When Destin High School opened its doors in 2021, the school did so with a priority on helping its students to excel in all aspects of life.
So, while the first public high school ever located within Destin city limits quickly gained a reputation for small class sizes and academic excellence, it’s no surprise that it is also helped to shape some of the best athletes living in northern Florida.
Destin High recently announced that two of its students signed full Division I athletic scholarships. Sharks’ standouts Kate Corollo and Kenzie Prosser became the first ever Sharks to sign National Letters of Intent, and school leadership was thrilled to see two of its best set a trend that many other DHS students hope to follow. “We are so unbelievably proud of Kate and Kenzie. Just to play a role in helping stellar athletes and students such as these is really gratifying, and we cannot wait to see how they continue to shine at the next level,” said Dr. Willy Williams, executive director of DHS.
Corollo will attend The University of New Hampshire to compete in gymnastics, while Prosser, a rising senior with the Sharks, signed to play volleyball for The Citadel in South Carolina.
The success of the duo is emblematic of Destin’s well-rounded approach to education, one in which extra-curricular aspects support academic achievement and student growth – as well as school pride and community engagement. Destin’s approach is reflected in the school’s 22 varsity athletic programs, which compete in one of Florida’s most challenging athletic associations. As the 2025-26 school year showed, those programs and athletes are already proving their worth on the playing field. This past school year featured an individual Florida High School Athletic Association state title in girls weightlifting for Destin’s Elena Nava, as well as strong seasons in girls basketball, girls wrestling, flag football, and both tennis programs. “A school that has successful sports programs sees more engagement from its students and parents, and it’s proven that just competing is an invaluable teacher for kids; the things they learn about themselves and life are important in developing success in other aspects – including helping them to be better students,” Dr. Williams said. “That’s why we want to foster the right athletic atmosphere. And you better believe we’re here cheering our kids on.”
School leaders say that a close-knit atmosphere at the school only enhances that understanding. In fact, they say, small class sizes even help students to feel more involved in supporting each other’s success in all fields – including cheering each other on the field of athletic competition.
There was much to cheer for Destin High in 2025-26. On top of Nava’s weightlifting crown, there was a regional championship for girls wrestling standout Veronica Madrid, as well as a girls basketball district championship, a state quarterfinal playoff berth for the girls flag football team and district tennis championships for siblings Charlie and Lucy Frankfurt.
Sharks classmates also watched as Corollo and Prosser took their impressive careers to new heights. In fact, school leadership says the recent graduate and rising senior displayed a commitment to hard work and success that the school wants all its athletes to follow. This is because Corollo and Prosser succeeded by displaying discipline, leadership, and teamwork, both on the playing field and in the classroom. “There was no doubt that Katie and Kenzie would be successful in whatever they set their minds to; they’re incredibly gifted athletes. But they didn’t just succeed because they could run and jump better than other girls; they got to where they are because they work hard and remain focused even when things get tough,” said Destin Athletic Administrator Skylar Walden. “That’s the message we hope that all of our Sharks take from them realizing their dreams of competing at the highest collegiate levels.”
Even while Corollo did not compete directly for Destin High – as the school does not currently feature a gymnastics program – her presence at the school offered classmates a glimpse of what is required of a nationally-ranked athlete, and Sharks leadership is excited to celebrate her accomplishments. “Just being around someone with that kind of dedication shows other students what’s possible; plus, she’s an amazing person, and we’re so excited for her,” Dr. Williams said. “We know she’s going to go and dominate for New Hampshire.”
Corollo started competing in club gymnastics at the age of 7 in Destin with the U.S. Gold team gym. Her commitment and abilities meant that she traveled regionally to compete in USA Gymnastics sanctioned meets, and she has been a level 10 gymnast for the last five years. Some of her career highlights include:
- Earning Level 9 qualification for the Region 8 National Team
- Earning 3-time Level 10 qualification for the Region 8 National Team
- Winning the Florida State Meet all around in Level 10
- Placing top 10 in the nation on beam and vault during the USA Gymnastics Nationals in Oklahoma City in May 2026
While classmates will be able to read about Corollo’s exploits next season at the college level, they have one more year to watch Destin’s other Division I signee in person.
Prosser’s dominant presence on the court has been a joy for the coaching staff, and she’s looking forward to seeing what the senior will put together in her final season at DHS. “Kenzie is one of the most impressive athletes and people I’ve been around, and it’s no wonder that The Citadel wanted her to come play for them,” Destin High Principal Jill McNamara said. “I know she’s going to be a standout at the next level too. The best part is that her teammates look up to her and have something to aim for.”
Prosser, who also played for severable notable club teams, noted that earning the scholarship to play at the school, located in Charleston, S.C., was beyond her wildest dreams. “I am so unbelievably excited for what’s to come and can’t wait for my chapter at The Citadel,” Prosser said. “I want to say thank you so much to my amazing parents who have always been my biggest supporters and have provided me with all the opportunities to achieve my goals. Your constant encouragement, sacrifices, and unconditional love mean the world to me.”
Having seen the commitment required for success, Sharks students and coaches believe that there are many more accomplishments on the horizon – both individually and for the school’s teams. “Just like everything else we’re doing here, we have a clear plan for success, and we’re following it,” Dr. Williams said. “But those plans wouldn’t be anything without wonderful, talented people – and we have that in both our student body and coaching staff. Because of that, the future looks very bright.”
If you or your student is interested in joining and competing for the Shark family, there is still time to do so for the 2026-27 school year – though time and room is starting to run out for north Florida’s only tuition-free public charter school. Destin High has already accepted more than 300 applications for next school year and has limited space available.
Open enrollment is still open.
For more information, visit destinhighschool.org, call 850-204-4044, or stop by the campus at 4325 Commons Drive West in Destin.
