Winter Haven Senior High School Girls Basketball Team Honored with Proclamation and Parade
by James Coulter
For their exemplary achievements, especially with their recent victory at the state championships, the Winter Haven Senior High School Girls Basketball Team and their coaches were honored with an official proclamation.
At the regular city commission meeting on Mon. Apr. 14, Mayor Nathanial Birdsong presented a proclamation declaring the day “Winter Haven Senior High School Girls Basketball Team Day” in honor of their achievements and legacy due in part to their coaches.
“On March 8, 2025, the Winter Haven High School Girls’ Basketball Team triumphed as Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) State Champions at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Florida,” the proclamation read. “Their relentless dedication and exceptional teamwork have forever illuminated our community’s spirit and pride.”
Under their leadership, Head Coach Johnnie Lawson and Assistant Head Coach Billy Washington have led the team to more than 425 victories. Over the past 17 years, the team has won 17 District Championships and 15 Final Four playoff appearances. They have also brought home four State Championships in the last nine years and proudly represented the city with two National Championship appearances.
This year’s team includes exemplary players such as Serenity Hardy, Quin `Nya Sanders, Jaeden Williams, Dariasia Pitts, Azzariah Styles, Alyse Mercredi, Amaya Shaw, Aubrey Hall, Lauren Jordan, Alicia Smith, Faith Thompson, Victoria Hall, and Dashanique Henry.
Principal Gina Williams took to the podium to congratulate the team players and commend them for their most recent victory.
“We are so extremely proud, and what a proud moment with those last five seconds on the scoreboard. We knew if they got that ball in, they would tie the game,” she said. “We are so very proud of each and every one of you. We know that you work very hard, and you put in a lot of effort, a lot of time, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears. We are extremely proud of each and every one of you.”
Superintendent Frederick Heid likewise offered his expression of gratitude towards the team and their overall success: “I have no words to explain how proud we are of you. It is not just about your athletic prowess. It is how you collaborate and work together as a team that most impressed me.”
A parade was hosted in the team’s honor on the evening of Apr. 16. from Denison Memorial Stadium to Downtown Central Park.
