GMSD is excited to announce the October 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. Hear directly from their coaches about what makes them a great teammate, a hard worker, and a great athlete. 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 October High School nominees:
Lindsey Barnes - Senior, Cross Country
“Lindsey is a senior on the Girls' XC Team and is having a great season! She is the perfect example of putting in the work and trusting the plan, and success will follow. Every race this season she has gotten faster and faster and was the top finisher on the team at Trinity-Valkyrie in Louisville.” - Coach Rachel Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country
John Gavin - Senior, Golf
“John has had a great senior season, and he has qualified for the State Championship.” - Coach Kevin Gaylord, HHS Varsity Golf
Zerina Markovic - Senior, Soccer
"Zerina Markovic's creativity and determination on the field elevate the entire team's performance. Her drive and relentless pursuit of the game brings out a creative side, causing her to be a vital part of our success.” - Coach David Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer
Erin McDonald - Senior, Golf
"Erin has received multiple accolades during her senior season, and we are also proud to say that she has qualified for the State Championship.” - Coach Kevin Gaylord, HHS Varsity Golf
Laila McNamee - Senior, Soccer
"Laila McNamee's tenacity and bravery are the definition of what it means to be a goalkeeper. Her unwavering focus and instinctive saves make her an irreplaceable asset to the team and a true contender for this award." - Coach David Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer
Tyler Schmitt - Sophomore, Cross Country
"Only a sophomore, Tyler is making his mark on the Houston XC Team. At our last meet, Trinity-Valkyrie in Louisville, Tyler was the top finisher on the boys team in 17:00 for the 5k. He works hard every practice, and races competitively and fearlessly - we can't wait to see what he does as the season progresses!" - Coach Rachel Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country
Here are the October Middle School nominees:
Kailey Askins - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Soccer
“As one of the captains for Riverdale Lady Raiders, Kailey is a tough, hard-working player. She is extremely reliable in defense and is a natural team leader. She was an absolutely vital part of Riverdale's 2024 season.” - Coach Matt Crawford, Riverdale Girls Soccer
Julia Hight - 6th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
“This is Julia’s first season competing as a cross country runner. She continues to push herself at each practice and meet in order to improve each week. She recently beat her personal best 2 mile time by 19 seconds. ” - Coach Felicity Bost, Riverdale Cross Country
Owen Manguso - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
"Owen steps up as a team leader by motivating the team & leading warmups. He beat his personal best two mile time by 11 seconds with a time of 12:51 at the last race we competed in." - Coach Felicity Bost, Riverdale Cross Country
Piper Olswing - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
“Piper is extremely talented on the soccer field and is capable, but more importantly, willing to play any position on the field for me. To have a player that is always willing to play in a spot that truly is what is best for the team is a great athlete to coach. Piper is also always respectful to me and all of her teammates, demonstrating great leadership skills. Lastly, her classroom efforts match her field efforts, as she is on the Honor Roll.” - Coach Wendy Percoski, Houston Middle School Girls Soccer
William Pressler - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country
“William has led a powerful HMS boys cross country squad with four straight individual victories to start the 2024 campaign. His blistering 10:38 two mile time at the Tupelo Invitational ranks among the fastest across the region. Under William's leadership the HMS boys cross country team is poised to compete for a State Championship.” - Coach Scott McNeil, Houston Middle School Cross Country
Congratulations to all of our nominees! Be sure to cast your vote. Voting is set to close on Thursday, October 31 at 12:00pm.