Introducing the Class of 2024
Carroll Vaughan
The coach of our boys and girls water polo teams since 2008, Carroll’s influence extends far beyond the pool. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to the student-athletes she coaches has earned her a lasting legacy not only at Gulliver but throughout the Miami community. Born into a family with strong ties to swimming, Carroll’s water polo journey began at Miami Palmetto Senior High where she attended high school. In high school she not only honed in on her own water polo talents but developed a deeper love for the sport and coaching. Her coaching career began at Palmetto, followed by time at Coral Reef before joining Gulliver. Under Carroll’s leadership, our water polo program developed into a powerhouse program, and has achieved great success.
As a coach, Carroll not only teaches the fundamentals of the sport and how to be a great student-athlete, but also the important values of character and responsibility. She believes coaching is about shaping lives and helping athletes realize their full potential – in and outside of the pool. Winning is important, but for Carroll, true success is in the lessons learned, the bonds formed, and the growth her players experience.
Carroll has led our boys and girls water polo teams to numerous accolades, including 6 state championships and has been named coach of the year numerous times. She hopes to soon win championships for both boys and girls in the same year!
Outside of Gulliver, she has led FIU’s men’s water polo team to a national runner-up finish in 2009 and operates the Riptides, a local water polo club that has been operating for 27 years.
In addition to her outstanding coaching career, Carroll is a proud mother, and a grandmother of seven.
Conner Vernon, Class of 2009
A member of the 2008 football team that competed in the State Championship game, Conner’s love for football began at a young age, taking shape when he joined Gulliver in the 7th grade. He left an indelible mark on our football program, serving as a leader on and off the field for his peers.
During his time at Gulliver he recorded 131 catches and 22 touchdowns. As a senior, he caught 60 passes for 1,163 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him a football scholarship to Duke University where he became a leading receiver. After graduation, Connor was drafted to the Oakland Raiders in 2013, later moving to the Cleveland Browns, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Detroit Lions.
Conner currently lives in Miami and works at Morgan Stanley. He has a tight-knit family and is still very connected to his Gulliver football community.
Dara Brenner, Class of 2011
As a member of the 2011 girls soccer state championship team, Dara’s passion for soccer began at a young age, blossoming while others in the family preferred tennis and hockey. Her mom helped form the local soccer league, Pinecrest Premier, where Dara was able to develop her skills and passion for the sport.
At Gulliver, Dara was a member of the All Dade All Star Team, and was named Florida Dairy Farmers Best Female Athlete. She even scored 61 goals in one season – a stat that has to be a Gulliver record if I’ve ever heard one! In the nomination process, a teammate wrote, “Dara was always a team player. She passed the ball when she didn’t have to, she is just a good person.”
After Gulliver, Dara went on to play at the University of Central Florida and Brandeis University. While injuries cut her soccer career short, her contributions at Gulliver helped shape our girls’ soccer program into what it is today.
Dara cherishes her experiences at Gulliver, valuing the sense of community and the friendships she made. Her time as a student-athlete helped shape and guide her through college and beyond. Dara now lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children.
David Espinosa, Class of 2000
David, Gulliver’s first National Player of the Year, began his baseball career at a young age after moving to Miami. Named one of the 100 Greatest High School Baseball Players by the Miami Herald, he was also named First Team, All Miami Dade Baseball team, All State Second Team for 3A, Miami Dade Player of the Year, and MVP of the National Classic Tournament, to name just a few…and there are many.
David was the first Gulliver athlete to become a first round draft pick, as he was picked 23rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds. His major league baseball career also took him to the Detroit Tigers and the Seattle Mariners. Following his major league career David has served as a scout for the Miami Marlins and the Cincinnati Reds.
He credits his parents for their support, guiding him through his academic and athletic careers. David lives in Miami with his wife and children.
Earl Sims
Our varsity football coach, Earl, has been with us at Gulliver since 2005. He quickly progressed to head coach of the football team and began shaping our student-athletes on and off the field. He is not just a coach – he is a mentor, friend, and confidant to many. As head coach of the varsity football team, Earl has led our Raiders to state runner up titles, numerous district and regional championships; won many awards as an assistant coach and as a head coach has been named Miami Herald Sports Coach of the Year, Junior Dolphins Coach of the Year, was a Don Shula Coach of the Year nominee and many, many more.
A Miami native, Earl graduated from the University of Virginia where he played football. He is a published author and poet who believes in the importance of personal growth in his players. You can often hear him say that we are not so focused on championships, but on developing and building champions that can win every day. His daughters are current Raiders, carrying on a family legacy here at Gulliver.
