Oak Creek Charter School Athletes Crowned National Champions at 2025 USA Taekwondo National Championships

Bonita Springs, FL – July 28^th, 2025 - After months of rigorous training and preparation, four student-athletes from Oak Creek Charter School of Bonita Springs traveled to California this July to compete in the 2025 USA Taekwondo National Championships and returned home with multiple national medals, including three golds and several bronze finishes.

The Oak Creek team, led by the passionate and highly accomplished Master Ashley Martin, proudly represented their school and the larger FORZA Education Management community. The athletes, Phoenix Rackebrandt (14), Gatlan Wilkening (10), Ezra Manrique (9), and Annilynn Lewelling (8), demonstrated unwavering dedication, sportsmanship, and strength throughout every match.

Phoenix Rackebrandt, already a seasoned competitor and assistant coach, showcased his continued growth and leadership as he powered through a 9-player sparring division to

Phoenix Rackebrandt posing with his USATKD National Champion gold medal after his sparring final.

take Gold, earning the title of National Champion. Phoenix also secured a Bronze Medal in Board Breaking, further proving his versatility and resilience under pressure.

Gatlan Wilkening also left his mark on Nationals, competing in both sparring and board breaking. After battling through four tough sparring matches in a nine-athlete bracket, he earned the Gold Medal and became a National Champion. He added a Bronze Medal in Board Breaking, highlighting his strong all-around performance.

Ezra Manrique, known for his determination and positive spirit, claimed Gold in Board Breaking, earning the title of National Champion in that category. In sparring, Ezra’s match ended in a tie, and the judges’ decision ultimately went the other way. Nonetheless, his display of grace and sportsmanship made his coaches and school incredibly proud.

Annilynn Lewelling, the youngest on the team and competing at her first Nationals, impressed coaches and spectators alike with her heart and hustle. Though she did not medal in sparring, she earned a Bronze Medal in Board Breaking, a remarkable achievement for her debut on the national stage.

This success would not have been possible without the leadership of Master Ashley Martin, a fourth-degree black belt, seasoned national and international competitor, and Oak Creek’s Teacher of the Year for 2025. With over two decades of martial arts experience and a deep passion for education, Master Martin has built a taekwondo program that fosters both athletic excellence and character development. She is committed to helping her students grow not only as martial artists but as confident, respectful individuals.

Leslie Stauss, Principal of Oak Creek Charter School, said, “Watching our students

Back Row (L to R): Master Ashley Martin and Phoenix Rackebrandt. Front Row (L to R): Ezra Manrique, Gatlan Wilkening, and Annilynn Lewelling

succeed on a national stage is incredibly rewarding. Their achievements reflect not only their hard work and dedication, but also the strength of our school community and the exceptional guidance they’ve received from Master Martin. We are so proud of each of them for representing Oak Creek with such excellence, determination, and heart.”

“We’re beyond proud of what our students have accomplished at Nationals,” said Will Staros, Chief Operating Officer of FORZA Education Management. “Their victories are a reflection of their commitment, their families’ support, and Master Martin’s inspiring mentorship. This is exactly the kind of leadership and achievement FORZA aims to cultivate across our schools.”

With their Nationals adventure now complete, the Oak Creek ocelots return home stronger, prouder, and even more motivated. Their achievements shine as a testament to the power of discipline, resilience, and believing in oneself.