GMSD is excited to announce the September 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 September High School nominees:
Kenley Henderson - Senior, Volleyball
“Kenley has the best attitude and represents what Houston volleyball is all about.
Doing all things with a smile on her face, she excels in the classroom and is not only a great player but an even better teammate. ” - Coach Becky Pendleton, HHS Varsity Volleyball
Garrison Hickey - Junior, Cross Country
“Garrison is a junior on the boys team and has taken great leadership responsibilities, as well as been the one of the fastest finishers on the team in our first two races of the season. He is going to have a fantastic season and is vital to the Houston XC team!” - Coach Rachel Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country
Martha Kate Jessop - Junior, Cross Country
"Martha Kate is the cheerleader everyone needs. Not only is her work ethic beyond admirable, she is also her teammates' biggest cheerleader, supportive of everyone, and one of the top finishers in the first two races of the season on the girls' team. Martha Kate went from running JV her freshman year, to being an important component of the girls varsity team her junior year. She's always got your back, and always does the work.” - Coach Rachel Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country
McKlain Jones - Senior, Soccer
"Despite the obstacle of tearing one’s ACL, McKlain Jones is the definition of true grit. McKlain's defensive prowess has been a game-changer for her team. She is able to showcase an exceptional ability to anticipate plays, disrupt opposing attacks, and maintain composure under pressure." - Coach David Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer
Ellet Smith - Senior, Soccer
“Ellet Smith's exceptional skill on the field is matched only by her relentless dedication and leadership. She has the ability to inspire her teammates and elevate the game to new heights. Her play speaks for itself. Smith has no ceiling and will continuously reach new levels on the field.” - Coach David Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer
Here are the September Middle School nominees:
Eryn Beaver - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
“Eryn is such a pleasure to coach. She always shows up ready to work hard, and is always respectful of her teammates, coaches and refs. She has also demonstrated this same work ethic off the field and currently has all A’s with her coursework. It has been a pleasure to coach Eryn the past two years.” - Coach Wendy Percoski, HMS Girls Soccer
Lily Brownd - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball
“Lily works hard at her craft and her effort has helped propel her team to a 9-2 record halfway through the season. She has excelled as our setter (think quarterback), directing our offense with efficiency and racking up 142 assists and 29 aces through 11 matches. Lily is a leader, both on and off the floor, and is co-captain of the team. We are very proud of her and all the remarkable student athletes on the Mustang volleyball team.” - Coach Kenny Grass, HMS Volleyball
Ann Catherine Elrod - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Soccer
"Ann Catherine is a 6th grader for the HMS Mustangs and has already shown that she is willing to show up, work hard and earn a spot on the soccer field. She is always very respectful to coaching staff and teammates and has shown that she will work hard in the classroom with all A’s in her academics." - Coach Wendy Percoski, HMS Girls Soccer
Charli Coleman - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Volleyball
“Charli is the varsity volleyball team captain at Riverdale. She always shows effort, supports, and encourages her teammates.” - Coach Jamikhan Wilson, Riverdale Volleyball
Milly Dodson - 6th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
“She shows her dedication and determination by attending every practice and meet & always giving 100%. She shaved 27 seconds off her personal record in the 2000m at the last meet!” - Coach Felicity Bost, Riverdale Cross Country
Zeke Newhouse - 7th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
"He sets goals, and he continues to push himself at each practice. His hard work paid off when he shaved 29 seconds off of his personal record in the 2000m at the last meet!" - Coach Felicity Bost, Riverdale Cross Country
Congratulations to all of these athletes! Cast your vote. Voting is set to close on Monday, September 30, 2024 at noon.