When Riviera Schools opened its high school seven years ago, the administration knew it would take time to build a championship athletic program.
With a firm commitment to athletics, Riviera began developing its coaching staff and its athletes, and now Riviera Preparatory School’s athletics have become a fixture among the most respected programs in South Florida and the state.
On Oct. 17, seventh grade female golfer Alexandra Ragan, who also plays volleyball, finished third in the county and advanced to regionals along with senior Ian Shapiro who finished fifth. The boys swimming team was the runner-up in districts and advanced to regionals as well.
On Oct. 19, after three consecutive seasons as runner-up in the district, the Riviera girls varsity volleyball team brought the school its first team championship. The home crowd was electric with 75 percent of the students in the school attending the game and cheering as loud as any crowd at any game in any sport.
Riviera had to defeat two-time champion Florida Christian after losing to them the past two years. Outstanding players for the Bulldogs included All County junior Aryanna Diaz and seventh grade phenom Gabriella Arroyo. Led by three-time state champion coach Mauricio Diaz, Riviera has come a long way.
