Sports

The 2026 Yulee High School softball team ahead of its preseason game Tuesday against Bishop Snyder. The Hornets won 6-3. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

All-around talent: YHS head softball coach anticipates ‘really good’ 2026 season

Ashley Chandler

Friday, February 13, 2026

Yulee High School softball is geared up for its 2026 season. The team is here to win as it showed in its 6-3 preseason victory over Bishop Snyder on Tuesday. Head Coach Cristyn Camp said this year’s team is filled with talent.

A team from the Yulee High School’s Marathon High running progam completed the Donna Half Marathon on Feb. 1 at Jacksonville Beach. Submitted photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Yulee students complete half-marathon, build lifelong skills through after-school program

News Staff

Saturday, February 7, 2026

A group of Yulee High School students completed a long-distance feat many people never achieve in their lifetime. A team of 12 from the Yulee High School’s Marathon High running progam completed the Donna Half Marathon last weekend. The event was held Feb. 1 in Jacksonville Beach.

The Pirates boys varsity soccer team ahead of a home game in November. Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Pirates season ends in Panama City state match

Nick Blank

Saturday, February 7, 2026

The Fernandina Beach boys soccer season has come to a close after a 6-0 loss to one of the top teams in the state, North Bay Haven Academy in Panama City, following a successful 16-7-1 campaign for the Pirates. After a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in District against the Bolles School on Jan.

Journey Cheer practices at Journey Church in January. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Character shines for local youth cheer team

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Local cheer Coach Erika Nickell says her team’s experience has been a journey.Though the Journey Cheer youth recreational team practices at Journey Church, Nickell said the name comes, not from the church, but from the path to forming the team.“The name just felt so right,” Nickell said.

Dual at the Dunes wrestling tournament on Jan. 10, 2026 at FBHS. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

FBHS hosts annual team tourney, Dual at the Dunes

Ashley Chandler

Friday, January 30, 2026

Fernandina Beach hosted its annual team dual tournament on Jan. 10 called Dual at the Dunes. The 15-team tournament was separeted into 3 pools of five. It was a round robin format, followed by cross bracketing based off records.

The Lady Pirates rode a strong second half at home Wednesday to clinch first place in districts with a 1-0 win over Bolles. Nick Blank/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Lady Pirates dominate districts

Nick Blank

Thursday, January 29, 2026

When Evie Oliver was fouled at the top of the box in the second half, Sarah Benjamin stepped up to score a penalty kick to clinch the District championship for the Fernandina Beach Lady Pirates against the Bolles School on a frigid Wednesday.

Fernandina Beach High School students and varsity basketball players celebrate in the Yulee High School gymnasium after the Pirates beat the Hornets by two points on Friday. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Battle 'til the buzzer: Pirates beat Hornets, drop home game to Flashes

Ashley Chandler

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

The Yulee High boys basketball team felt the sting Friday, when the Pirates beat them on their home court in a late-season rematch. The second half started with the Hornets leading by double digits. With just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Pirates took the lead.

Lady Pirate weightlifters celebrate a lift at a competition against West Nassau on Jan. 6 at Fernandina Beach High School. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Pirate lifters spot Regionals places

Nick Blank

Friday, January 23, 2026

Fernandina Beach High girls’ weightlifting team has a few lifters slated for Regionals following a strong performance in Districts. Coach Jonathan Alexander said five lifters made the winners’ podium at West Nassau High during Districts.

Yulee Head Coach Connor Wetmore watches a game unfold

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Yulee basketball booster club assists program

Nick Blank

Friday, January 16, 2026

Yulee High School has established a booster club for its boy's basketball program, easing the burden on the coaching staff and players.

Coco catches air while practicing at the Poe Pinson Skate Park in Fernandina Beach on Jan. 10. By Marisa DeMar/News-Leader

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Coco looks to add another title to collection

Marisa DeMar

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Fernandina Beach skateboarder Coco Waldo is preparing to compete in the 5th annual Competitive Amateur Skate League (CASL) national championship on Saturday. Waldo will be competing in the Vert/Bowl Open Advanced division at Kona Skatepark in Jacksonville.