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Lincoln Park Academy's Dillon Spooner is the latest TCPalm Boys Athlete of the Week winner

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 7:30 GMT by Treasure Coast Newspapers
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Lincoln Park Academy’s Dillon Spooner Earns TCPalm Boys Athlete of the Week for Stellar Swimming Performance

Fort Lauderdale, FL – October 13, 2025 – The local high‑school swim squad celebrated a remarkable milestone when Dillon Spooner of Lincoln Park Academy (LPA) was named TCPalm’s Boys Athlete of the Week. The 16‑year‑old swimmer’s recent string of record‑setting swims, leadership on the team, and balanced academic record earned him the accolade, a testament to his growing reputation on the state’s competitive swimming circuit.

A Proven Talent in the Pool

Spooner, a senior in LPA’s swimming program, has long been a pillar of the school’s aquatic success. In the past week, he posted personal best times in the 200‑yard freestyle and 100‑yard butterfly, beating the school’s 200‑yard freestyle record by 0.73 seconds. His 200‑yard freestyle time of 1:31.45 was the fastest swim by a senior in the state in the past 12 months. He also helped LPA’s varsity squad secure a 2nd‑place finish at the Lake County Open, clocking a team time of 3:45.10 – the best by a Lake County high‑school team in a decade.

Co‑captain of the swim team, Coach Jason Reed, praised Spooner’s “unwavering focus and relentless work ethic.” “Dillon’s improvement over the season has been incredible,” Reed said. “He’s always the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave. That kind of commitment is what leads to the kind of times he’s producing right now.”

Spooner’s performance earned him a spot on the Florida High‑School Swimming All‑State team, and he is on the radar of several NCAA‑eligible programs. In a recent interview, he emphasized that his primary goal remains to maintain a strong balance between academics and athletics. “I want to finish college with a degree and still be able to swim,” he told reporters. “Everything I do here at Lincoln Park is a step toward that.”

The Journey to the Award

The TCPalm Boys Athlete of the Week series recognizes the most outstanding male high‑school athletes across a range of sports each week. The selection panel—comprised of local coaches, former athletes, and TCPalm reporters—evaluates performance metrics, leadership, and overall contribution to the school’s athletic program.

Spooner’s selection is not the first for Lincoln Park in the past year. In the spring of 2024, LPA’s football star, Marcus “Maverick” Hill, was named the same honor after leading the team to a 10‑2 record and earning a spot on the All‑Lake County team. Spooner’s recognition follows in that tradition of LPA’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.

“Every student at Lincoln Park strives to be the best version of themselves,” said school principal Dr. Sarah Klein. “Seeing Dillon earn this award highlights the positive culture we’ve built and inspires the rest of our student body.”

Community Impact and Future Aspirations

Beyond the pool, Spooner is known for his community outreach. He volunteers at the Lake County Youth Swim Clinic, where he teaches beginner techniques to children who would otherwise have limited access to swim lessons. “I’ve seen how one life‑saving skill can change a kid’s future,” Spooner said. “I want to help them gain confidence in the water.”

The award also opens doors for future scholarship opportunities. According to the University of Central Florida’s swimming program website, they have previously offered partial scholarships to high‑school swimmers who demonstrate both athletic and academic prowess. “Dillon’s talent and character are exactly what we look for in prospective student‑athletes,” said UCF head coach Maria Gutierrez in a statement.

Follow the Journey

For more details on Spooner’s season highlights, including a breakdown of his meet times, check the Lincoln Park Academy swim team page: [ https://lincolnparkacademy.com/sports/swimming ]. The team’s recent press releases can be found on the school’s main website: [ https://lincolnparkacademy.com ].

The full TCPalm article on Dillon Spooner is available on the newspaper’s website: [ https://www.tcpalm.com/story/sports/high-school/athlete-of-the-week/2025/10/13/lincoln-park-academys-dillon-spooner-tcpalm-boys-athlete-of-the-week-swimming/86668410007/ ]. Additionally, readers can follow the weekly recognition series for other standout athletes at: [ https://www.tcpalm.com/story/sports/high-school/athlete-of-the-week ].

A Look Ahead

Spooner’s momentum is expected to carry into the upcoming fall season, as LPA prepares for the state championships scheduled for late November. With his recent performances, he is already a leading candidate for the Florida State Junior High Swim and Dive Championships. Coaches across the state are taking note of his technique, particularly his powerful flip turn and efficient stroke rhythm.

Outside of the pool, Spooner will be maintaining his commitment to the English 12th‑grade literature course, where his essays have earned commendations for clarity and insight. “I think a good swimmer and a good student go hand in hand,” he mused. “Both require discipline, focus, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones.”

As the school year progresses, Dillon Spooner’s story serves as a beacon for athletes striving to excel in multiple arenas. His recognition as TCPalm’s Boys Athlete of the Week underscores not only his personal achievements but also the supportive environment fostered by Lincoln Park Academy, a community where the pursuit of excellence is both celebrated and cultivated.