Best of Preps 2025 by Mountain Times Publications

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The 2025 Best of Preps winners are a testament to the hard work these studentathletes have committed to making their teammates, schools, and communities better while also excelling in the classroom. Studentathletes, especially in the fall, went the extra mile this year.

The 2025 honorees represent far more than athletic excellence. These student-athletes have proven themselves champions in the classroom, leaders in their communities, and exemplars of resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges. Their response to Hurricane Helene— putting service before self when their seasons hung in the balance—embodies the spirit that makes high school athletics so vital to our mountain communities.

Mountain Times Publications, which includes

the Watauga Democrat, The Avery JournalTimes and The Ashe Post and Times, annually organizes this special edition to honor local student-athletes. Best of Preps recognizes student-athletes and coaches across more than 20 sports. In addition to each sports team, individual awards of Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year, Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, the Perseverance Award, the Community Excellence Award and the Extra Mile Coach of the Year Award are recognized.

One athlete from each sport was nominated by that team’s coach from each school. A committee worked to determine the best athletes from the nominees. While the athletic accomplishments are still greatly considered, the judges placed a higher regard for the work the student-athletes did in the classroom. Often,

tenths of a GPA point separated winners from runners-up — a testament to the exceptional caliber of nominees across all three schools.

In addition to the accolades and celebration of our prep athletes, area businesses in the community also sponsored each award. Special thanks to them, as well as to each school’s coaches, administrators and athletic directors, for their assistance in providing information for their student-athletes utilized in this section.

From the classroom to the court, from fields of competition to fields of service, this year’s Best of Preps winners have distinguished themselves as leaders worthy of celebration. Congratulations to each honoree and to the families, teams, and schools that shaped them into the remarkable young people they’ve become.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Sears Kate WOMEN’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Eclipsing 2,500 career points, winning a fourth-straight Northwestern 4A/3A Conference championship, and reaching the Elite Eight in the highest classification of the postseason.

Those were just a few of the accomplishments and accolades that Kate Sears brought in during her senior year as a member of Watauga’s girl basketball team this past winter.

Sears, who has signed to play basketball for Virginia Tech, nearly averaged a triple-double her senior year (27.2 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 9.2 assists) while drawing 15 charges.

Sears, who was named NWC Player of the Year for the fourthstraight year, collected a double-double in 27 of the Lady Pioneers’ 28 games this season, with 13 of those turning into triple-doubles.

“It’s really special. I think as a team, but especially as a group of seniors, that was really our goal going into the season just because every year we’ve had to share it, and we wanted to accomplish something that we hadn’t done and that the school hasn’t done in a really long time,” Sears said about winning a fourth-straight league championship and the program’s first outright title since the 198283 season.

In her four years on varsity, Sears finished with 2,614 points, which currently ranks her 11th all-time in the state. She also finished with 980 rebounds and 714 assists.

Sears also had 242 steals and connected on 274 3-pointers while helping lead Watauga to a 94-23 record, including a 22-6 mark this past winter.

The Lady Pioneers also reached at least the third round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A playoffs each season, highlighted by an appearance in the West Regional finals in 2023-24.

“Kate’s the best kind of best player — just her drive and her willingness to talk and be loud and go hard in every rep have been a big part of the program’s success the past four years,” said Watauga head girls basketball coach Bill Torgerson.

Off the court, Sears was a member of Watauga’s chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Sears has volunteered locally as

Watauga’s Kate Sears eclipsed both the 2,000 and the 2,500-point plateau for her career during this past girls basketball season.

a peer math tutor and as a youth basketball coach. She has also donated her time to multiple community service initiatives through Athletes for Good.

In the classroom, Sears maintained a weighted GPA of 4.54.

On the court, Sears raked in the awards her senior season, culminating with the Hall of Fame Award, which goes to the WHS Female Athlete of the Year. She was named Ms. Basketball in North Carolina for the 2024-25 season by the Charlotte Observer and the Gatorade North Carolina Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Sears was also named the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association’s All-State Player of the Year and the North Carolina MaxPreps and High School OT’s High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year honors.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

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Greene Maddox

Not too many student-athletes can say they played a pivotal role in three major sports at their school.

Even fewer can say they won conference championships in those sports.

Maddox Greene can lay claim to both, and he did it all in the same academic year, which made for a very strong case for this year’s 2024-25 Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year.

Greene, who also received the Trailblazer award (which goes to the WHS Male Athlete of the Year), has signed to play both football and baseball for Carson-Newman.

“Accolades are great, but Maddox is more than that — he’s an exceptional student, he’s an accomplished three-sport athlete. He’s a friend and a teammate,” said Mike Windish, who served as Watauga’s head baseball coach during Greene’s first three high school seasons. “He’s a positive reflection of what it means to be a Watauga Pioneer.”

Greene was named the Northwestern 4A/3A Conference Player of the Year for football after he rushed for 1,472 yards on 164 carries and 21 touchdowns. He was 68-of-109 passing through the air for 1,161 yards and 17 touchdowns (compared to just three interceptions) and also had three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Greene added 24 tackles (19 solo) and intercepted three passes.

During his time on the Watauga football field, Greene went 38-5 in four seasons and did not lose a conference game (with only three regular-season losses) as the Pioneers’ starting signal caller. He passed for 4,337 yards and 60 touchdowns (with just nine interceptions) on 236-of-381 passing. Greene also rushed for 4,870 yards and 68 touchdowns on 577 attempts.

He was also recognized by High School OT as an all-state football selection on offense for the 2024 season.

“Maddox was a great leader, a quiet leader, as he did it through his actions. The thing I say about Maddox is he has never missed a game or practice due to injury or anything else. He takes care of his body, the preparation,” Watauga head football coach Ryan Habich said at the end of the season. “I always tell people, well done is better than well said. Maddox is obviously a well-done type of athlete — a lot of our players, like Isaiah Shirley and Anderson Castle, are right up there, and so is Maddox Greene when it comes to that type of player. He’s a great kid, great player, great athlete and whether it’s basketball, baseball, or football, he elevates people around him.”

On the hardwood, Greene averaged 5.6 points, four rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He was often tasked with

MEN’S ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

guarding the opposing team’s best player. He was among four Pioneers named to the All-Conference team as he helped Watauga to the fourth round of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A playoffs for the first time since the 2013-14 season.

As the Pioneers’ shortstop on the baseball diamond, Greene had a .392 batting average with 29 hits (including a pair of homers) and 17 runs batted in. Greene helped lead the team to its first NWC Tournament Title since 2014 and a trip to the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Greene was also named to the all-conference team and the North Carolina Baseball Coaches Association’s All-Region 11 team.

Academically, Greene posted a 4.28 grade point average while taking part in various extracurricular activities, including Watauga Athletes for Good, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Asian Culture Club.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Maddox Greene — a three-sport athlete at Watauga — played key roles in helping his Pioneer squads win Northwestern 4A/3A Conference championships in football, basketball and baseball this school year.

Fall 2024 Watauga, Ashe and Avery County Student-Athletes PERSEVERANCE AWARD

For the better part of the first month of the 2024-25 high school sports season, it was business as usual for the Ashe County, Avery County and Watauga student-athletes.

