ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: KEY WEST WRESTLERS SHANNON AND AILEE BRIGGS

Ailee Briggs and Shannon Briggs at the FHSAA 1A state finals after both girls won second-place medals. CONTRIBUTED

Shannon and Ailee Briggs
Senior/Freshman
Key West Wrestling

“Ailee is determined to be great, and is extremely dedicated to her craft.  She is a talented wrestler, but it is her heart and work ethic that sets her apart. Shannon is a great leader and has become the glue that binds our program together.  She never quits and has a true heart of a champion.” – Chaz Jimenez, Key West wrestling coach

It isn’t too often that two athletes from the same team bring home runner-up medals from the state finals in an individual sport such as wrestling. But when those athletes have the last name Briggs, the odds become significantly greater. Teammates and sisters Shannon and Ailee Briggs did just that last week, taking their rightful place on their respective podiums and making Conch history with their FHSAA 1A second place medals, capping off a stellar inaugural season for Lady Conchs wrestling. 

“As a coach I couldn’t be any prouder of both of them,” coach Chaz Jimenez said of the sisters. 

For their dedication, leadership, and amazing accomplishments, Shannon and Ailee Briggs are this week’s Keys Weekly Athletes of the Week.

Tracy McDonald
Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.