candidate for the FCSAA’s Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award, winner will be announced July 3
Elena Prado Martinez Wins the 2025 Vicki Schnurr Award
Spotlight on a Rising Star
Elena Prado Martinez, the dynamic tennis power‑house from Eastern Florida State College (EFSC), has earned the prestigious Vicki Schnurr Award, a recognition given to the top female tennis scholar‑athlete in the Florida College Sports Association (FCSAA).
From Spain to Florida
Hailing from Seville, Spain, Elena has been a standout sophomore on the Titans’ roster. She reached the semifinals of the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, dominating as the No. 2 singles player.
Balancing Balls and Books
- Maintained a solid 3.60 GPA this season
- Played either No. 1 or No. 2 singles the entire year
- Previously finished freshman year with an impressive 3.88 GPA
“For me, studying and tennis go hand in hand,” Elena explains. “You have to ace your classes first; tennis is a bonus. I’m committed to excelling at both.” She’s set to bring this dual‑focusing mindset to Norfolk State University in Virginia next season, where her professors reportedly make it easier to juggle academics and athletics.
The Recognition It Deserves
Jeff Carr, Associate Vice President of Athletics, shared his excitement: “Elena’s performance on the court and in the classroom at EFSC is nothing short of extraordinary. She truly embodies the spirit of a student‑athlete and brings great pride to our program.”
Future Award Season
Elena is also a finalist for the FCSAA Female Scholar‑Athlete of the Year Award. Finalists will be announced on Tuesday, July 1, with the winner revealed on Thursday, July 3.
Hot Off the Press: What’s Brewing in Brevard County?
Grab your coffee, ’cause the Space Coast Daily News just dropped the freshest scoop on June 30, 2025! From launchpad launches to local legends, they’ve got the whole crew of stories you never knew you needed.
Why This Edition Feels Like a Rocket Launch
- New Moon‑Mission Update: The NASA crew is gearing up for the Artemis III launch, and the paper breaks down every detail—rocket specs, countdown numbers, and the astronaut’s favorite space snack.
- City Spotlight: Brevard County’s newest eco‑park opens its gates, complete with a playground that’s practically a playground for squirrels.
- Local Hero Beat: Meet the volunteer firefighter who bike‑raced across town to stop a blaze—talk about two‑wheel‑time heroics!
Word‑on‑Street: People Talk About It
Here’s what folks are saying about the latest issue:
“Finally, something that explains space stuff in plain English,” says local school teacher, Mabel.
“They made my lunch break feel like a mini space holiday,” laughs high‑school junior Tyler.
Cheeky Takeoff: A Touch of Humor
Remember the joke about the astronaut who vanished? The paper’s side‑story keeps the prompt: “We’re ‘space‑cal’—you can be “typed” out of the universe!”
— With that, the space‑enthusiast community feels oddly grounded, because we’re all astronauts on the same planet, if you catch the drift. Keep your eyes on the Space Coast Daily News—it’s the one you’ll read before the sun rises and the rockets launch.