But that all changed one Friday in late September when Hurricane Helene came through and changed everything.

With their seasons put on hold for weeks, the focus shifted from the athletic field to their respective communities, where they pitched in to ensure everyone was safe and helped rebuild their communities.

One thing in particular that the Pioneers did was the Watauga Athletes For Good club putting together the Care Closet.

In conjunction with clothing donations from local businesses, the AFG worked diligently over a two-day span to help put everything together.

“The clothes have come from all over. We even had a lady drive up yesterday from Charlotte, and we’ve just had a surplus,” said Donna Wellborn, who oversees Athletes For Good. “A lot of them have been new or at least close to new, and these kids have worked around the clock, and it took a long time to sort everything and put everything on a hanger.

“The kids have been working on roads, and they’ve been here shopping for their parents and taking care of their siblings and all kinds of things, so they’ve had to grow up very quickly.”

Numerous Avery County High School coaches and student-athletes jumped in feet first to help provide relief by serving their fellow neighbors and community members. Whether it involved putting up hay, clearing debris, working at a donation and distribution center, or bringing items to those in need, “Viking Strong” has been a common theme across Avery County.

In October, the Ashe girls’ tennis team partnered with the Ashe Early College to create special birthday bags for children in kindergarten through third grade who had missed out on celebrating birthday parties or even leaving their homes.

Along with the birthday bags, many Lady Husky tennis team members have spent this difficult time volunteering by helping to serve meals, assisting people in cleaning out their homes, and providing supplies at local churches. Team members also created cards for the many Blue Ridge Energy and SkyLine/SkyBest linemen who worked tirelessly to restore power and communication to homes in Ashe County.

“As a coach, I am very proud of these girls,” said Ashe County Head Coach Amy Dollar.

When the seasons restarted in mid-October, teams either played condensed seasons or had conference games cut to fit everything in before the start of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association

playoffs.

Avery County football’s schedule was reconfigured, forcing them to play multiple Saturday games and relocate games to different locations, such as Enka and Madison High Schools.

Watauga and Ashe County High School football teams, which had their respective open weeks the Friday that Helene hit, ended up playing three games in the span of eight days to close out the regular season.

“We’re very, very excited about being back, able to play games where we know some schools in Western North Carolina were hit pretty hard where they’re not able to play, so we’re very fortunate that we get a chance to play,” Watauga head football coach Ryan Habich said during an interview just before returning to the field following Helene.

But the Pioneers, Huskies and Vikings managed to push past all of the setbacks to claim league titles (Watauga football, boys soccer, girls tennis and cross country teams, as well as Ashe County volleyball) and even a state-runner-up finish by Avery County girls golf at the NCHSAA 1A/2A state championships, just to name a few.

The Vikings football team also closed out their regular season on a high note with a big win over Mitchell in the Avery Journal-Times Border Battle.

Ward Owen COMMUNITY

Owen Ward, a senior at Avery High School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Best of Preps Community Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication to community service and leadership throughout his high school career. Ward’s commitment to serving others spans multiple areas of his community. For the past four years, he has volunteered more than seven hours weekly with youth programs at Alliance Bible Fellowship, leading worship and mentoring middle school students. His faith-based service extends beyond the local community through international mission trips, including a 2023 journey to Guatemala, where he taught English as a second language and assisted with food delivery and a 2022 trip to New York City for ESL instruction and park ministry.

As a volunteer firefighter with the Fall Creek Fire Department since November 2023, Ward responds to emergency calls and participates in weekly training sessions. His military service began with the completion of a 10-week Army Basic Training in the summer of 2024, graduating as a U.S. Army soldier on August 15. He currently serves in the Army Reserves as a chaplain’s

assistant and holds certifications as a Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment representative.

AWARD

Ward’s leadership abilities have been evident throughout his high school career. He served as JROTC color guard captain from 20222024, presenting colors at all football and basketball games, and received the JROTC Service Award for three consecutive years. As cross country team captain in 2024, he demonstrated resilience and commitment by staying with the team despite setbacks from Hurricane Helene.

Ward’s dedication was evident across multiple areas, from his four-year commitment to cross country to his active participation in JROTC and church leadership roles.

Ward has also contributed to veterans support programs, participated in Operation Christmas Child through Samaritan’s Purse, and volunteered at local food pantries. He completed advanced leadership training through Student Leadership University programs in Orlando, Florida, and Washington.

Ward has been accepted to the University of the Cumberlands for the 2025-26 academic year, where he plans to continue his education while maintaining his Army Reserve commitments.

The Best of Preps Community Excellence Award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding character and service beyond their athletic achievements, making Ward a deserving recipient for his years of dedicated community involvement.

PHOTO BY JAMIE SHELL

Owen Ward served in Avery High School’s JROTC program and, following graduation last December, enlisted in military service.

PHOTO BY SERENA SMITH

Owen Ward competed as part of the Vikings cross country team during his high school career.

Watauga Girls Track and Field TEAM OF THE YEAR

Watauga’s girls track and field team made it 15 and counting when it came to Northwestern 4A/3A Conference championships this past spring.

The Lady Pioneers more than doubled up runner-up Alexander Central with 272 points (Lady Cougars had 123) and had all but wrapped up the league title before afternoon lightning halted the meet with four events left.

Watauga won 12 of the 18 events and swept the medal finishes in four of those events on the way to capturing 30 medals (those who finished in the top three).

The conference title was just a small sample of what was a very successful spring, during which the team set nearly a dozen new school records.

The Lady Pioneers captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A West Regional championship two weeks later in a very loaded and challenging field at Ballentyne Ridge.

“We have been talking with the team about their potential for this since the very start of the season, so seeing it come to fruition was a surreal moment for all of the athletes and coaches,” Watauga head girls track and field coach Kimberly Kop said following the regional championships. “There was a lot of planning and strategy involved in deciding which events to prioritize for those who qualified for several to allow them the recovery to compete at their best but still get points throughout the meet.

“These young women came to this meet just like every other meet this season, prepared and composed,” added Kop. “They were attentive to how other teams were performing, but they did a tremendous job staying focused on their events and what they could contribute as an individual. The strength of this team has always been the sum of its many parts, and that is truly how track and field meets are won.”

Watauga continued that success the following week at the NCHSAA 4A championships, where they claimed third as a team.

The finish, the girl’s program’s best showing since winning the 4A state title in 1997, was made even more impressive as the Lady Pioneers brought just eight athletes to the championships.

Of those eight athletes, three of them captured medals, including a pair from Sadie Buchanan.

The UNC Wilmington signee took third in both the 100-meter and 300-meter hurdles, while teammate Lily Stough took fourth in the triple jump. Cali Townsend capped off an impressive freshman campaign with a fourth in the 3,200 run.

Annabelle Stewart (3,200), Sydney Helms (pole vault) and Lainey Johnston and Lily Kimbrough (both in the 4x800 relay alongside Stewart and Townsend) also had at least one top-10 finish at the state championships.

“Every athlete we took to states contributed to the team’s success, whether directly through points or by striving together and encouraging one another,” said Kop following the state championships. “Besides points earned, every athlete gained experience competing at the top level in the state — experience and competence is what we’re going for as this program continues to grow.”

