GSL MVP Brayten Ayers’ final season caps a special run between his family and Mt. Spokane baseball coach Alex Schuerman on the diamond PaGE 2
BATTING CLEANUP
GOLF RIDING SOLO, NC’S BRILL SWINGS WAY TO SCHOLARSHIP
TRACK AND FIELD SP’S ANSELMO EYES THIRD STATE TITLE
TENNIS ALTENEDER LOOKS TO GUIDE U-HI TO THIRD GSL CROWN
FASTPITCH SOFTBALL FERRIS’ STRAUSS LOOKS FOR BIG FINISH
SOCCER RIDGELINE’S CHAKER PUTS HIS FOCUS ON THE FIELD
FANTASTIC FINISH
By Madison McCord
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Donyelle Strauss practically has Ferris softball built into her DNA.
It would be near impossible for the Saxons’ senior standout not to be passionate about a program that has been a part of her life for as long as she could hold a bat or put on a glove.
“Having three sisters go through this school and be a part of this team for more than a decade has really made me not only fall in love with the sport, but also this team,” Strauss said.
Now Strauss is gearing up not only for her final campaign, but the last time one of the four Strauss sisters will take the field for the Saxons.
The run began with Michelle, who was a pitcher for Ferris in the early 2010s, followed by Jailyn, Katelyn and now Donyelle. But the participation hasn’t been limited to just the girls, as mom and dad have taken key roles in the program too.
“Kurt does all of our field maintenance, and during the season he practically lives out on that field,” Ferris coach Linda Bushinski said. “And Sharon keeps our books and is one of the first ones to keep the umpires in line with
the rules.” That family element makes this final season even more special for Donyelle, who is the Saxons’ lone returning all-Greater Spokane League performer, earning second-team honors last season.
Although she pulls inspiration from all three of her sisters, Donyelle said that Katelyn – who is the closest to her in age – is her biggest sounding board.
“She loved the game so much, and I saw the community that they had, and I just thought softball players looked cool,” Donyelle said. “So I was like, I wanna be that – I would be cool. So I started playing and it was a little rough for the first few years like it usually is, but then I really fell in love with it.”
Bushinski, who has coached all four of the sisters, said that what makes Donyelle stand apart is her dedication to her teammates.
“Every day she’s the first one out on the field, she’s the one that’s going to get all the equipment out, get everything ready,” Bushinski said. “We have to tell her no, let other people do some stuff. She’s that kid that everyone wants to coach.
“That translates to her skill set on the field as well. She’s our starting third baseman, but she’s also the backup at pretty much
SOFTBALL AT A GLANCE
By Madison McCord
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League fastpitch softball teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
4A/3A
Central Valley (9-9 GSL, 10-13
overall): Senior centerfielder Ellie Taylor will lead the way for coach Joe Stanton – who is entering his 14th season at the helm of the Bears program. Also back are the battery of Ella Bendele at catcher and pitcher Shilo McCoy
Cheney (12-6, 12-10): First-year coach Makayla Shay will have a full cupboard to pick from as the Blackhawks return seven starters from a year ago. First-team all-Greater Spokane League selection Mia Ashcroft is back in the outfield, while Alyssa Marlow Allie Halverson and Bella Huan all also return for their senior seasons.
Ferris (7-11, 8-12): Senior Donyelle Strauss will again lead the way for the Saxons and longtime coach Linda Bushinski. Cadence Hyndman will also be a key piece for Ferris in her senior campaign. Gonzaga Prep (2-16, 2-21): First-team
every other position, including catcher.”
That dedication to the team not only comes from wanting to uphold the family name, but also help be the one that lifts a Ferris program to their first state tournament appearance since 1998.
But Donyelle said that her sisters have really been a big help in making sure she is her own player and doesn’t go into any season feeling pressure to do what they have done.
“Jailyn is one of our coaches, so we talk daily, and then I talk with Katelyn all the time too since she’s still playing and can give me insight of someone doing it at a high level,” Donyelle said. “It’s really something special, being
all-league designated hitter Reese JonesRoss is back for her senior season, looking to help improve a Bullpups program for first-year coach Katie Rowe. Also returning are a trio of juniors in Kate van Loben Sels Emma Allbery and Taryn Barbieri
Lewis and Clark (3-14, 3-16): Thirdyear coach Chuck Scheiwiller is in the middle of a youth movement for the Tigers program which has no seniors. This year he’ll rely on juniors Izzy Heister and Vienna Klein in the infield, while sophomores Rhiannon Kilgore and Beibhinn Kilgore – one of two sets of twins on the team – to patrol the outfield. Mead (12-6, 16-9): After making the 3A state tournament field last year, the Panthers and coach Tiffany Casedy hope to keep the momentum going into 4A this spring. Secondteam all-GSL outfielder Jaycee Coffield is back, along with pitcher/infielder Mia Martin and senior third baseman Sophia Carpenter
Mt. Spokane (16-2, 21-5): Coach Carl Adams is entering his 25th season with the Wildcats, and once again his team begins the season with title aspirations. Mt. Spokane brings back seven starters, headlined by first-team all-league pitcher Addison Jay and infielder Makenzie Morris
able to finish it off because they built something huge here. It’s really cool to give it my best and hopefully also make a name for myself a little bit outside of my sisters.”
