Hello, ILS,
Here’s your last 2026 Sports report! 2025-2026 ILS Athletics Year in Review
What an incredible year for ILS Athletics. This was a year defined by growth, championships, history-making moments, and the continued establishment of a culture built on excellence, hard work, and pride. From thrilling victories to heartbreaking defeats, our student-athletes, coaches, and programs represented Immaculata-La Salle with passion and determination every step of the way.
Fall Season
The fall season set the tone for one of the most successful years in recent memory.
Our football program continued its rise to prominence by advancing to back-to-back Regional Finals and capturing its first District Championship since 1976. Head Coach Helder Valle was recognized by the Miami Herald as Coach of the Year, a testament to the hard work and culture surrounding the program.
Girls Swimming had an outstanding season, finishing as District Runner-Ups with only four athletes competing an incredible accomplishment that showcased grit and determination.
Golf and Cross Country continued to grow and proudly represent ILS with consistency, sportsmanship, and commitment.
Girls Volleyball redeemed last year’s championship loss in impressive fashion, capturing the District Championship and reestablishing themselves among the area’s elite programs.
Winter Season
The winter season saw several programs reach historic milestones.
Girls Soccer made program history by advancing to the Regional Final for the first time ever while also securing back-to-back District Championships.
Girls Basketball elevated the standard of the program, reaching the Regional Final for the first time in school history.
Boys Soccer and Boys Basketball continued building competitive and respected programs that consistently battled against top competition throughout the season.
Cheerleading once again demonstrated why it is considered one of the premier programs in the city, continuing to compete at a high level while representing ILS with energy and pride.
Spring Season
The spring season continued the momentum and added even more historic achievements.
Boys Volleyball cemented itself as one of the top programs in South Florida, winning back-to-back District Championships and advancing to the Regional Semifinals for the second consecutive year.
Track & Field continued its tradition of excellence. The boys team captured its fourth straight District Championship, while the girls team earned another District Runner-Up finish. The program also produced three Regional Champions and a STATE CHAMPION in the 400-meter hurdles only the fifth state champion in program history dating back to the 1970s.
Baseball returned to the District Championship Game while competing in one of the toughest districts in Miami-Dade County.
Softball also advanced to the District Championship Game, proving they can compete with the best programs in the area.
Tennis remained a steady and respected competitor in an extremely difficult district. This season also marked the conclusion of Head Coach James Rydborn’s remarkable tenure. We thank Coach Rydborn for everything he has done for the school, the program, and the countless student-athletes he impacted throughout the years.
Beach Volleyball, Dance, and Sailing all enjoyed successful seasons filled with memorable moments and continued growth as emerging contenders within their respective sports.
By the Numbers
- 6 District Runner-Up finishes
(Girls Swimming, Boys Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Girls Basketball, Girls Track & Field)
- 4 District Championships (Football, Girls Volleyball, Boys Volleyball, Girls Soccer)
- 6 Regional Playoff Victories
- Multiple Regional Champions (T&F)
- 1 State Champion (T&F)
- Multiple All-Dade selections
19 student-athletes signed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level
- 1. Ana Villarreal – Odessa College – Basketball
- 2. Isabella Hendrich – Dartmouth – Sailing
- 3. Mia Groom – Barry University – Volleyball
- 4. Alfred Cox – Arkansas Baptist – Football
- 5. Wendell Copeland – Ave maria University – Football
- 6. Antawn Borden – Heidelberg University – Football
- 7. Jayden Noel – Arkansas Baptist – Football
- 8. Tavarus Jones – Arkansas Baptist -Football
- 9. Ian Destionbles – West Florida – Football
- 10. Daniel Marin – St. Thomas – Football
- 11. Nicolas Nauta – West Virginia Wesleyan – Soccer
- 12. Hector Sosa – Palm Beach State College
- 13. Jonny Quintana – Tallahassee State
- 14. Jeremy Fornos – St. Thomas University
- 15. Daniel Gonzalez – Fisher College
- 16. Nicolas Perdigon – Fisher College
- 17. Isabella Aversa – Blue Mountain Christian University
- 18. Carlos Hernandez – Eastern University
- 19. Lucas Piedra – Spring Hill College (Mobil Alabama)
Looking Ahead
This year was about much more than wins and championships. It was about building a culture, creating lasting memories, and continuing to raise the standard for ILS Athletics. Our student-athletes and coaches represented our school with pride, resilience, and passion, and the future of ILS Athletics has never looked brighter.
Thank you for everyone supported, including our administration, teachers, families, and community!
We do have one final event on May 20th, 2:30PM in the gym we will host our final signing day for 8 athletes (Athletes 12-19 in bold will be signing).
Go Royal Lions! Rooted. Ready. Relentless – ROYALS!
Categories:
2025–2026 ILS Athletics Year in Review
May 21, 2026
An ILS Royal Lion serves at a volleyball match, a sport in which ILS won districts at this year.
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About the Contributor
Matteo Cupello, Writer
Matteo Cupello, a sophomore, plays forward for the ils soccer team and likes to hangout with friends and family during the weekends
