Vote on GMSD’s March Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

GMSD is excited to announce the March nominations for Athlete of the Month, presented by Alisha Dumas with State Farm. These nominations are based on athletic work ethic, attitude, and sportsmanship, but these student athletes are just that - students first, athletes second. They must have good academic standing, maintain a good attendance record, and have a positive outlook towards their education and their community. Receiving a nomination is an honor in itself!

Each month the community will get to vote on which athlete they would like to see become the GMSD Athlete of the Month. There is a High School category and a Middle School category. Voting for these categories will be kept separate, so each month there will be an Athlete of the Month from the High School and the Middle School. The winners will be announced towards the end of each month. 

Here are the March High School nominees: 

Faith Gibbs - Senior, Softball

Faith Gibbs has been playing softball for ten years, and she plays competitively for the Mississippi Glory. She has played at Houston her entire high school career, and her teammates have voted her team captain every single year. She is a dedicated athlete and student, and she has signed to play for Tusculum University in the fall. 

Ella McKnight - Sophomore, Softball 

Ella McKnight really fell in love with softball around age 11, and although she plays at Houston and on competitive teams, she says that she enjoys being a Mustang first and foremost. Last year, she was named Co-Rookie of the Year, and she helped lead her team to a huge victory over Collierville. She is a well rounded student as she is involved in the Honors Academy, Women's Choir, FCA, and Crochet Club. Ella is known to be a genuine and kind teammate who always encourages those around her.

Jaden Sallie - Senior, Baseball 

Jaden Sallie started playing baseball competitively around age 12. He has competed on several travel teams, but as his senior year comes to a close, he is excited to be playing at Houston. He is a member of the Leadership Academy, and he is known as an incredibly dedicated and supportive teammate.  

Ryan Tashie - Senior, Baseball 

Ryan Tashie has been playing baseball since age 5, and he is a left handed pitcher. Ryan is known most for his bright spirit that he brings to every game and practice. He has previously won Mr. Houston, and his focus has always been to enjoy each day that he is given. He encourages his teammates to do the same by recognizing that whether it's a win or a loss, everyone is incredibly lucky just to have the chance to play the game.

Here are the February Middle School nominees: 

Wyatt Gmetro - Houston Middle School, Eighth Grade, Baseball 

Wyatt Gmetro has been playing baseball his whole life, and he is an outfielder and second baseman. He is a very competitive player, but more than anything, he loves being a part of the team. He enjoys getting to play his favorite sport with all of his friends, and he is a teammate that you can always count on. 

John Lee - Riverdale, Eighth Grade, Baseball

John Lee is a third baseman, pitcher, and shortstop, and he has been playing baseball since age 8. Last year, he was named Most Valuable Player for the 2022 Perfect Game State Showcase, and his fastball is consistently in the lower 80's, putting him in the 99.97% for all players across the US for his age. He is dedicated both on and off the field to the work it takes to get to the Majors. He is an honor student, and he always strives to be a great teammate as well. 

Maddie McClure - Houston Middle School, Eighth Grade, Softball

Maddie McClure, has been playing softball since 2015. She has contributed as a starter since 6th grade playing pitcher, outfielder, and first base. In her 6th grade season, she pitched a no-hitter. She loves the sport, but the best part of the game for her is getting to be with her teammates. She enjoys getting to learn new aspects of the game from her coaches and her teammates alike. She is a well rounded student athlete, as she is on the honor roll, and she works hard to be a leader both on and off the field.