As high school winds down for many seniors, several Upper Keys student-athletes are ready to begin a new chapter in their athletic careers.
Coral Shores baseball standout Glade Harrelson recently announced his commitment to continue his baseball career at Northern Oklahoma College, adding to a family legacy rooted in Coral Shores history – generations of Hurricanes preceded him on both sides of his family.
A standout multisport athlete, Harrelson has distinguished himself not only on the baseball diamond, but also on the football field, earning All-County honors twice. Glade has also been a standout in the classroom; he has maintained a 3.73 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. His combination of athletic achievement, academic commitment and deep family ties to Coral Shores makes his next step a meaningful milestone for both his family and the Coral Shores community.
“Glade’s story is one of legacy, but more importantly, it’s one of personal achievement,” said Coral Shores athletic director Ed Holly. “When you combine his athletic success, his academic dedication and the pride he takes in representing Coral Shores, you see a young man who has honored his family’s past while building a future all his own.”
Noelle Engelmeyer, a four-year standout in the Coral Shores High School girls soccer program, has signed a national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.
Engelmeyer leaves Coral Shores as one of the program’s most consistent and dedicated competitors, known for her work ethic, leadership and impact on both ends of the field. A second-generation Coral Shores graduate, Noelle follows in the footsteps of her father, AJ Engelmeyer, widely regarded as one of the school’s all-time great athletes. Her mother, Evie Engelmeyer, who serves as the associate head coach for the Hurricane soccer program, was herself a star in high school soccer and went on to excel at Florida Tech University in Melbourne, Florida
“Noelle represents everything you hope for in a student-athlete,” said Holly. “She has honored a tremendous family legacy through her dedication, work ethic and high-level play. Briar Cliff University is getting a competitor and a leader, and we couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Key West’s Gionni Fernandez has earned the opportunity to continue his football career at the next level, signing with Webber University to play as a lineman, a testament to his resilience and well-rounded contributions throughout his time at Key West High School.
Fernandez has competed in football, baseball, basketball and wrestling during his high school career, demonstrating both versatility and commitment across seasons. His senior year on the football field presented a significant challenge, as he suffered a knee injury in the opening game of the season that sidelined him for the majority of the year. Despite the setback, Fernandez remained engaged with the program and worked his way back to the field in time for the postseason.
Upon his return, he stepped into a starting role along the offensive line, anchoring the unit in both of Key West’s playoff games. His ability to overcome injury and contribute in high-pressure situations underscores the determination and work ethic that have defined his athletic career.
“Gionni’s athletic talents are obvious, but the rare combination of his tremendous work ethic, impeccable character, charismatic personality and the pure passion he demonstrates in everything he does makes him the ideal representative of his sport, school and community,” said Key West head football coach Johnny Hughes.