Watauga head boys track and field coach Scott Townsend also stated, “It’s unreal. We arguably had the most consistent performances of any team with multiple event participants, meaning that when an individual competed in multiple events, their performances were consistent with their own personal records.”

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

The Watauga girls track and field program, seen here after winning the NCHSAA 4A West regional title, won multiple championships throughout the spring. They capped off the season with a third-place finish at the 4A state championships.

Gregory Josh COACH OF THE YEAR

Following a successful tenure as an assistant coach under former ACHS head track and field coach Cary Dominguez and assistant coach Don Reinhofer, Josh Gregory took the mantle of leadership and continued the winning tradition of Vikings Track and Field.

In his first season at the helm, Gregory led the Vikings Girls Track and Field program to a conference championship and three state championships, including title holders in the girls 300-meter hurdles, girls’ pole vault, and girls 4x400-meter relay, as well as medalists in the girls 200-meter dash and 4x200-meter relay and the boys 800-meter run. Gregory’s team finished sixth overall in the girls team competition at the state outdoor track and field championships among 1A schools. A pair of his athletes, Maddy Barrett and Abby Burleson, won state individual championships in back-to-back seasons, with Burleson setting a state record at 12 feet, 3 inches in the girl’s pole vault competition.

In recognition of his team’s performance, Gregory was also named Western Highlands Conference Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year.

“Josh is a very good track coach. He has a game plan and is very methodical with the student-athletes workouts and having his athletes peaking at the right time,” Avery High School Director of Athletics Benny Wellborn said. “We’re blessed to have him. He was genuinely shocked to learn of winning the conference coach of the year award. He boasts one indoor state champion, two outdoor state champions, a relay state champion and relay runner-up, with the other placers. He’s done an amazing job.”

Finalists: Kimberly Kop (Watauga girls track and field) and Amy Dollar (Ashe girls tennis)

PHOTO BY JAMIE SHELL

Avery High School Girls Track and Field Head Coach Josh Gregory was named Western Highlands Conference Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year this season, as his team garnered multiple individual and team 1A state championships during the spring season.

Buchanan Sadie

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.51

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Buchanan, who signed to run track at UNC-Wilmington this past spring, captured third in 4A in the 55-meter hurdles during the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A indoor track and field championships. Following the championships, she qualified and competed at New Balance Indoor HS Nationals in Boston, MA, while being named National High School TFXC Coaches Association ‘All American’ in 55 hurdles. During the outdoor season, Buchanan doubled up on medal finishes at the state 4A championships as she took third in both the 100 hurdles and 300 hurdles. She also set multiple school records en route to being named the Northwestern 4A/3A Conference’s Runner of the Year.

Volunteer and Community Service: Buchanan served as Junior Marshal in 2024 and was also a WHS Senior Spotlight Award winner. She also served as a volunteer for the Humane Society and a volunteer with Samaritan’s Purse for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Coach’s Comments: “Sadie has established herself this season as a top 10 talent in the 55mH (Ninth in NC). During her march to the podium finish at the 4A State meet, Sadie set two personal records demonstrating her ability to rise to the competitive demands of the meet. She is a leader on the team by example and is the anchor of several relay teams in addition to her own personal events. Sadie suffers from POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which is a condition characterized by a rapid increase in heart rate, which manifests itself in dizziness and fainting. She has had to deal with this through much of her high school athletics career, which is an amazing testament to her focus and commitment to the sport.” — Watauga Head Indoor Track and Field Coach Scott Townsend.

Finalists: Abby Burleson (Avery) and Gracie Finley (Ashe)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Watauga’s Sadie Buchanan, seen here during the outdoor track and field season.

Greene Sawyer

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.76

Achievements and Awards: Sawyer Greene was the 3A/4A Northwestern Conference Champion in the 110-meter High Hurdles and a Regional Qualifier in the 110-meter high hurdles. Greene brought home the 3A/4A Northwestern Conference Championship in the high jump with the third highest jump in Ashe County High School history at 6 feet, 4 inches. He was also a Regional Qualifier in the high jump.

Coach’s Comments: “Sawyer is a very dynamic athlete, achieving success in both hurdling events, filling in on sprint relays and dominating the conference in high jump this year. Sawyer works hard in practice, buys into the track program here at the high school, and is extremely coachable. As a junior, we are excited to have him back next year as a senior leader on our team!” - Ashe County Coach Alex Rollins

Finalists: Kaden Knight (Avery) and Clayo Kulczyk (Watauga)

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Sawyer Greene was the conference champion in the 110-meter high hurdles and the high jump.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Lovell Maleah SOFTBALL

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.54

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE

YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Maleah Lovell was one of Ashe County’s most important players this season on the softball field. Lovell led the Lady Huskies with an 11-9 record in the pitching circle with a team-high 135 strikeouts. Lovell also led Ashe with a .507 batting average, 36 hits and 13 doubles. She was second on the team with 24 RBIs and second on the team with four home runs. Lovell played regional travel softball at the Cardinals Super 78 Spartanburg, South Carolina, PGF States, Rock Hill, South Carolina, East Coast Fireworks, Rock Hill, PGF Grand Cashionals Spartanburg, and TCS East Coast Summer National in Myrtle Beach. Lovell was also a member of the ACHS tennis team, where she was the Northwestern 3A/4A Doubles Champion and Regional Qualifier. As a member of the softball team, she was named team MVP and received All-Conference, All-Conference Tournament Team, All-District Co-Player of the Year, All-State and High School Overtime All-State 3rd Team honors during her career. Lovell competed on the National Travel Softball Team MOJO Sherrill 16U and participated in numerous events, including IDT Boulder, Colorado, Triple Crown Atlanta, and Show Me the Money, Gainesville, Florida.

Volunteer and Community Service: Lovell was accepted for the Dick Miller Leadership Program in 2024 and is a member of the Blue Ridge Energy Leadership Track. She attended the Broyhill Leadership Conference last summer. She was a Student Council Representative in each of her four years at ACHS. She was inducted into the Beta Club and was the Junior Representative Speaker. Lovell is a member of the HOSA Club and the Leadership Planning Committee. She participated in the Appalachian State University Economic Impact Research Opportunity. Lovell is a member of the First Baptist Church Youth Advisory, and she helped volunteer with Hurricane Helene Distribution Centers. Lovell participated in Operation Gratitude Hero Card Project and accepted a role on the

College and Career Day Student Leadership Planning Committee. Seeking The Congressional Award (Bronze Medal).

Coach’s Comments: “Maleah has been our rock for the last four years; she has been our team leader both on and off the field of play. She has been a team captain for the last two years and has broken numerous softball-related records. One challenge Maleah faced that made her the person and the player she is today was tearing her meniscus her sophomore year. Having to recover from surgery and go through months of rehab pushed her to become the best version of herself. She found a new love for CrossFit through her rehab, and it ignited a fire in her to work even harder than she had before.”Ashe County coach Justin Wood.

Finalists: Addison Herbert (Avery) and Charlotte Moretz (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Maleah Lovell won 11 games pitching for the Lady Huskies and finished the year as the team’s leading hitter with a .507 batting average.

Softball StudentAthleteofthe Year Nominees!

