The Warrior Athlete of the Month (WAM) recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the four core pillars of a Warrior Athlete: Focus, Perseverance, Leadership, and Connection. Each month, four student-athletes and one exemplary coach are recognized. These qualities reflect not only strong athletic performance, but also a character that strengthens our school community. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their dedication, effort, and desire to honor Christ both in competition and throughout the school day.
Thank you to the coaches who submitted nominations. Nominations are open year-round for all middle school and high school athletes, regardless of whether they are in-season or out of season. Coaches can nominate a student-athlete HERE. Players and families can nominate coach of the month HERE.
Congratulations to last month’s honorees!
FOCUS: Callie Barthel
Girls Volleyball | Seventh Grade
Nominated by Coach Allie Elifritz
“Callie came to 7th-grade volleyball this summer, being relatively new to the sport. Since the moment she arrived, she has been working hard not only in practice but also on her own to continue improving her skills. Callie is focused on improving her serving and back-row play and is improving each week! She even had a couple of games where she got on a serving streak of 6+ serves in a row! She practices and competes with a Focus on honoring the Lord and supporting her teammates.”
PERSEVERE: Natalie Broadfoot
Girls Volleyball | Sophomore
Nominated by Coach Liz Prentis
“Natalie has faced some challenges this season, including being asked to switch positions depending on what the team has needed from her. Through all of that, she has continued to show up, work hard, and give her best. Even on days when she may not feel like she is playing at her best, she doesn’t give up or let it change how she supports the people around her. She continues to encourage her teammates, stay engaged, and keep working to get better. I’m really proud of the way Natalie has handled the ups and downs of this season and the perseverance she has shown through it all!“
LEAD: Jayden Lewis
Cheerleading | Junior
Nominated by Coaches Alexa Marlow, Dana Rogers, and Tammy Lewis
“Jayden consistently demonstrates what true leadership looks like through her actions, attitude, and willingness to serve others. Jayden never complains about the role she is given. Instead, her attitude is always, “Put me where I am needed most.” She is willing to do whatever is best for the team, whether that means taking on a prominent role or stepping into the background to help someone else succeed. She is also someone who consistently goes above and beyond. Jayden is often one of the first athletes to arrive at practice and one of the last to leave. She frequently takes on extra projects without being asked and has even met with cheerleaders outside of scheduled practice time to help them learn and perfect new material. Jayden has become someone her teammates naturally seek out when they have questions or need help. She is approachable, dependable, and always willing to share what she knows. She also looks for ways to help her coaches, often noticing what needs to be done before being asked. Jayden doesn’t lead by demanding attention; she leads by serving others. Her consistency, humility, initiative, and willingness to put the team before herself make her an outstanding example of what it means to be a Warrior Athlete and a true leader.“
CONNECT: Peyton Blary
Girls Soccer | Senior
Nominated by Coaches Luke Fields and Steve Raikes
“Peyton has done a great job this year providing leadership as a senior captain, being flexible to play multiple positions, and helping anchor our defense. She has provided incredible support to her teammates and ensures that all players feel connected to one another and to the goals the team is pursuing together. She works hard to get everyone involved in team events, creating a team environment where everyone feels included. She has a constant smile and a positive attitude, and she brings a lot of great energy to the team. She thinks of others and is quick to help and be thoughtful. In addition, Peyton scored the game-winning goal, a long free kick against Thomas Worthington, and has multiple free-kick assists. She has been a model of how a leader of a team connects and serves others and puts in the effort and work expected by all.”
COACH: Emma Thomas
High School Girls Volleyball
“I would like to nominate Emma Thomas for being so willing to actively engage in the middle school program this year, and her support of the High School team in countless ways. She ran several open gyms over the summer, guided some of the middle school setters during the season, and helped with serving. She was also quick to include the MS team in spirit wear orders. It was great for the girls to have a coach at the High School level show interest in their development, and as a coach, I really appreciated the partnership. Coach Emma pours her heart into our student-athletes at every level and works with all of the coaches to build community and excitement around the programs. Thank you, Coach Emma!”