Athletics News

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Melani Fajardo

4/11/2025

Growing up, Melani Fajardo would often go watch and support her father in his slow-pitch softball league. After trying, but not loving other sports such as soccer, tennis, and even dance, Fajardo was still in search of a sport that she longed to play. While watching her father, she grew mesmerized by the sport of softball and begged her parents to sign her up for a recreational league.

Fajardo now plays softball competitively year-round. She is the starting catcher and a dynamic hitter on Palmer Trinity’s Varsity Softball team, while also competing in the summer, fall, and winter for the South Florida Contenders. “I train daily whether it’s hitting on my tee in my backyard, stretching and working on mobility, doing cardio or skill training”. Fajardo enjoys lifting weights, running, biking, and jump roping. Her efforts have paid off with Head Coach Jen Cerda describing Fajardo as a rock behind the plate. “Her work ethic is unmatched – she constantly pushes herself to be better, and in doing so, raises the bar for everyone around her,” Cerda describes, while also noting how valuable her friendships are with everyone on the team.

With many Middle School athletes on the Varsity Softball team, it could be a tough dynamic with the older upperclassmen. However, Fajardo loves supporting her younger teammates, noting that she has a maternal instinct as the oldest of three girls in her family. “I think to be on a team with not only girls of all ages, but also girls with different levels of experience, takes patience and the desire to have fun with it. My teammates are my family and will forever be a part of me. I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity to play with each and every single one of them,” Fajardo reflects on her teammates. She loves the opportunity to cheer for, support, and lift up the spirits of her teammates, especially her “littles” as she calls the middle schoolers. Fajardo is also thrilled to see more and more student-athletes interested in Softball and hopes the sport continues to grow.

Unsurprisingly, Fajardo’s favorite memories of PTS Athletics involve the friendships and bonds she has made with her teammates, specifically on bus rides and the recent overnight trip to Key West. Off the field, Fajardo enjoys reading, learning about the human body, traveling, watching sports, going to the beach or on walks, and spending time with her family. She also has been an active member of her church and works with Helping Hands to serve food to the homeless and is a volunteer lead for Girl Scout Troop 314. “I was a Girl Scout my whole life and am happy I have been able to stay connected to them by helping other little girls to explore the beauty of the natural world and learn helpful life skills,” Fajardo says of her experiences.

Fajardo’s favorite food is a tie between chicken and steak, favorite movie is 10 Things I Hate About You, and favorite artist is Feid. While she is unsure which school she will enroll at, Fajardo plans to study medicine, something she has been excited about since she was in kindergarten. Along with becoming a medical professional, Fajardo dreams of working with Mercy Ships, an international charitable organization that operates hospital ships to provide free medical care and improve healthcare systems in some of the world’s poorest regions. Fajardo hopes to take her skills and volunteer on board. Cerda is confident Fajardo will reach the vast goals she has set for herself. “Mela has left an undeniable mark on this program, and I know she’ll continue to achieve greatness in whatever she sets her mind to.”

Be sure to come out and support Melani and the rest of the Varsity Softball team as they host senior day on Tuesday, April 22nd at 3:45 PM, prior to their game against AIE Charter.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Rafael Morin

4/2/2025

Rafael Morin’s parents introduced him to the sport of tennis at a young age by bringing him each year to the US Open. After first trying the sport at the age of four, Morin’s interest grew as he was fortunate enough to watch legends such as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer live each year. Now as a senior, Morin is a four-year letterman on the Varsity Tennis team that has continued to grow under head coach Kevin Chow. Chow considers Morin as someone who exhibits true dedication and determination on and off the court and calls him a “responsible individual who approaches life with integrity and respect.”

In order to remain competitive at the varsity level, Morin participates in an intense training regimen that includes conditioning and skills clinics, private lessons, and team practice. However, Morin notes that it is competitive matches that helps him learn and grow the most. “While conditioning, athleticism, and overall skill are important for strong performance, match experience is the most crucial factor at the varsity level.”

In a sport that is largely seen as individual, Morin tries hard to bring the Varsity Tennis team together. “While tennis is an individual sport, there is a sense of camaraderie among the team since it takes an entire team to make it far in playoffs and at states – not just one individual,” Morin explains. Morin tries to utilize time before matches, on the buses, and when he is not actively on the court to catch up with teammates and younger athletes. This is where he feels the team bonds the most. With these interactions extremely important to him, it is not surprising that his favorite memories of his years in the tennis program involve surrounding himself with his teammates, and most notably, fellow senior Sebastian Jaar.