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Cheek Drew BASEBALL

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.397

Achievements and Awards: Drew Cheek was named to the Northwestern All-Conference Team this season and was chosen as a member of the NCBCA 3A All-State team. Cheek was also a nominee for the 2024 Blue Ridge Hot Stove Dinner Outfield of the Year and a nominee for Scholar-Athlete of the Year. This season, Cheek led the Huskies with a .434 batting average, 31 runs scored and 11 doubles. He finished second on the team with 33 hits.

Volunteer and Community Service: Cheek is a Beta Club member and previously served as a Junior Marshal.

Coach’s Comments: “Drew is a great competitor. He is well-respected by his teammates. He gives 100% at everything he does.” – Ashe County Athletic Director Brian Hampton

Finalists: Jake Blanton (Watauga) and Kaleb Liner (Avery)

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Drew Cheek was an all-state and all-conference performer this season after leading the Huskies in batting average, runs scored and doubles.

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Tillery Grace VOLLEYBALL

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.2

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE

YEAR

Achievements and Awards: A two-time All-Northwestern 4A/3A Conference selection, Tillery was both the Lady Pioneers’ team captain and Most Valuable Player this past fall; she finished second on the teams in kills with 203 and led the team in blocks with 65; she also finished with 17 aces. The senior has signed to play the sport for Methodist University.

Volunteer and Community Service: Tillery served as a volunteer with the Watauga County Back-to-School Festival, Samaritan’s Purse and the Watauga Humane Society. She was also a WHS Student Council elected delegate (2022-23 and 2023-24), Junior Class Secretary (2023-24) and senior class delegate (2024-25). Tillery was also Vice President of the Paw Club in 2022-23 and has been a nursery attendant at Grace Lutheran Church since May 2023.

Coach’s Comments: “Grace is the epitome of a servant leader. She constantly puts others above herself and builds up her teammates every chance she gets. She is a dominant force on the court and gives everything she has for the sake of the team — Grace is an outstanding volleyball player but an even better person. She had to overcome an ankle injury during her junior year in high school that kept her out of play for a few weeks. During the time she wasn’t able to get on the court, she cheered on her teammates and encouraged everyone around her.” — Watauga Volleyball Coach Kim Pryor

Finalists: Lanie Bowers (Ashe) and Caroline Hollifield (Avery)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Grace Tillery, who recently signed to play volleyball for Methodist University, was an All-Conference selection while helping the Lady Pioneers reach the second round of the NCHSAA 4A playoffs last fall.

Graybeal Ian FOOTBALL

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.321

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Ian Graybeal was a three-time AllNorthwest 3A/4A performer on the gridiron. He was voted a team captain, offensive MVP and Most Outstanding Offensive Back. Graybeal was Ashe County’s leading receiver with 81 catches for 939 yards and eight touchdowns. Most recently, Graybeal was named Ashe County High School’s Male Athlete of the Year at their annual spring sports banquet. In addition to football, Graybeal excelled on the basketball court, where he earned all-conference recognition, and as a track & field athlete.

Volunteer and Community Service: Graybeal is an active member of his church and the Beta Club. Following Hurricane Helene, Graybeal led a group of students who would help clean up homes and businesses. Coach’s Comments: “There is not a better person in our school than Ian. He is kind to everyone and wants to help in anyway. Ian is my nominee because he is the best of the best. He is a great leader, a great servant, and a great friend to all. There is not a better person in our school. Ian always has a smile on his face and speaks to everyone he meets. Ian has played sports for one reason, and that is to use his ability to glorify God. I hope that my son grows up to be like Ian.” – Ashe County Coach Brian Hampton

Finalists: Grayson Hoilman (Avery) and Maddox Greene (Watauga)

PHOTO BY JAMES REED

Ian Graybeal led the Huskies this season with 81 receptions for 939 yards and eight touchdowns.

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Stirton Jayden

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.1

CHEERLEADING

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Stirton served as Cheerleading Captain in both her junior and senior years and was also the recipient of the Coaches Award in her sophomore year, as well as a Green Hand Degree from Future Farmers of America. She was a member of the competition team and represented Watauga High School at the NCHSAA State Cheerleading Competition all three years that she was on the team.

Volunteer and Community Service: In addition to volunteering with the JV and Varsity Cheerleading Camps, Stirton served as a Pioneer Ambassador, participated in Church Vacation Bible School, assisted with Hurricane Helene clean-up and distribution efforts, and helped with freshman health and physical education classes. Stirton volunteered with this year’s Heart of a Pioneer clinic as a member of the Health Occupations Students of America (also known as Future Health Professionals).

Coach’s Comments: ”Jayden is an excellent Best of Preps nominee for Watauga Cheerleading because she is a kind, hardworking, well-rounded athlete that represented her school well throughout her time in the program. Jayden was an excellent leader and her peers looked up to her both in athletics and in her other extracurricular activities. As a Pioneer Ambassador, Jayden helped welcome new students to Watauga High School and represented the school in many functions throughout the year. She could always be seen around the building with a smile on her face and a helping hand ready to lend. She will be missed, but I know that she will be extremely successful as she begins her journey at Wingate. Jayden was given a role as a captain of the varsity cheerleading team her junior year. As excited as she was about this role at first, she quickly discovered that a position of leadership comes with some pressures that athletes are not always prepared for. Jayden struggled to find

Jayden Stirton served as captain of the Watauga Cheerleading squad for the past two years.

a balance between being respected as a leader and still maintaining her friendships amongst her peers that she had established previously. She felt pressure to lead well and with honesty and integrity while handling the challenge of maintaining high school friendships and setting boundaries. She flourished in this role as she learned to manage her time, step back when she was overwhelmed, and trust her judgment when she was uncomfortable. That then led to her being selected as a captain again her senior year.” — Watauga Cheerleading Coach Emily Morris.

Finalists: Ella Yelton (Ashe) and Briana Sudderth (Avery)

PHOTO BY EMILY MORRIS

Firebaugh Isaac

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.53

Achievements and Awards: Isaac Firebaugh was named as an honorable mention all-conference player for the 2025 season. When he’s not playing tennis, Firebaugh found success in the pool as a two-time team MVP for the Ashe County swim team. Firebaugh is a member of the Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society, Beta Club, ACHS marching band, and ACHS symphonic band.

Volunteer and Community Service: Firebaugh is a member of Trinity Baptist Church and plays an active role in the church youth group. He has volunteered his time with the Uplands Reach Summer Camp, Ashe Youth Tennis Camp and with Hurricane Helene cleanup activities.

Coach’s Comments: “Isaac is the quintessential student-athlete. He excels in the classroom and on the sports field and court. He is a hard worker who excels in everything he strives to achieve. He is a great role model for his classmates and his teammates. Isaac is a three-sport athlete and is taking high school and college classes. He does a great job of balancing all of the activities he is involved in.” - Ashe County Coach Travis Richardson

MEN’S TENNIS STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Finalist: Cody Talton (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Isaac Firebaugh earned honorable mention all-conference recognition this season for the Huskies

Dollar Addison

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.78

WOMEN’S TENNIS STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Addison Dollar was named the varsity tennis team MVP during her freshman, sophomore and junior seasons and was the 2023 conference player of the year. Dollar competed on the track team during the spring sports season.

