Some of the top athletes and coaches, locally and nationally, teamed together for the Marco Island YMCA on Saturday night.

It was the National Sports Gala, with 18 guests being recognized for their qualities in various sports.

Dave Rice, who has a long list of sports credits, served as the master of ceremonies.

“It’s pay back,” Rice said about his efforts of putting together all the athletes for the event. “I never had an organization like the YMCA where I grew up. “Bringing these athletes together stimulates all of us.”

Funds raised from the event will help provide scholarships to children who otherwise may not have the opportunity to take part in the many growth experiences the YMCA offers.

The athletes sat among the donors at dinner, answering questions and enjoying the camaraderie.

There were many Marco honorees.

Lauren Embree, the top-ranked tennis player in the 18-and-under USTA ranking, signed her letter of intent to play for the University of Florida on Saturday.

“I’m excited about playing for the team,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Victoria Howard, a four-sport star at Lely, expects to play basketball or track in college where she wants to study engineering.

Mercedes Farhat is enjoying the University of Florida, joining a sorority and being involved in club swimming. She swam in the Summer Olympiad for Libya.

Annie Castellano made it to the semifinals of American Gladiator.

“People recognize me in Chicago and say ‘There’s the girl that was on American Gladiator,’” she says with a laugh. She is studying theater.

Connie Kormanyos, YMCA tennis director, talks of her years of helping tennis enthusiasts learn the game properly.

“When people I taught say tennis is the joy of their life you can’t put a price on that,” she said.

Dottie Weiner, who has taught some 10,000 swimmers, was excited about being honored.

Fay Biles served on the U.S. Olympic Committee for 16 years. She was one of the first women to speak before Congress on Title IX, which advances equal rights for women in sports.

Other honorees, included former NFL players Don Healy, Levar Fisher and Herman Weaver; Fabrizio Scaccia, Minor League Football Player of the Year; Naples High School football star Nick Alajajian and his coach Bill Kramer; Kevin Bouis, Florida Firecats’ head coach; Jennifer Bate Canadian and U.S. National equestrian champion; Johan Kriek, professional tennis player and Dave Tollet, head baseball coach at Florida Gulf Coast University.