In addition to his time on the varsity team and training off campus, Morin volunteers at
Friends of Miami as a volunteer tennis coach and manager where he is able to teach and coach tennis to underserved communities and younger student-athletes. However, tennis is not the only sport that Morin is involved in. Originally from New Jersey and an avid New Jersey Devils fan, Morin plays club ice hockey and also co-founded a high school roller hockey league. When not involved in athletics, Morin also plays the piano.

Morin, who claims picanha as his favorite food, Good Will Hunting as his favorite movie, and Pink Floyd as his favorite artist, is excited to begin studying Aerospace Engineering this fall. He currently lists the University of Miami, McGill University, and Queens University as his favorite schools. Be sure to come out and support Rafael and the rest of the Varsity Tennis team on Senior Day on Monday, March 17th at 3:30pm when the Falcons take on Divine Savior.

Go Falcons!

Senior Athlete Spotlight: Isabella Egea Guimaraes

3/11/2025

While Isabella Egea Guimaraes played individual sports while growing up, she realized she was missing out on the team aspect. This is what first drove her to start playing lacrosse in the 8^th grade, playing on a high school team despite not having any prior experience. “I thought lacrosse was a sport that cultivated a great team atmosphere and I was envious of that,” Egea Guimaraes recalls. In the years since, she has become both an outspoken leader and captain of Palmer Trinity’s Varsity Girls Lacrosse team.

Egea Guimaraes is proud of the growth of the program since she first got to Palmer Trinity. She believes the biggest difference is the number of players entering the program at a younger age and consistently being involved in training or club teams in the offseason. With the Middle School Girls Lacrosse team entering its third season, the numbers of participants in Girls Lacrosse keeps growing, which sets the program up for long term sustainability and success. “Everyone feels motivated to earn their place, regardless of age,” Egea Guimaraes believes. She is impressed by the culture of the team from the Middle School to the Varsity to the coaching staff. With Varsity Head Coach Stefania Anastasiou in her first year, Egea Guimaraes is impressed by not only the support and experience she brings, but her different insights as a former goalie.

Prior to 2023, many Middle School student-athletes joined the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team, creating a challenge for Egea Guimaraes and the other captains to find a way to connect a group that had almost as many 12-year-olds as 18-year-olds. Egea Guimaraes made sure she always led by example and helped to grow not just the friendships on the team, but the confidence of all her teammates. “I made sure a hierarchy of age was not a main pillar of the team and that there was no separation between the middle schoolers and high schoolers. If you are working hard and being a good teammate, you will be respected.” Egea Guimaraes also loves the bus rides where she feels everyone on the team has come together and opened up to each other.

Egea Guimaraes is excited for the future of PTS Athletics where she feels the school is making a name for itself. “All of our Fall and Winter sports made it past Districts – it’s extremely impressive,” she states. You can often find her on the sidelines cheering on other sports at Palmer Trinity. In fact, Egea Guimaraes claims her favorite memories don’t even involve a game she was in, instead games that showcased the Palmer Trinity school spirit where she was surrounded by friends and classmates. She recalls Battle of the Oar, Varsity Boys Basketball Senior Night, and Varsity Girls Soccer Regional Finals as her favorites – at least for the time being. She believes ultimately her final lacrosse game against Gulliver, her former school, later this season will wind up being her favorite memory as her lacrosse career comes full circle with many familiar faces.

Egea Guimaraes is extremely active off the field, serving as a lacrosse coach with RAE Lacrosse at St. Thomas and throughout the summer at various clinics and camps. She is excited to continue building the sport in Miami while being a role model for younger girls. While she has many other activities such as a math tutor, part-time job, and community service organizations she belongs to, she finds coaching as her favorite and most impactful.

Affairs and Finance with hopes of becoming a lawyer. She lists her favorite food as a full Brazilian barbeque with steak, chicken, and salsichao with a bunch of side dishes, favorite TV show as Suits, and favorite artist as Bad Bunny.

Be sure to come out and support Bella and the rest of the Varsity Girls Lacrosse team this season!

Go Falcons!

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!