Volunteer and Community Service: Dollar was a Junior Marshal this year and was on the “A” Honor Roll in addition to the WCC Dean’s List. She was elected as Student Council Vice President and was the Junior Editor of the yearbook. Dollar has completed over 700 hours of community service. She is very active at her church, where she keeps the Nursery each Sunday; she also helps with numerous activities at school (including the Booster Club), bulletin boards, and teacher appreciation activities. Dollar was recognized last year as Ashe County Youth Volunteer of the Year. She has recently taken on making cards each month for Meals on Wheels recipients. She was also very active in the community during the time of the hurricane, and she still helps at her church on distribution days. Dollar was one of 10 Ashe County volunteers to receive the NC Governor’s Award for Volunteerism this spring.

Coach’s Comments: “I feel like Addison deserves the Best of Preps Award because not only is she a devoted tennis player, but she works hard at serving others. She organized a community project for the tennis team to do each month. They collected school supplies, diapers, and wipes, and then, after the hurricane, she helped organize birthday bags for students who were out of school during the time of the hurricane. She was very fortunate that she and her teammates got to finish their tennis season, but during the time of adversity, she went to work helping and caring for others. I believe the greatest challenge this past year was the hurricane. The hurricane just about caused our season to come to an end. But instead of letting this sad event discourage us, Addison turned

it into a time to serve and help others. I truly believe this is what makes her successful - it is her love and service to help others.”Ashe County Coach Amy Dollar

Finalist: Eden Kitchen (Avery) and Sienna Davidson (Watauga)

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Addison Dollar helped the Lady Huskies reach the regional semifinals this season.

Firebaugh Isaac

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.53

MEN’S SWIMMING STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Isaac Firebaugh is a two-time team MVP for the Ashe County men’s swim team and also received a coach’s award. Along with his swimming success, Firebaugh competes in tennis and cross country for the Huskies. Firebaugh is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the Beta Club, the marching band and the symphonic band.

Volunteer and Community Service: Firebaugh was a winner of the 2024 National Rural and Small-Town Recognition program. He is a member of the Trinity Baptist Church Youth Group and works with the livestream and presentations for Trinity Baptist. Firebaugh has spent time volunteering at the Uplands Reach Summer Camp and Ashe Youth Tennis Camp.

Coach’s Comments: “Isaac deserves this nomination in swimming because of his outstanding performances, dedication, and leadership in the pool. He consistently pushes himself and his teammates to improve, demonstrating both skill and sportsmanship at every meet. His hard work has led to impressive results, making him a key contributor to our team’s success. Isaac’s commitment to excellence and passion for the sport make him a deserving candidate for this recognition. As all athletes do it has been a struggle finding time between school, sports, band, volunteering, extra-curricular activities. This year has been specifically difficult with the weather, as it has made it really hard to practice. Isaac has not complained at all though. He comes in and just works hard.” - Ashe County Coach Adam Widner.

Finalist: Michael Makdad (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Isaac Firebaugh was named men’s MVP for the Ashe County swim team.

Cheves Maggie WOMEN’S SWIMMING STUDENT-ATHLETE

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.39

Achievements and Awards: A four-time All-Northwestern 4A/3A Conference honoree, Cheves capped off a strong prep career with the NWC Women’s Swimmer of the Year as a senior. She qualified for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A West Regionals in her final three seasons in both individual and relay events; during her senior campaign, she was a part of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that qualified for the 4A state championships and finished 12th. The Catawba College signee was a member of three team record-holding relays (200 Medley, 200 Free, 400 Free) and a current or former conference record holder (200 Free, 200 IM, 500 Free, 400 Free Relay). A team captain her senior season, she was also the team’s most valuable player. Out of the pool, Cheves was a member of the National Honor Society and the National French Honor Society MVP.

Volunteer and Community Service: In addition to swimming year-round with Watauga Swim Team, Cheves works as a lifeguard at Watauga Rec Center and is a Mountain Host volunteer at Appalachian Ski Mountain. She was active all four years with Mountain Alliance, participating in leadership and service trips and activities. Cheves was also a member of her church’s youth group and hand-bell choir and was also a four-year member of the Watauga orchestra with the violin.

Coach’s Comments: “Maggie worked hard long before her high school career to get to this point. She committed herself to swimming as a youngster and has excelled to the point of being one of the best swimmers ever from Watauga. She has never sought the limelight and has often put others before herself. Most importantly, her teammates respect and look up to her; Maggie followed a talented group of swimmers and was often overlooked by others, myself included. On other teams and in other leagues, she would

OF THE

YEAR

A four-time All-Northwestern

have earned more individual honors and awards, but she never complained and continued to work hard. Not many people know this, but her freshman year, I asked to step off a relay to allow someone else the slot. She graciously did so, and I will always remember that of her.” — Watauga Swimming Coach David Gragg

Finalist: Abby Bingham (Ashe)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

4A/3A Conference selection, Watauga’s Maggie Cheves was the league’s swimmer of the year this past winter. She was also a state qualifier in the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Fairchild Bridger WRESTLING

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.12

Achievements and Awards: Bridger

Fairchild finished up a stellar four-year wrestling career with the Huskies. He is a four-time all-conference performer and a four-time conference champion. He received the team MVP award for lower weight classes and the Coaches Award. He won his weight class at the Timothy Peterson Memorial Tournament and finished his career with over 100 victories. On the football field, Fairchild was a two-time all-conference player and was named the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year and 2024 Most Valuable Player of the Year. In 2024, he led the team in touchdowns, interceptions, and pick 6’s. He also finished second in receiving. Fairchild became the only player in school history to play receiver, running back, and quarterback in a single game and score touchdowns at all three positions.

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Volunteer and Community Service: Fairchild spent several hours volunteering for Hurricane Helene relief efforts. He also spent time helping with road cleanup drives. Fairchild was a Husky Football Camp volunteer and dedicated time to volunteering with activities at his church. Fairchild is also a CrossFit coach and leader.

Coach’s Comments: “A truly different kid than most, he stands out for his age. He consistently demonstrates exceptional performance both on and off the fields of battle, embodying the true spirit of a student-athlete. With standout athletic achievement, leadership

qualities, and a strong academic record, he sets a high standard for his peers. His dedication, sportsmanship and work ethic makes him a role model for the community. At 125 pounds, he plays like he is 6 feet, 200 pounds. Bridger worked hard to win our home tournament in honor of one of his best friends that was tragically killed two years prior. He was able to beat two state placers and a state runner-up to win the tournament.” - Ashe County Coach Danny Dillard

Finalists: Cooper Foster (Avery) and Isaac Hensley (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Bridger Fairchild, a four-time wrestling conference champion, amassed over 100 career victories during his tenure at Ashe County High School.

TaylorMontgomery Cate DANCE

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.0

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Montgomery Cate Taylor — a four-year member of the Pacers Dance team — earned plenty of awards during her time. She earned the Pioneer Spotlight award during her senior year. The senior was also a four-year recipient of the MA Dance Award, named Most Spirited Pacer, from 2021 to 2024.

