Sports

St. Cloud High players like Connor Howse work hard on the field, and at the water station Monday to stay physically cooled and safe during practices in the heat. PHOTO/DAN PEARSON

St. Cloud High players like Connor Howse work hard on the field, and at the water station Monday to stay physically cooled and safe during practices in the heat. PHOTO/DAN PEARSON

Heat and humidity take toll on practice preps

J. Daniel Pearson
Thursday, August 17, 2023
It’s been hot this summer. Like, it’s been really hot this summer.
Former United State Marine Corps veteran and Central Florida native Chad Springer is the new Athletic Director at Liberty High School. PHOTO/LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

Former United State Marine Corps veteran and Central Florida native Chad Springer is the new Athletic Director at Liberty High School. PHOTO/LIBERTY HIGH SCHOOL

Chad Springer is new Liberty High AD

J. Daniel Pearson
Friday, August 11, 2023
An educator, coach, military veteran and Central Florida native is the new leader of Liberty High School athletics, as Chad Springer was named to the post this past week. “Chad Springer is a tremendous leader, as well as a hard-working and caring person.
The Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate, will hold a series of open tryouts in September.

The Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate, will hold a series of open tryouts in September.

Got hoop dreams? Try out for the Osceola Magic!

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Think you have what it takes to play professional basketball at the highest level?Well here’s your chance to showcase it. The Osceola Magic, the Orlando Magic’s G-League affiliate, will hold a series of open tryouts in September.
Experience Kissimmee has reached a deal with Rangers Football Club of Scotland to be the Official Travel Destination of the club. PHOTO/RANGERS FC

Experience Kissimmee has reached a deal with Rangers Football Club of Scotland to be the Official Travel Destination of the club. PHOTO/RANGERS FC

Tourist marketers Experience Kissimmee named official travel destination for Scottish football

Ken Jackson
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Much like an agreement it had with an English Premier League soccer team, Osceola County tourism marketing arm Experience Kissimmee has reached a partnership with a professional Scottish football club known widely around, and outside, the United Kingdom nation.
Kissimmee Charlee Soto, who has been featured among the top travel baseball prospects in the country, became Osceola County’s third MLB first-round draft pick and the first since 2000. PHOTO/PERFECT GAME

Kissimmee Charlee Soto, who has been featured among the top travel baseball prospects in the country, became Osceola County’s third MLB first-round draft pick and the first since 2000. PHOTO/PERFECT GAME

Twins pick Kissimmee’s Charlee Soto 34th overall in MLB Draft

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
When it came to high school baseball in Osceola County in 2023, Charlee Soto really did not really get a lot of local attention. He pitched for tiny Reborn Christian Academy in Kissimmee, which played an abbreviated spring schedule.
The Harmony Horns U14 volleyball team took third place in July’s 50th AAU Boys National Volleyball Championships in Orlando out of 58 club teams. PHOTOS/KATIE WILLIAMS

The Harmony Horns U14 volleyball team took third place in July’s 50th AAU Boys National Volleyball Championships in Orlando out of 58 club teams. PHOTOS/KATIE WILLIAMS

Harmony volleyball club — from scratch to National semifinals

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
As the spring 2022 season was wrapping up, Harmony Middle School volleyball coach Randy Schafer was approached by the some of parents of his team, asking him to consider forming an AAU team to give players an opportunity to continue playing and developing through the summer and fall.
Harmony pitcher Caden Scarborough has signed with the Texas Rangers; the 6th round pick reportedly received a $515,000 signing bonus. FILE PHOTO

Harmony pitcher Caden Scarborough has signed with the Texas Rangers; the 6th round pick reportedly received a $515,000 signing bonus. FILE PHOTO

Caden Scarborough officially signs with Texas Rangers

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Caden Scarborough, just months after throwing his final pitch as a Harmony Longhorn, is officially a Texas Ranger. Scarborough, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 Major League Baseball draft earlier this month, agreed to terms late last week with the Rangers.
Year In Review for Osceola high-school sports, 2022-23

Year In Review for Osceola high-school sports, 2022-23

Outstanding team, individual efforts marked 2022-23 season

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
With fall football camps opening in less than a week, the 2023-24 school year is rapidly approaching. With that in mind, it is only fitting to take a look back at the recently completed school year and to remember the outstanding individual and team performances from Osceola County schools.
Storm standouts Juan Jimenez and Valeria Lopez are the 2023 Osceola News Gazette’s Tennis Players of the Year. PHOTOS/CELEBRATION H.S.

Storm standouts Juan Jimenez and Valeria Lopez are the 2023 Osceola News Gazette’s Tennis Players of the Year. PHOTOS/CELEBRATION H.S.

ALL-COUNTY TENNIS — Storm dominated the county

J. Daniel Pearson
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
When it comes to the sport of tennis in Osceola County, Celebration High School stands apart from the rest of the county. The Storm dominated the Osceola News Gazette’s All-County Team with nine total selections.
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