Mikayla Shavers Soars to National Spotlight with Record Triple Jump

Mikayla Shavers, a senior at **Fleming Island High School**, secured her place among the elite in American high school athletics by achieving the third-longest girls triple jump in the United States for 2026. On **March 6, 2026**, during the **Bolles Bulldog Classic**, Shavers soared to a remarkable **41 feet, 3 inches**, setting both a personal best and a new school record.

Her impressive performance not only places her at the top in **Florida** but also establishes her as a strong contender on the national stage. This achievement comes a year after she was recognized as the **All-First Coast girls track and field athlete of the year** in 2025, highlighting her consistent excellence in the sport.

Shavers’ feat is particularly significant as her mark exceeds that of any other competitor in the state by over a foot. This accomplishment underscores her hard work and dedication, propelling her into the spotlight as one of the standout athletes in Florida.

Local Achievements in Track and Field

The excitement surrounding Shavers is mirrored by other local athletes making headlines in **Florida’s** competitive sports landscape. In **Providence**, **Kennedy Loux** became the third player this year to reach **1,000 career points** in girls basketball. The Florida State University signee achieved this milestone on **February 28** at **San Jose Prep**. Loux joins **Julianna Baskin** and **Kasey Davey**, who also reached the 1,000-point mark this season.

Notably, all five players, including past graduates **Janie Boyd** and **Janai Jordan**, were part of the same **Providence** varsity squad during their freshman year, raising questions about the rarity of such a feat in Northeast Florida or across the state.

As the sports season progresses, the local lacrosse scene is heating up. The **Bolles boys lacrosse team** is currently undefeated at **12-0** and ranks third in the **Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA)** standings. They recently secured victories against teams like **Matanzas**, **Tallahassee Chiles**, and **Pensacola Catholic**. Meanwhile, **Ponte Vedra** leads the statewide rankings, despite a recent loss to **Jupiter**.

On the girls’ side, the **Episcopal School** is also making waves with an undefeated record of **6-0**. Their recent win against **Ponte Vedra** showcased dominant performances from players like **Payten Cree**, who scored four goals, and **Brooke McCoy**, who contributed three.

Record-Setting Performances and Commitments

In addition to these achievements, several local athletes have made commitments to continue their sports careers at the collegiate level. **Rohan Thompson**, a defensive lineman from **Creekside**, has committed to play football at **Hampden Sydney College**. **Harrison Kozlowski**, a runner from **Providence**, will join the men’s track team at **Belmont University**.

The **Beachside** baseball team celebrated the commitment of outfielder **Derek Ochoa** to **Florida State College at Jacksonville**. Additionally, **Kaden Townsend** from **Bolles** committed to pursue men’s swimming at **Rollins College**, while **Jackson Smith** from **University Christian** will be playing midfield for **Trinity College of Jacksonville**.

In softball, **Ashlyn Madine** from **Fleming Island** delivered an outstanding performance against **Flagler Palm Coast**, hitting two home runs and driving in seven runs. Meanwhile, a group of athletes from **Middleburg** broke a school record that had stood since **1992**, running a time of **10:23.81**.

The track and field scene continues to thrive with **Fleming Island** setting three school records in events including the girls pole vault, 400 hurdles, and 400 meters, showcasing the depth of talent in the area.

As the sports season progresses, all eyes will be on these athletes as they strive for further achievements and recognition. The **Florida Athletic Coaches Association** will host its **All-Star Classics** for boys and girls soccer from **March 13-15** at **Mulberry High School**, adding to the excitement of local sports.

With impressive performances and milestones being reached, the local sports community is buzzing with anticipation for what the rest of the season will bring.