round. The boys played a very competitive schedule and had numerous players earn medalist at matches. “There is some very young talent on the boys’ side,” said Coach Kipnis, “and the future is looking bright.”

Under the direction of Coach Marion Detlefsen, Girls Golf also had a great season. Freshman Addy Vogt had an outstanding year, leading the team with numerous medalist honors throughout the season. After an extremely competitive District Tournament Championship, Addy advanced to the Regional Tournament Championship where she recorded her career best for 18 holes, becoming the overall runner-up for the tournament. Addy’s performance allowed her to qualify for the 2021 State Championship.

Cross Country

In his 3rd year with Spartan Cross Country, Coach Greg Stratton continues to bring out the best in his runners. On October 28, the girls team placed 3rd and the boys team placed 2nd in the district. Matthew Stratton ’22 was the overall district champion and homeschooled runner Graham Myers was 2nd. Other meet medalists were Richard Nichols ’24, Walker Cowherd ’22, and Rebecca Stratton ’25. At Regionals, the Spartans took 3rd place and went on to compete in the State Championships, where Senior Matthew Stratton was crowned Class 1A State Champion. “The whole team has really given it their all this year,” said Coach Greg Stratton.

Stratton Receives Rotary Honors

In December, Senior Cross Country runner Matthew Stratton was honored by Orange Park Rotary Club as its Athlete of the Quarter, based on his performance both as an athlete and as a student. Congratulations, Matthew!

Girls’ Basketball’s Coach Yo Awarded

Coach Yolanda Bronston

A huge congratulations and shout out to Spartans Girls Basketball Coach Yolanda Bronston, Coach Yo, on her Breaking Through Award from WeCOACH, an organization dedicated to the recruitment, advancement, and retention of women coaches of all sports and levels. This award is presented to a female coach who has shown exemplary courage, resilience, and leadership in navigating the coaching profession at the high school level.

Coach Yo has more than 25 years of coaching experience at various levels, from youth to Division 1 basketball, and in her four years at the helm of Spartan Girls Varsity Basketball, the team has reached the state playoffs each year with a roster that included several Middle School players. In the 2020-2021 season, Coach Yo led the Spartans to their first District Championship in 29 years. “Coach Yo has brought the women’s basketball program back up to where it was in its prime,” said Director of Athletics Traci Peacock Livingston ’90. “We look forward to what she and the team will do this season!”

Volleyball

Under the direction of Coach Traci Peacock Livingston ’90 and assistant Coach Christie Jones Slaughter ’05, the Spartan Girls Varsity Volleyball team (19-5) had a great season. The team finished as the district runner-up, went on to win their first round of Regionals against John Paul II and traveled to Harvest for the Regional semifinal game on November 2. Numerous players were recognized as top stat leaders in North Florida.

The Junior Varsity team, led by Head Coach Jenna Williams ’10, continued to build a strong foundation of success with emphasis on skill development in a fast-paced environment. The JV team is made up of hard-working athletes who continue to develop their fundamentals in preparation for earning a spot on the varsity team. The JV team finished the season 15-4. Rounding out the School’s volleyball presence, the Spartan Middle School Volleyball team is led by new coach and Lower School teacher Sophia Hewitt. “These young players are beginning with the basics of volleyball,” said Hewitt. “They’re working on their skills and learning and loving the game of volleyball.”

Swimming

Head Coach JJ Albino continues to build St. Johns’ swim program by offering year-round team training. The Spartans had an amazing regular season in competitions and did well in Districts at Episcopal, advancing 12 athletes to the Regional meet at The Bolles School on October 26.