You would think that after putting together a list of Alachua County’s top 10 athletes of all time that it would be easier for a top 10 athletes of 2025-26.
It’s tough to make the list because someone always gets left out.
However, I think you could make a good case for any of the athletes on my list, and it’s safe to say they are “among the best” of what Alachua County has to offer from the fall to the spring.
And once again, a tip of the cap to the coaches who have poured into these athletes to help them reach greatness.
Let the debate begin.
Justin Williams (RB/WR), Buchholz football
As a junior, Williams became the first player in the state of Florida to record over 1,000 yards in both rushing and receiving since Devin Hester in 2002. He helped lead the Bobcats to the Class 6A state semifinals and finished runner-up for the Florida Dairy Farmers Class 6A Player of the Year, putting him in the conversation for this year’s Mr. Football.
Williams, who committed to the Gators this past June, was also recognized as the Gainesville Quarterback Club’s Offensive Player of the Year after finishing with 1,473 yards receiving on 85 catches with 13 touchdowns and 1,023 yards and 16 TDs on the ground.
Rowan Kage (RS/OPP), Gainesville volleyball
Like Williams, Kage was a First team All Area selection as a junior after posting a team-high 179 kills. She added 150 digs, 165 assists, 37 blocks and 33 aces.
“She was a presence in the front row and in the back row,” said GHS volleyball coach Jerica Carter-Mitchell. “She also dabbled at setting as part of our 6-2 for the majority of the season. With every adjustment that we made this season, Rowan handled it with poise and executed our strategies without hesitation…I am looking forward to coaching Rowan in her senior season next year and she will play an even bigger role.”
Eric Gong, Eastside swimming
Not only does Gong do well individually, but he also helps his team win. As a sophomore, Gong was also a part of the 200-yard medley relay state championship team, which set a school record.
This past year as a junior, he helped the Rams win their 10th straight district title and a fourth-place finish as a team at the state meet.
Gong won a pair of individual FHSAA 2A-District 3 titles. The rising senior won the 100 butterfly (51.87 seconds) and the 200 freestyle (1 minute, 48.26 seconds), followed by a third-place finish at the state meet in the 200 freestyle (1 minute, 41.64 seconds), and sixth in the 100 butterfly (50.76). He was also a part of the 400 relay (3:13.16) and the 200 medley relay teams that finished fourth at state.
Demetrie Meyers, Buchholz cross country/track & field
This past season as a junior, Meyers finished fourth individually at the FHSAA Class 4A state cross country meet (15:40.0) to help lead the Bobcats to their first team cross country state title in 30 years. At the track and field finals, he finished fourth in the 3200 (9:25.39) and 12th in the 1600 (4:24.75).
“Demetrie Meyers is new to Florida but certainly not new to track and field,” said Buchholz track and field distance coach Gregory Meyers. “He was a key member of Buchholz’s All-American 4xMile team at the Nike Nationals and has consistently ranked among the top three distance runners on our squad. Most recently, he ran an impressive 9:09 in the 3200 meters at the Garmin Running Lane Championships in Alabama…he is poised for an outstanding 2026 season.”
Mayer Steen, Santa Fe (Alachua) boys soccer
Steen made the All Area big school boys soccer team as a sophomore. In 20 games, the Raiders’ goalkeeper finished with seven shutouts, 128 saves and a 1.810 goal against average (GAA) as the Raiders won the Class 3A-District 4 title and advanced to the second round of the 3A state playoffs.
“Nine out of 10 cardiologists recommend Mayer Steen to head coaches,” said Santa Fe boys soccer coach Morgan Dall’Acqua. “He makes really difficult saves look easy and he has the total confidence from his coaches and team.”
De’Andre Harvey, The Rock boys basketball
Harvey is arguably the best hoops player in the area. He was a part of a pair of state championships at Williston High School and was an easy All Area selection this past year. Harvey, who transferred to The Rock for his senior season, led the Red Devils (16-12) to a regional final appearance in 2024-25 by averaging 22.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.0 steals per game. He was named the Florida Dairy Farmers Rural Player of the Year as a junior.
“De’Andre Harvey has come through our program and has turned into one of the best players in the state at all levels,” Williston coach Jim Ervin said. “On and off the court, De’Andre’s an exceptional young man.”
Estella Collante, Oak Hall girls track and field
As a junior, Collante earned a spot on the All Area team after placing second in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:14.91 and missed finishing first by 0.44 seconds. Her best mark of the season in the 800 came at the Region 2-1A meet a week earlier, where she had a time of 2:14.00 to finish first.
Collante, who competed in four events, also helped the Oak Hall 800 relay team finish seventh at the state meet, led the 400 relay team to a 10th-place finish, and she finished 18th in the 1600 with a time of 5:42:07.
“Estella Collante is the kind of athlete who leads with heart, grit and quiet determination, always rising to the moment,” said Oak Hall track and field coach Edwin McTureous.
Samuel Freas, Buchholz cross country/track & field
The junior finished 39th (16:17.8) at the state cross country meet, third among Buchholz runners, and he was third in the 3200 (9:25.18) at the state track meet.
“Sam is a resilient athlete who continues to push his limits,” Meyers said. “Despite setbacks, he concluded the season with outstanding performances that propelled him onto the state stage. Sam is already an All-State performer and a state champion in cross country, and he has now reached the All-State level in track for the 3200 meters. With his determination and work ethic, we anticipate even greater achievements from him in 2026.”
Meyers and Freas were also members of this year’s 2025 Bosshardt Realty All Area big school boys track and field team (3A-4A).
Aidan Kastensmidt, Buchholz baseball
The All Area selection finished with a team-high 12 wins and 2.53 ERA in 15 appearances and 63.2 innings on the mound as a junior. The Jacksonville University commit also batted .297 with 26 runs, 27 hits and 26 RBI as the Bobcats advanced to their second straight state championship game appearance.
“Most people know Aidan for what he’s done on the mound for the last three years at Buchholz, which continues to be stellar, but he is truly a Swiss Army knife type player,” said new Buchholz baseball coach Chris Malphurs. “He has such a high-level skillset, we could play him pretty much anywhere on any given night. He’s been on the mound for some of the biggest games in Buchholz’s history over the last three years, and I would say he’ll return for his senior year as the most seasoned veteran pitcher in Class 6A.”
Leanna Bourdage, Gainesville softball
Despite a shortened season due to injury, Bourdage made All Area after only walking four batters with 57 strikeouts in 24.2 innings of work. She only allowed five earned runs and finished with a 1.42 ERA. With two years of eligibility left in the circle, she is already among GHS softball greats Katie Chronister (University of Florida) and Alissa Humphrey (James Madison University).
“It was a tough season for Leanna this year due to injury, but she is a difference maker in the circle,” said GHS softball coach Chris Chronister. “Her injury also forced her to hit from the left side this year and she was still able to maintain a .400 batting average. She is a great competitor and has a warrior mentality.”