Vote on Alisha Dumas’s State Farm GMSD January Athlete of the Month for High School and Middle School

GMSD is excited to announce the January 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 January High School nominees: 

Will Ballard - Senior, Boys Basketball
“Will is an exceptional student and captain of the basketball team. He is off to a great start to the season with his steady guard play and defense.” - Coach Rob Sabau, HHS Boys Basketball 

Kaleb Davis - Senior, Boys Basketball
“Kaleb is an exceptional student. His shot blocking and rebounding, along with his finishes around the rim, have helped lead us to a great start to the season.” - Coach Rob Sabau, HHS Boys Basketball 

Brooklyn Freeman - Freshman, Swimming
“Brooklyn consistently demonstrates dedication, kindness, and a strong work ethic. She maintains straight A’s in honors and AP courses while balancing competitive swimming, orchestra, and involvement in SGA, the Black Student Association, and the International Club. She is thoughtful and supportive, often sharing her talents—whether playing cello at church events or baking her well-loved Oreo truffles for others. Brooklyn’s ability to apply feedback from coaching immediately has made her one of the most promising up and coming swimmers on the Women's Team, and her drive for excellence in all she does makes her an outstanding representative of our program.” - Coach Jon Pennington, HHS Swim

Sarabeth Shackelford - Junior, Pom
“Sarabeth Shackelford is an exceptional athlete who exemplifies hard work, talent, and dedication. As a junior, she continually strives for excellence and never settles for less than her best. She is a committed student-athlete who consistently leads by example.” - Coach Yorubah Banks, HHS Pom 

Jack Webb - Sophomore, Swimming
“Jack brings exceptional dedication, leadership, and character to our team. Beyond his strong work ethic in the pool, Jack was selected as a Student Ambassador for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar and inducted into the Houston Honors Academy. He continues to excel academically and is pursuing Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. Jack is active in SGA, Student Impact, and church leadership, consistently volunteering to mentor younger kids. He approaches every commitment with integrity and energy, making him an outstanding representative of our program.” - Coach Jon Pennington, HHS Swim

Hadley Wheeler - Senior, Pom
“As a senior, four-year member of the pom team and our senior captain, she exemplifies hard work, leadership, and talent both on and off the dance floor. Hadley’s dedication to her team and academics makes her an outstanding student-athlete.” - Coach Yorubah Banks, HHS Pom   

Here are the January Middle School nominees: 

Jake Cole - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Swimming
"Jake discovered his love for swimming at a young age. Originally from Colorado, Jake moved with his family to Germantown 3 years ago and has swam for Memphis Thunder Aquatics since arriving in town. Last year, he won first in all 3 individual events (100 IM, 50 Breaststroke, and 200 Free) at the Shelby County Championships (middle school meet). He also was the long course high point champion at the Southeastern Swimming Association championship meet (club meet). In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends playing football and video games.” - Coach Justin Ingram, HMS Swimming 

Delilah Davis - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Girls Basketball
"Delilah is the heartbeat of our team—an all-around point guard who leads with confidence, sets the tone every game, and elevates everyone around her. Her coachability, work ethic, and consistent leadership make her the player our entire program leans on, both on and off the court.” - Coach Kallie Searcy, HMS JV Girls Basketball 

Colbi Fly - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Girls Basketball
"Colbi is the ALL around leader of our varsity team—a uniquely versatile player who can run any position on the floor and guide her teammates with maturity far beyond her age. Her high basketball IQ, constant communication, and ability to create both scoring opportunities for herself and others make her an invaluable, game-changing presence every time she steps on the court.” - Coach Tracy Summers, HMS Varsity Girls Basketball

Penelope Lewis - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Basketball Cheer
"Penelope joined our team this year and has emerged as a strong leader who consistently encourages others and gives her best effort during every practice and game. She demonstrates responsibility, dedication, and strong character both on and off the court, making her a standout representative of our program." - Coach Alena Aucker, HMS Girls Basketball

Emma Scoggin - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Swimming
"Emma swims for the Memphis Thunder club team and has earned national rankings in several events within her age group. At last year's Shelby County Championship (middle school) she won first in all 3 individual events (50 Free, 50 Fly, and 200 Free). When she is not in the pool, she loves baking sweet treats, creating art, traveling, spending time outdoors, and she is an avid animal lover.” - Coach Justin Ingram, HMS Swimming

Noah Wood - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Boys Basketball
"Noah is a key part of the boys' basketball team this year. He is a force in the middle and truly loves the game.” - Coach Patrick Cook, HMS Varsity Boys Basketball 
 
Cast your vote for middle and high School athlete of the month! Voting is set to close on January 30, 2026 at 12:00pm CST.