Volunteer and Community Service: In addition to being a Pacer, Taylor was also part of the Watauga 10 Sports Media Team, FCA Student Leadership Team (2021-2025), Watauga Athletes For Good, a member of Women’s Ministry, Vacation Bible School and Wednesday Night Youth teams at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Peru Mission Trip and a member of Studio K Ballet.

Coach’s Comments: “Montgomery Cate’s enthusiasm and spirit is contagious. She is one of the most positive people I have ever met. She deeply cares about other people and their feelings and goes above and beyond to support her teammates — she is also a beautiful dancer. During tryouts for the Pacer Dance Team, another participant stopped Montgomery Cate in the middle of the tryout dance to ask for help. Montgomery Cate did not get upset with the other person, she helped them with the dance and kept encouraging them to keep going; her compassion and willingness to help another person showed the depths of her character.” — Watauga Dance Team Head Coach Laura Carson.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WATAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS Montgomery Cate Taylor, seen here performing during football season, was a four-year member of the Watauga Pacers Dance Team.

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Railey Josiah

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.0

MEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Watauga High School senior Josiah Railey has been named the 2025 Best of Preps Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year, capping an outstanding career that combined exceptional athletic performance with dedicated community service.

Railey, a two-time Conference Player of the Year and two-time All-Conference selection, finished third in career points at Watauga High School with 992 points. The versatile guard led the Pioneers to back-to-back conference championships and a conference tournament title while earning recognition as a Western North Carolina All-Star twice. During his senior season, Railey averaged 16 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. He posted a team-high 60% effective field goal percentage and shot 39% from three-point range, second-best on the team. Despite his offensive prowess, Railey consistently accepted the challenge of defending opponents’ top players, including multiple Division I prospects during the playoffs. Under Railey’s leadership, Watauga basketball transformed from a 12-win team during his freshman varsity season to back-to-back 20-plus win campaigns in his junior and senior years. The program achieved its deepest playoff run in school history, with Railey becoming the first Watauga men’s basketball player to win consecutive Player of the Year awards.

Volunteer and Community Service: Beyond basketball, Railey demonstrated exceptional character through extensive community service. Following Hurricane Helene, he worked in the school’s distribution center, helping community members access essential supplies. He organized a Coaches vs. Cancer game to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.

As a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes for Good, Railey participated in Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing, group prayer sessions and additional Hurricane Helene relief efforts. His selfless approach extended to the court, where coaches praised his work ethic and willingness to make the right play over personal statistics

Coach’s Comments:. “Josiah’s most impressive character traits were his work ethic and his selflessness,” Watauga men’s varsity basketball coach Bryson Payne said. “Josiah was one of the hardest working players on our team, and also one of the most unselfish. He could’ve averaged more points, but Jo always made the right play on the floor. He never complained about his role on the team or asked for more shots. He also never ran away from a challenge.”

Finalists: Ian Graybeal (Ashe) and Hank Johnson (Avery)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Josiah Railey elevates for a basket for the Watauga Pioneers varsity basketball team last season. Railey excelled on the court and in the classroom to be named Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete of the Year.

Barrett Madison WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Avery High School

Weighted GPA: 4.648

Achievements and Awards: Maddy Barrett set the tone of a strong senior season with a game-winning shot at the buzzer to defeat Rosman during the Western Highlands Conference Girls Basketball Tournament at the close of her junior year. Barrett garnered All-Western Highlands Conference honors in 2023 and 2024 and was named to the All-WHC Tournament Team in 2024. Barrett averaged just under 7 points per game last season for the Lady Vikings, along with 3 rebounds and 2 steals per game, all while playing through a shoulder injury that limited her to just 23 of the team’s 29 total games. A dual-sport star, Barrett demonstrated her athleticism by winning back-to-back state championships in the 300-meter hurdles and 4x400-meter relay events in track and field during her junior and senior seasons, garnering All-American honors. Barrett was named the Western Highlands Conference Female Student-Athlete of the Year and was an Honor Graduate.

Volunteer and Community Service: Barrett has been a leader in Future Farmers of America, Beta Club and multiple women’s basketball volunteer opportunities since her freshman year. She has helped with kids camps each summer, participated in Spirit Ride, an equestrian program for young children with disabilities, and has been an active member of her church youth group. She also maintained the top GPA in her graduating class.

Coach’s Comments: “Maddy Barrett is one of the most dedicated female athletes that has ever come through Avery County High School. From her freshman year on, she has operated differently than her peers in that she has always stayed focused on the longterm goal of earning a track scholarship. Throughout her high school career, she has been a pivotal part of the women’s basketball program, bringing tenacious defense on the court and leadership in the locker room. Despite having been injured in her freshman year, she has also maintained the highest level of work ethic and dedication to every sports program she has been a part of. It is not uncommon for her to attend basketball practice, run sprints for track and then get a ride to basketball afterward. She is truly operating like a college athlete, all while being top of her class academically and pursuing her associate’s degree through Mayland

Community College. She has truly left Avery County High School and our Women’s Basketball program much better than she found it, and for that she has earned my Best of Preps nomination. Not only has Maddy overcome two shoulder injuries during basketball her freshman year and then again her senior year, but she has also overcome the loss of a parent. Her father suddenly passed from a heart attack during the fall of her freshman year. Maddy did not let this devastation stop her from working hard or chasing her dreams. Most kids would have turned to other things, but Maddy turned her grief into motivation and will now be a college track athlete at Tarleton University (Texas) and one of the most decorated female student-athletes to ever attend Avery County High School.” - Allison Phillips, Avery County Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Finalists: Kate Sears (Watauga) and Abby Sheets (Ashe)

PHOTO BY CHANTAE HOILMAN

Maddy Barrett dishes off an assist to a teammate as the Lady Vikings downed the Lady Dragons of NCSSM-Morganton.

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Franca Bubby

Ashe County High School

Weighted GPA: 4.5

MEN’S SOCCER

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Bubby Franca had a tremendous sophomore year for the Ashe County Huskies. He was named to the Northwestern 3A/4A All-Conference team and was an all-region selection. Franca was named team MVP during the annual fall sports banquet at Ashe County High School. Franca has been a key member of the High Country Soccer Association’s U17 and U18 men’s teams.

Volunteer and Community Service: Franca is a U.S. Soccer Federation Certified Referee. He participates in leadership roles at Boone United Methodist Church, Samaritans Purse Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts, Ashe County Student Athlete Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts, New River clean-up and roadside clean-up projects through Ashe County Early College.

Coach’s Comments: “Bubby Franca is an exceptional candidate for the Best of Prep Soccer Nominee due to his outstanding skills, leadership, and consistency on the field. He demonstrates impressive athleticism, making crucial plays and contributing significantly to his team’s success. His ability to read the game, combined with his work ethic and sportsmanship, sets him apart as a top contender. With his dedication and passion for the sport, Bubby exemplifies what it means to be a standout player soccer. Bubby Franca, like many of his peers, experienced disruptions in his personal life and athletic pursuits due to the 2019-2020 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. Throughout these challenges, travel soccer practices and matches were canceled for an entire season, and his high school training and games faced a one-month interruption during the peak of the season. What distinguishes Bubby from others is his unwavering commitment to independent training sessions during these periods. He focused on developing his skills, strength, and endurance to ensure he was ready to compete as soon as he was permitted. During this time, Bubby demonstrated remarkable resilience, effective time management, and strong selfdiscipline. Bubby’s dedication to the sport, his teams, his coaches, and himself is unmatched as he can be found at a training field seven days a week with coaches, teammates, athletic trainers, or independently.” – Ashe County Soccer Coach Jamison Cline.

