🏆 Pirates Reign Supreme: City Celebrates State Champion Girls Basketball Team
Palm Bay City Council honors historic season and star player Jaida Civil. 🎉
Palm Bay, FL - The Palm Bay community recently came together to celebrate an unprecedented achievement in local sports as the Palm Bay Magnet High School girls basketball team, the Pirates, were formally recognized by the Palm Bay City Council for their victorious 2024-2025 season, which culminated in the FHSAA Class 4A State Championship title. Their victory brought a wave of excitement and pride throughout the city, culminating in a special ceremony where city officials and residents applauded their remarkable journey.
The recognition highlighted the team's dedication, hard work, and historic success, marking the first state basketball championship for Palm Bay Magnet High School. The Pirates finished their remarkable season with an impressive 25-7 record.
A Season for the Record Books
Under the guidance of Coach EJ Murray, the team exceeded expectations throughout the season, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and perseverance. Their journey to the state championship game captured the attention and pride of the entire city. Achieving a state championship requires overcoming formidable opponents and navigating intense playoff competition. The Pirates demonstrated resilience and strategic execution in crucial moments, including their 67-57 victory over American Heritage in the state final, showcasing the culmination of countless hours of practice and preparation. Their dominant season included defeating Brevard County teams by an average margin of 57 points.
More Than Just a Team: Academics and Character
The recognition also emphasized the student-athletes' commitment off the court. The team collectively achieved a commendable overall GPA of 3.4, demonstrating their dedication to academic excellence alongside their athletic pursuits.
Described as a family, the program instills valuable life lessons and values in its players, shaping them into exemplary representatives of Palm Bay High School both on and off the court. The coaches have fostered an environment where teamwork, discipline, and mutual support are paramount. These principles extend beyond basketball, preparing the young women for future challenges. As part of their commitment to giving back, the team also volunteered locally at Palm Bay Elementary School, demonstrating their connection to the community. Balancing rigorous training schedules with academic demands requires significant commitment, making their collective 3.4 GPA particularly noteworthy.
Jaida Civil: A Local Phenom
A central figure in the Pirates' success was senior guard Jaida Civil, whose individual accomplishments this season garnered statewide and national attention. Civil's exceptional play was instrumental in the team's championship run.
Civil has received numerous prestigious awards for her performance:
Gatorade Florida Girls Basketball Player of the Year (2024-2025)
MaxPreps Florida Girls High School Basketball Player of the Year (2024-2025)
Florida Dairy Farmers Florida Miss Basketball
Class 4A FACA District 12 Player of the Year (2024)
Selected for the McDonald's All-American Game 🌟
Civil's impact on the court goes beyond statistics; her leadership, court vision, and ability to perform under pressure were evident, particularly in the state final where she recorded 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Earning titles like Gatorade Player of the Year and Florida Miss Basketball signifies her status as the top player in the state. Her selection to the McDonald's All-American Game places her among the elite high school talents nationwide. She is ranked as the #20 player nationally by ESPN and is noted as the second McDonald's All-American ever from Brevard County. Civil averaged 18.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.4 steals per game during the 2024-25 season.
Future Bound for Tennessee
Civil's outstanding high school career has paved the way for her future in collegiate basketball. She has signed a letter of athletic aid to play Division I basketball at the University of Tennessee, a significant step that highlights her talent and potential.
Joining the University of Tennessee means stepping into the highly competitive environment of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), known for its intense level of play and storied basketball programs. This move represents the next exciting chapter in her burgeoning career. Her commitment was a point of pride mentioned during the City Council's recognition, celebrating another Palm Bay athlete achieving success at the highest levels.
Community Pride and Recognition
The City Council meeting provided a platform for the community to express their immense pride in the team's achievements. Speakers, including Mayor Medina, lauded the players and coaching staff for their hard work and for "putting Palm Bay on the map." The atmosphere was one of collective celebration, recognizing not just the athletic feat but the positive example set by these young women. Such public acknowledgment underscores the deep connection between the team and the community that supports them.
Join the Palm Bay community in celebrating the historic achievements of the Palm Bay Magnet High School girls basketball team and Jaida Civil! Look for opportunities to support local high school sports and cheer on our talented student-athletes. Their success serves as a powerful inspiration for younger athletes in Palm Bay, demonstrating what can be achieved through dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. The community looks forward to following Jaida's collegiate career and supporting the future endeavors of the entire Pirates team.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.