Gainesville-area Athlete of the Week voting is open for the Oct. 12-19 performance window. The weekly poll returns as fall sports resume across the region.
Readers are again invited to help with nominations. Nominations are due Monday morning and can be submitted by coaches, athletic staff, friends, or family. According to the prep sports desk, the poll depends entirely on community submissions for the 2026-27 season.
Without nominations, weekly recognition cannot be conducted. Please send nominations to Gainesville Sun Preps Reporter Noah Ram at nram@gannett.com.
This week’s ballot highlights standout efforts from Oct. 12-19. Voting closes at noon Saturday. Voters may cast ballots multiple times and are encouraged to share the poll.
Last week’s winner was Ajha Graddy of Santa Fe volleyball, credited with 17 kills in a 3-1 victory over The Rock. Congratulations to all nominees.
Gainesville-area Athlete of the Week nominees
Amari Green, Columbia football
Completed 12 of 15 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in the Tigers’ district-clinching 42-22 win over Ed White.
Annabella Dicks, Branford volleyball
Totaled 25 kills and 17 digs in a 3-1 district title win over Union County.
Brandon Robinson, Fort White football
Three receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 34-32 loss to Baker County.
Brayden Hankins, Chiefland football
Rushed 12 times for 115 yards and a touchdown in a 20-6 win over Moore Haven.
Carson Long, St. Francis Catholic football
Seven carries for 186 yards and four touchdowns, plus seven tackles, in a 57-6 win over Calvary Chapel.
Charlotte Judge, Gainesville High volleyball
Distributed 35 assists in a 3-1 district tournament win over Clay.
Conzada Russ, Bronson volleyball
Recorded 18 kills and 12 digs in a 3-2 district tournament win over Fort White.
Darius Debose, Newberry football
Five tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss, and seven carries for 31 yards with a touchdown in a 13-7 win over Palatka.
Darius Medley, Oak Hall football
Carried 22 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns in a 21-14 win over St. Joseph’s Academy.
Deon Long, Williston football
Ten carries for 80 yards and a touchdown in a 56-21 win over Hamilton County.
Drew Simmons, Bradford football
Nine carries for 88 yards and a touchdown in a 27-24 win over University Christian.
Julia Almond, Buchholz volleyball
Provided 20 assists in a 3-0 district tournament win over Mainland.
Kinsley Harvey, Newberry volleyball
Tallied 26 assists in a district tournament win over Palatka.
Maverick Jones, Hawthorne football
Scored on a punt return and added a fumble recovery in a 38-3 win over Hardee.
Morgan Smith, Union County volleyball
Amassed 20 kills and 22 digs in a 3-1 district tournament win over Trenton.
Olivia Williams, St. Francis Catholic volleyball
Logged 30 assists in a 3-1 district title win over Countryside Christian.
RJ Leffler, Bell football
Nine carries for 162 yards and a rushing touchdown, plus 53 passing yards and a touchdown, in a 56-20 win over P.K. Yonge.
Taylor Sembower, Santa Fe volleyball
Finished with seven kills, 11 digs, and 12 assists in a 3-0 district title win over Newberry.
For coverage of Gainesville-area high school sports and continued updates to the Gainesville-area Athlete of the Week poll, readers can follow local prep sports channels and submit timely nominations to ensure area athletes are recognized.
Fans tracking standout football performances across levels can also read about how Bears, Browns surge in recent professional action.
For more on local athletics programs and academic offerings, visit the School Board of Alachua County website.
Additional regional sports information, including school directories and competition guidelines, is available through the Florida High School Athletic Association.