Finalists: Silas Garceau (Avery) and Curtis Sevensky (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Bubby Franca was named the team’s MVP for the Ashe County Huskies this season

Tipton Haley

Avery High School

Weighted GPA: 4.58

WOMEN’S SOCCER STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Avery High School’s Haley Tipton excels as a leader on and off the soccer pitch, leading the Lady Vikings as a captain during her senior season and helping propel her team to qualify for the state 1A soccer playoffs while playing in 17 matches in her final season. Tipton tallied a pair of goals for the season as a defender, including a key goal in Avery’s 3-0 Senior Day victory against rival Mitchell County High School. Scholastically, Tipton graduated summa cum laude and was among the top in her class, serving in the Student Government, including as the president, and was a member of the Mayland Community College President’s List. Tipton was the recipient of a scholarship for being named Avery High School’s Jay Smith Athletic Director Award. Additionally, she was named to the All-Western Highlands Conference in her senior season.

Volunteer and Community Service: Tipton served the Avery County community in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, assisting, along with numerous Viking student-athletes, with local relief efforts. She is an active member of Crossnore First Baptist Church.

Coach’s Comments: “Haley has been a role model and leader for the Soccer team since earning a starting position on the varsity in her Sophomore year. She is kind to underclassmen while fostering a no-nonsense culture of commitment on the field. She leads by example and makes the most out of her God-given talent. She has been a Captain for two years and epitomizes ‘team before self.’ Haley is open about her history of struggles with self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. She has since developed a deep faith in God and has overcome what was an emotionally debilitating state of mind. Through God and an inner strength, she has become not only a Captain and leader on the field but has become a leader throughout the entire student body at Avery High School.” - Avery Girls Soccer Coach Jim Shapiro

Finalists: Keslyn Durham (Ashe) and Morgan Flynt (Watauga)

PHOTO BY SERENA SMITH

Senior Haley Tipton executes a throw-in for the Lady Vikings soccer team against Madison at MacDonald Stadium.

Johnson Hank MEN’S GOLF

Avery High School

Weighted GPA: 4.0

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE

YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Avery County’s Hank Johnson has led the Vikings golf program since stepping into the halls of high school as a freshman, leading the team in individual scoring each of his three seasons. The rising senior was a middle school state champion golfer, as well as the Western Highlands Conference individual tournament champion in his freshman season, and placed as runnerup in his sophomore season. He was a medalist in 10 matches and placed sixth overall in the state 1A golf tournament in his freshman and sophomore year. Johnson fired a scoring average of 2-under-par (70.2) during his junior season. Johnson also excels on the basketball court, as he has been named All-Conference for the Vikings hoops squad.

Volunteer and Community Service: Johnson volunteered at Linville Land Harbor in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene while also competing on the Avery boys varsity basketball team. He also takes care of a brother who has special needs.

Coach’s Comments: “Hank puts his teammates first before his own individual honors. In many ways, he is a coach on the course. He’s a very hard worker and is very competitive, with strong family values.” (Avery Men’s Golf Coach Gary Noblett)

Finalists: Will Vannoy (Ashe) and Jake Warren (Watauga)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Hank Johnson averaged a scoring round of 70.2 during his junior season, placing him among the top individual golfers in the state.

Lewis Ariail

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.47

WOMEN’S GOLF STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Lewis was regularly one of the Lady Pioneers’ top-three finishers during their matches and helped her earn All-Northwestern 4A/3A Conference accolades during the fall. Off the course, the junior was a Junior Marshal and an Honorable Delegate in the school’s Model UN. She also took second in the Battle of the Books and fourth in the Envirothom competition.

Volunteer and Community Service: Lewis volunteered at the Hurricane food distribution center, at Build Fest and at the hospital. She also participated in various service activities with the clubs, including Interact, Key Club, and the National Art Honor Society. She was also captain of both the Battle of the Books and Envirothon teams.

Coach’s Comments: “Ariail is a dedicated and hardworking individual, both on the course and in the classroom. She leads with confidence while remaining humble, consistently pushing herself and inspiring those around her to do the same — whether in academics or on the team. Ariail also has come into the season with a clear goal or purpose and can inspire others to work toward it together. She supports and uplifts the team, understanding that leadership is about service, not spotlight. Ariail’s ability to balance academics, athletics, and personal responsibilities with maturity and organization is rare—and it’s one of the many reasons she stands out as truly one of a kind. Ariail described that golf hasn’t always come easily for her — it’s an area where she’s faced a fair share of challenges. She says she is not a natural at it, and as a bit of a perfectionist, that combination was tough for her early on. But what stands out is the growth I’ve seen in her mindset. Recently, she’s learned to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on effort over outcome. She now approaches the game with a healthier perspective — committed to doing her best and embracing the process, which has made a real difference in her development.” — Watauga Women’s Golf Coach Tasha Adams

Finalists: Paige Roten (Ashe) and Sydney Kulhan (Avery)

PHOTO BY SERENA SMITH

Ariail Lewis was regularly one of the top three Watauga golfers that made up its team score throughout the season.

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Bradbury Will

Watauga High School

Weighted GPA: 4.5

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Bradbury, who will be attending the Air Force Academy in Colorado starting this fall, helped the Pioneer boys cross country team to its 19th-straight Northwestern Conference championship last fall while being named the league’s runner of the year. In addition, he was named an all-region selection after finishing second in the 4A West Regional championship. On the track, he was a state qualifier in both indoor and outdoor track and field during the school year; in outdoor track, he won conference championships in both the 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter races.

Volunteer and Community Service: Off the trail, Bradbury has a wide variety of volunteer work, ranging from feeding at the Hospitality House, teaching English as a second language to immigrant children and assisting with track meets for the Watauga District Middle School team. He also volunteered with Hurricane Helene clean up.

Coach’s Comments: “Will was the definite leader of the team, both on the course and off. He led in a very positive fashion, supporting the younger runners and veterans together. He brought the team together during the aftermath of the storm through different projects. When he was injured and could not run in the state meet, he helped to raise up the replacements and gave them confidence. After Will’s success in his junior year, he had to overcome some injuries in order to get back to training, and he recovered very well and had a successful season.” — Watauga head cross country coach Randy McDonough.

Finalists: Owen Roten (Ashe) and Owen Ward (Avery)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Will Bradbury is headed to the Air Force academy after a stellar high school athletic and academic career.

Taylor Emory

Ashe High School

Weighted GPA: 4.47

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Achievements and Awards: Emory Taylor ran cross country all four seasons of her high school career. She constantly worked on her skills to get better, including attending numerous running camps each summer, including the Nike XC Camp at Emory and Henry University in Emory, Virginia, the Adidas XC Camp sponsored by NC State at Christ School in Asheville and the Montreat XC Camp in Montreat in 2022. Taylor participated in the Nike Smokey Mountain Running Camp in Asheville in 2023 and 2024. As a member of the Lady Huskies cross country team, Taylor was named Most Valuable Runner in 2023 and 2024 and earned the Running Husky Award for most Mileage in 2024. She competed with the women’s track and field team for all four years and was named Most Improved Runner.

