By the numbers:

• 2023-24: District Champions | Private 8 Champions

• 2024-25: District Champions | Private 8 Champions

• Multiple top-finishers in individual and relay events helped push the team across the finish line.

• Each season, the team improved overall depth, performance, and relay strength.

• The program continues to grow in competitiveness, character, and teamwork.

These remarkable achievements reflect not only talent in the pool but dedication, grit, and a unity of purpose — both in practice and competition. We’re so proud of the Sentinels for representing our school with excellence.

Here’s to building on this momentum and reaching even greater heights!

These recognitions don’t just reflect a great season—they highlight a dynasty in the making.

🏅 Keaunna Green: Florida’s Best in Class 1A

Green, a dynamic playmaker and multi-sport athlete, led the Sentinels with a jaw-dropping .518 batting average, .625 on-base percentage, and a staggering 42 stolen bases on the season. Whether at the plate or on the base paths, Keaunna’s presence changed the tempo of the game.

“Honestly, I just wanted to do everything I could to help my team win,” Keaunna shared. “This season was about trust, family, and playing for something bigger than ourselves. Winning Player of the Year is an honor, but I’m most proud of our team for staying locked in all year.”

Her postseason was equally impressive—key hits, elite defense, and unwavering energy helped ECS close the season with a 28–3 record, finishing strong with dominant playoff victories against Shorecrest Prep and a commanding state title win over Trenton High School.

👏 Johnny Mannetta: Coaching a Championship Culture

For Coach Johnny Mannetta, building a championship team at ECS has been a journey of consistent growth, faith, and leadership. Under his guidance, the Lady Sentinels have now made three straight state final four appearances, with back-to-back state titles in 2024 and 2025.

“These girls put in the work. From day one, they bought in—not just to the process, but to each other,” Mannetta said. “We coach with purpose here. Our culture is Christ-centered, and our players know that we play for more than just wins—we play for God’s glory.”

With more than 25 wins for the second consecutive year and a team that combined offensive firepower with defensive grit, Mannetta’s system proved to be one of the most effective in the state. The Florida Dairy Farmers honor marks another milestone in a coaching career defined by character and excellence.

🧢 Season Snapshot

• Record: 28–3

• Key Playoff Wins:

  • 13–0 vs North Florida Christian

  • 11–0 vs Shorecrest Prep

  • 11–1 vs SFCA

• State Championship: Victory over Trenton (2025 Class 1A Title)

• Back-to-Back State Champs (2024 & 2025)

💬 A Legacy in the Making

As the Sentinels reload for next season, the legacy of this 2025 team will be remembered as one of unity, purpose, and dominant performance.

“The credit goes to the players,” Coach Mannetta added. “We’ve got leaders like Keaunna who set the tone every day. Her work ethic and humility are what make her so special.”

ECS Athletics continues to raise the bar in Southwest Florida—showing that championship performance and a Christ-centered approach can go hand in hand.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), established in 1920, governs interscholastic sports across the state, organizing competitions that culminate in state championships. Reaching the Final Four signifies a team’s position among the elite in their classification, highlighting the Sentinels’ exceptional performance during the season.

Smith’s impact was particularly evident during the regional final against First Baptist, where she recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 blocks, propelling the Sentinels to a decisive 59–35 victory.  Throughout the season, she amassed eight double-doubles, showcasing her consistent excellence and versatility on the court.

Her outstanding performance earned her the title of Girls Basketball Player of the Year at the Southwest Florida High School Sports Awards, held on Thursday, May 29, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers.  This annual event honors the region’s top high school athletes, and Smith’s recognition underscores her significant contributions to her team’s success and her standing in the community.

Smith’s senior year not only highlights her individual talents but also exemplifies the dedication and hard work required to excel in high school athletics. Her achievements have left an indelible mark on Evangelical Christian School’s basketball program and serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in Southwest Florida.

Nalah you are incredible!

2024: A Championship Born from Grit

The first title in 2024 was nothing short of cinematic. ECS clinched its first-ever softball state championship in dramatic fashion with a 1-0 walk-off win over University Christian. The game-winning hit came from eighth-grader Payton Billie, whose single drove in the lone run in the bottom of the seventh.

On the mound, Zoe Yzaguirre was untouchable — throwing her third consecutive no-hitter and recording 11 strikeouts. It was a win that put ECS on the map and set the tone for what was to come.

Coach Johnny Manetta, in his signature calm-but-driven style, credited the girls’ discipline and trust in each other:

“We always talk about playing for something bigger than ourselves. These girls live that every pitch.”

2025: A New Standard of Greatness

With a target on their backs, the Sentinels came into the 2025 season with something to prove — and they delivered. After steamrolling North Florida Christian 13-0 in the semifinals, ECS entered the championship game with confidence.

In a high-octane shootout against Geneva, the Sentinels emerged victorious, 17-14, earning their second consecutive state crown. Coach Manetta once again guided his team with poise, keeping them focused through every momentum shift.

The team’s offense exploded, and the bench was as electric as the dugout — a reflection of the family culture Manetta has cultivated.

Coach Manetta’s Blueprint

Coach Manetta’s impact on the ECS softball program goes far beyond wins. His leadership has emphasized faith, unity, and resilience, creating a team culture where players thrive under pressure and grow in character. Under his direction, the Sentinels have become a dominant force in Class 1A and a model for what faith-based sports can look like at the highest level.

“Coach Manetta doesn’t just coach the game — he coaches the heart,” one parent said after the championship. “These girls believe in each other because he believes in them.”

The cast of students from Middle School and High School have been working for months on the presentation. We would also like to thank our ECS Community for all of the love and support provided to the students during the rehearsals and set up for the big weekend!