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

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

Jack Boccher - Senior, Soccer

“Jack is a dedicated athlete and an exceptional teammate, always bringing leadership and commitment to everything he does. Beyond athletics, Jack is deeply involved in the Houston High School and GMSD community. As the student representative for the GMSD School Board, he plays a vital role in advocating for his peers and making a positive impact. His passion for leadership and service extends beyond high school, as he aspires to attend a service academy post-graduation, demonstrating his dedication to excellence and community service.” - Coach David Wolff, HHS Boys Soccer

Elizabeth Cleveland - Junior, Softball

“Elizabeth is a Junior 1st baseman/pitcher for Houston Softball. She currently has a .500 batting average and is fielding .971 in just 10 games. She is a confident and strong presence in the infield and her smile is contagious among her teammates. Elizabeth was voted as one of the team captains by her peers this season and is an excellent example of a leader both on and off the field.” - Coach Christian Jackson, HHS Softball

Kaylea Howell - Senior, Softball

"Kaylea is a Senior center fielder for Houston Softball. She currently has a .520 batting average with 1 homerun and 12 RBI in just 10 games. Kaylea has been an integral part of our team since her freshman year. She is one of the hardest workers that I have ever had the privilege of coaching. She is always the first one there and one of the last ones to leave. Kaylea was voted one of our team captains by her peers this season and she has signed to continue her academic and softball career at Freed Hardeman University in the Fall.” - Coach Christian Jackson, HHS Softball

Nora Newhouse - Junior, Track & Field

"Nora is a junior on the cross country and track teams, and is a natural leader on and off the track. She is a versatile athlete, excelling in distances ranging from the 800 to the 3200. She is a vital member of the girls 4x800 squad. Nora puts in the work day in and day out, always with a smile on her face!” - Coach Scott Hamlett, HHS Track & Field 

Quinn Newhouse - Senior, Soccer

"Quinn’s dedication, hard work, and leadership make him a standout both on and off the field. As a multi-talented athlete and a great teammate, he leads by example, always pushing himself and those around him to improve. Quinn is also the founder of the Houston High School Pickleball Club, where he has done an outstanding job connecting with his peers and promoting opportunities for students to stay active and engaged in the sport. His passion for athletics and commitment to fostering a positive sports community truly set him apart.” - Coach David Wolff, HHS Boys Soccer

Tristian Rogers - Senior, Track & Field

"Tristian excels in both field and sprint events. He is #1 in the state in long jump, ranked as high in the 200m, and is an important component to the 4x400 and 4x200 relay teams. He puts in the work, and this season is looking to be a strong and fast one for him! ” - Coach Scott Hamlett, HHS Track & Field 

Here are the April Middle School nominees: 

Leighton Bailey - 7th Grade, Riverdale, Track & Field 

“Leighton Bailey, a standout athlete on Riverdale’s middle school track & field team, is a deserving nominee for the State Farm Athlete of the Month Award. Known for exceptional speed, determination, and sportsmanship, Leighton consistently excels in competition while maintaining a strong academic record. A dedicated student-athlete, Leighton demonstrates leadership on and off the track, inspiring teammates with a relentless work ethic and positive attitude. Representing Riverdale with pride, Leighton’s commitment to excellence makes them a true role model in both athletics and academics.” - Coach McClain, Riverdale Track & Field 

Ryleigh Chester - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Track & Field 

"Ryleigh opened the 2025 spring track season on fire. Ryleigh led the Mustangs at their opening meet this spring with a 2nd place in the 800m and a 3rd place in the 1600m. Ryleigh is poised for a strong track season and another trip to the TMSAA State Championships in Clarksville.” - Coach McNeil, HMS Track & Field 

Parker Jones - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Track & Field 

"Parker debuted his track and field skills for the first time at the Mid-South Middle School Jamboree in early March. Parker competed in the high jump for the first time...ever. He went on to tie for 2nd place and set the HMS school record in the high jump at 5 feet and 4 inches. Parker is a quick study and we look for even higher jumps in the near future.” - Coach McNeil, HMS Track & Field 

Lucy Pierce - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Softball

“7th grader Lucy Pierce has been a force for HMS softball over its 1st four games. She leads the team in nearly every category, with a batting average of nearly .700, 10 RBIs, flawless defense & a big win on the mound versus district rival CMS. Lucy’s leadership & play on the field has been a key part of the team’s 4-0 start." - Coach Peterson, HMS Softball 

Payne Walker - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Boys Lacrosse

“Payne is a calm and determined lacrosse player on and off the field. He shows a kind and gentle spirit to all of his friends and teammates. Wherever Payne is needed whether it's helping a classmate or helping a teammate he is always there willing to help with a smile.” - Brandi Watson, Houston Middle School 

Landon Wilbanks - 6th Grade, Riverdale, Track & Field

“Landon Wilbanks is a dedicated and talented member of Riverdale’s middle school track & field team, making him an outstanding candidate for the State Farm Athlete of the Month Award. His hard work, perseverance, and competitive spirit set him apart as both an athlete and a student. Landon consistently pushes himself to improve, demonstrating discipline in training and determination on the track. Beyond his athletic success, he excels in the classroom and leads by example, showing integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence. Landon’s dedication to both sports and academics makes him a worthy nominee for this honor.” - Coach McClain, Riverdale Track & Field 

Cast your vote for middle and high School athlete of the month! Voting is set to close on April 28, 2025 at 12:00pm CST.