Volunteer and Community Service: Taylor was awarded the FloSports NCHSAA Outdoor Track Scholarship. She has been a member of the Beta Club for two years and HOSA for three years. She was also chosen to the Dick Miller Leadership Program. Taylor is a member of the Ashe County High School JROTC Raider’s Club. She received the Highest Biomedical Technology Class Average (2021-2022) and was a Junior Marsha last year. Taylor earned the honors of Best Uniform and Fastest Mile for JROTC (2021) and Most Likely to Quietly Change the World at ETSU Summer Pharmacy Camp (2024). As a volunteer, Taylor spent time helping with the Duke Endowment Reading Camp in June of 2023 where she would read and conduct activities with 1st graders. She was an Elderly Care Volunteer in 2021-2022 where she provided companionship and assisted with daily living activities for an elderly neighbor and managed household chores while the family ran errands. Taylor volunteered with Ebenezer’s Children’s Home in June 2023, playing games and organizing activities for children. She volunteered with her church, Landmark Baptist Church, for the last five years, where she took on several activities that included mowing the lawn, changing the church sign, and cleaning the building and grounds. For two years, Taylor was a Blue Ridge Relay Exchange Station Volunteer in 2022 and 2023. She was also a Girls on the Run Mentor in 2023. Taylor received a Youth Volunteer Service Award from the Ashe County Board of Commissioners and participated in a dietitian internship at Ashe Memorial Hospital in 2024 and a pharmacy internship at Jefferson Drug Store this year. Taylor received her OSHA Certification (2023) and CPR and Vision Certification (2024) and is expected to complete her North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License. (2025)

Coach’s Comments: “Emory has been an awesome studentathlete over the years. When COVID-19 forced school closures the following year, she used that time to improve. She started by

running laps around her yard, eventually moving to the trails at Lansing Park and Old Field Creek, slowly building her endurance and determination on her own. Her hard work paid off when she made the team in 8th grade. Although her middle school didn’t offer a cross country program, she stayed focused on her goals, and when she reached high school, she finally had the opportunity to compete on a real cross country team—a dream she had quietly worked toward. Her biggest test came during her sophomore year when a stress fracture sidelined her for an entire season. Watching teammates race while she sat out was heartbreaking. Still, Emory refused to let the setback define her. She cross-trained faithfully, worked closely with a physical therapist, and dedicated herself to building strength. Through patience, determination, and hard work, she came back stronger than before, eventually earning MVP honors for cross country and most improved in track and field. What truly sets Emory apart is not just her athletic comeback but how she balances every part of her life with the same quiet strength. While many students focus on just one area, Emory excels across the board. She maintains a 4.47 GPA while dual enrolling in college courses, completing internships at Ashe Memorial Hospital and Jefferson Drug, volunteering in her community, and training on her own time to meet her athletic goals. Her story isn’t about being the fastest on paper—it’s about her character, her work ethic, and her ability to balance academic excellence, service, and athletic dedication all at once. Emory embodies the spirit of perseverance, and that is what truly makes her stand out.” - Ashe County Coach Shane Greene.

Finalist: Cali Townsend (Watauga) and Addison Holtsclaw (Avery)

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Emory Taylor was named cross-country team MVP this season.

Finch Nyen MEN’S LACROSSE STUDENT-ATHLETE

Watauga High School

Achievements and Awards: Watauga High School senior Nyen Finch has been selected as the Best of Preps Men’s Lacrosse Student-Athlete of the Year, capping off a remarkable high school career that saw him overcome personal challenges while establishing himself as the premier player in program history. Finch’s journey at Watauga had its share of hardships as he battled through various health issues during his high school lacrosse career. Despite these obstacles, the four-year letterman emerged as a transformational figure for the Pioneers’ lacrosse program, earning recognition as the best overall player in the program’s history. The senior captain will continue his lacrosse career at Lees McRae College, where he has committed to play NCAA Division II lacrosse on scholarship. Finch’s statistical dominance rewrote the Watauga High School record books. He shattered multiple program records, including marks for season points, season goals, and career points. He also finished as the program’s second all-time leading scorer in career goals. His prolific scoring ability earned him statewide and national recognition. Finch ranked fourth in North Carolina 4A West for goals, third in the Northwest Mountain Foothills Conference for goals, and 24th statewide in North Carolina. His goal-scoring prowess also placed him among the top 75 players nationally. The progression of Finch’s career is reflected in his team awards. After receiving the 2024 WHS MLAX Grinder Award for the most improved player, he was named team captain for the 2025 season and earned the WHS MLAX Pioneer Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Volunteer and Community

Service: Beyond the lacrosse field, Finch demonstrated leadership and service throughout his high school career. He was an active member of Watauga High School’s ROTC program during his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, where he served as color guard captain and placed first or second in multiple color guard and drill team competitions. Following Hurricane Helene’s impact on the High Country, Finch stepped up to serve his community during a time of crisis. He volunteered extensively in cleanup and recovery efforts through Cornerstone Summit Church and Hospitality House, demonstrating the character and commitment that made him a natural choice for the men’s lacrosse honor. Finch’s combination of athletic excellence, academic achievement, and community service embodied the values of the Best of Preps Student-Athlete of the Year award.

OF THE YEAR

Coach’s Comments: “We place great emphasis on work ethic and meritocracy on the WHS men’s lacrosse team, and Nyen Finch is the textbook definition of what we want to see in our players. Nyen grew to become a strong player by his junior year, but transformed himself into one of the top players in the state between his junior and senior years by putting in a significant amount of work in the off season. He is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Besides his huge contributions to the team on the field, Nyen is a young man of excellent character and a leader on his team who was voted Captain by his peers and has served his team well.” - Watauga High School Men’s Lacrosse Head Coach Matt Carpenter

PHOTO BY ZACH COLBURN

Nyen Finch set a new program record for Watauga lacrosse with 68 goals this past spring.

Gersonde Juna

Watauga High School

WOMEN’S LACROSSE STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Weighted GPA: 4.237

Achievements and Awards: On the field, Gersonde was recently named to the All-Northwest/Mountain/Foothills Conference team as a first-team attacker for the Lady Pioneers. Off the field, the senior was a Pioneer Spotlight selection, a Link Crew Leader, a student advisor for Future Farmers of America, and also took fourth place in this year’s SkillsUSA challenge.

Volunteer and Community Service: Gersonde’s services involved serving as a Kentucky flood relief volunteer at a local non-profit in 2022 as helping with garden work at the Hospitality House (2021). She also did volunteer work during Hurricane Helene and was involved in multiple clubs, including Skills USA (2024-25), FFA (202325) and Future Teachers of America in 2025.

Coach’s Comments: “Juna is an incredible student-athlete. Throughout the season, she showed up and gave us her 100 percent every day while balancing after-school clubs, volunteer work, and more. She sets the example, always asking questions and spending time outside of practice to work on her stick skills. She has maintained her drive through Helene, volunteering and putting others’ needs before her own.” — Watauga Women’s Lacrosse Coach Blythe Ransdell.