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

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: 

George Church - Sophomore, Cross Country 

“George is a sophomore on the XC team and was the top finisher and 3rd overall at the West Tennessee Jamboree, leading the boys' team to a first place finish!” - Coach Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country 

Lola Coupe - Freshman, Cross Country 

“Lola is a freshman on the XC team and was our top finisher and 4th overall at the West Tennessee Jamboree, leading the girls' team to a first place finish!” - Coach Randall, HHS Varsity Cross Country  

Hallie McBride - Senior, Girls Soccer

“Hallie is a member of the varsity soccer team, on the student board for YoungLife as well as being a leader for Wylflife. If she’s not on the field for HHS, she’s on the field with her teammates playing Club soccer. Hallie has committed to play soccer at the University of South Alabama where she will continue her athletic and academic career starting in January of 2026.” - Coach Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer  

Lyla Talley - Senior, Girls Soccer

“A senior and multi-year varsity contributor for Houston High School Girls’ Soccer, part of the program that captured the 2024 TSSAA Division I Class AAA state championship. Talley also competes for Germantown Legends ’08, with club posts recognizing her among U17 All-Regional League honorees. A product of the Houston pipeline (including a 2021 Houston Middle School state title roster), Talley exemplifies consistent excellence and impact within one of Tennessee’s premier high school programs.” - Coach Wolff, HHS Varsity Girls Soccer  

Kate Vincent - Senior, Volleyball

“Kate has played volleyball for all 4 years and is a team captain this year for her senior season. She leads by example on and off the court. Kate is a beautiful person inside and out, and I love how she is a positive role model for the younger players.” - Coach Pendleton, HHS Varsity Volleyball

Madelyn Wainright - Senior, Volleyball

“Madelyn has played volleyball for Houston for 4 years and is a great teammate and competitor.  She has such a positive energy and others love being around her. No matter what role Madelyn is placed on the team she embraces the opportunity with grace and pride and works hard to get better every day.” - Coach Pendleton, HHS Varsity Volleyball

Here are the September Middle School nominees: 

Gwendy Hankins - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball

“This is Gwendy’s 3rd year to be on the HMS varsity team, and she has worked hard each season to improve her craft. This season, Gwendy is among the team leaders in digs, receiving, and scoring. As co-captain, she is always supportive, and helps lead the team with a strong voice, both on the court and in the huddle. We are proud of Gwendy and all her HMS teammates.” - Coach Gass, HMS Varsity Volleyball  

Annabelle Marino - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Volleyball

“Annabelle Marino is a major contributor for the Riverdale Volleyball Varsity team. She is a versatile player that demonstrates a great understanding of the game and leads through her example of big energy!! We are very proud of her and look forward to seeing all she will accomplish in the future!!!” - Coach Coulter, Riverdale Varsity Volleyball  

Chloe McKinley - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country 

“Nominated for her outstanding effort and dedication this season. Chloe has consistently worked hard, stayed focused, and pushed through challenges with determination. She sets a great example for the younger kids on the team, showing them that with hard work and commitment, you can achieve your goals. Her attitude and perseverance make her a role model both on and off the field.” - Coach Ellis, Riverdale Cross Country  

Liam McNeil - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country 

“Liam has worked hard all summer and entered the season fit and ready to lead the HMS boys in their pursuit of a state championship. He opened the year with a brilliant 7th-place finish at Saturday Light Fever in Hendersonville, TN, against some of the toughest competition in the state. With Liam’s leadership, the boys look poised for another successful season.” - Coach McNeil, HMS Cross Country  

Cody Mills - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Girls Soccer

“Cody Mills has done an excellent job as Riverdale's starting goalie this season. She has made some unbelievable saves at critical moments and been a great on-field leader for her defense. She also had a shutout in Riverdale's 3-0 win over Collierville Middle School!” - Coach Crawford, Riverdale Girls Soccer 

Lilly Trout - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Girls Soccer

“Lily has been a player that shows up every practice and game ready to play with the best attitude. She is happy to help her team be successful and never complains about where I put her on the field or her playing time minutes. In my opinion, every kid should strive to share her work ethic and attitude, which has been to work to prove herself when given the opportunity rather than try and accomplish things through complaining. She is always respectful to coaches and teammates and has truly been a pleasure to coach. Kids like Lily make coaches want to keep showing up!” - Coach Percoski, HMS Varsity Girls Soccer

Cast your vote for middle and high School athlete of the month! Voting is set to close on September 29, 2025 at 12:00pm CST.