As far as role models go, Donyelle has a top one in Katelyn – who is starting her senior season at the University of North Dakota. After a stellar career at Ferris, Katelyn went on to win a junior college national championship with North Dakota College of Science in 2023, before joining the Fighting Hawks the following season.
“I think she’s had to work quite a bit harder than Michelle and Katelyn with their athletic ability,” Bushinski said. “I think con-
Ridgeline (10-8, 10-11): The Falcons have a senior class of seven players this year, returning a total of 12 letterwinners for coach Alyssa Rasmussen. That senior class is made up of Izabella Hernandez Lily Lander Dani Phillips Elli Thompson Tayla Travis Lilley Triplett and Natalie Willmon
Shadle Park (13-2, 15-8 3A): The Highlanders lost 2A GSL MVP Crimson Rice to graduation after last season, but Shadle Park and new coach Scott Harmon believe they can still compete in the 3A ranks. Senior Madi Keon will step into the catching spot, while juniors Annabelle Moreno and Bethany Rinas will play key utility roles. University (18-0, 26-2): The Titans earned their best state showing last year with a third-place finish in the 3A tournament. Although several key pieces from that team are graduated, longtime coach Jon Schuh still has plenty of talent on the diamond. All-league outfielders Ashlyn Carver and Hayden Wheeler are back, while junior Claire Fulkerson will hold down the middle of the infield.
2A
Clarkston (14-1, 20-4): No information submitted. Deer Park (3-9, 8-12 1A): Reigning Northeast 1A League defensive player of the year Sammy Fausti is back to patrol the outfield as the Stags make the jump to the 2A
fidence was probably less at first than the other sisters as well because they were pretty confident girls. Donyelle has had to kind of overcome that lack of confidence to become the player she is and, oh my gosh, it’s been so fun just to see her smile this season.
“She’s getting better because she’s enjoying the game a little bit more.”
Bushinski will also rely on the talents of senior outfielder Cadence Hyndman along with a group of young hitters she believes can make a big impact.
“This team just seems to be more connected with all of the bonding we have done and the amount so many of us are playing throughout the year,” Donyelle said. “We are not known for being this dominant team, but we want to make a name for ourselves this year and make sure the rest of the league knows what Ferris softball stands for.”
Bushinski said she is going to try to soak up the bittersweet moments of this season and reflect on the impact that the entire Strauss family has had on the program.
“You know, it it’s amazing to have all of them dig softball so much,” she said. “I knew Donyelle when Michelle was playing, and she was just a little kid working in sessions. Just to have them all come through and stick around – honestly, that makes me feel pretty good, because that doesn’t always happen.”
ranks this season. She’ll be joined by fellow all-league honorees Lucy Lathrop and Delaney Newman at shortstop and second base respectively.
East Valley (6-9, 6-14): Seventhyear coach Kelli Peckham gets back eight starters from last year’s team, led by a pair of two-time all-league selections. Infielder JC Weger earned first-team honors last year, while pitcher and infielder Shelby Swanson was a second-team selection a season ago and earned first-team honors in 2023. North Central (0-17, 0-17 4A/3A): No information submitted. Pullman (5-10, 8-12): After stepping away for three years, coach Haylee Fishback returns to the dugout for the Greyhounds this spring. She’ll have back six starters, including second-team all-GSL catcher Taylor Cromie and outfielder Kinsey Rees Rogers (0-15, 0-21): Seven letterwinners are back this season for the Pirates, who had a large enough turnout to form three teams this season.
West Valley (7-8, 9-13): Coach Dan Kolda is in his second season with the Eagles with seven returning starters, led by secondteam all-league senior P/1B Kennady Kunz, senior P/UTL Ally VanWeerdhuisen and senior SS/P Sorrell Stewart. “We are confident going into the 2025 season,” Kolda said. “A solid defense will be one of the key items we’ll need to be competitive.”
Donyelle Strauss looks for memorable end to family’s time at Ferris
MADISON MCCORD PHOTOS/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Senior infielder Donyelle Strauss lays down a bunt during an indoor practice session at Ferris High School.
Longtime Ferris coach Linda Bushinski, left, talks with senior infielder Donyelle Strauss during a recent indoor practice session.
HIGH-LEVEL LEGACY
Senior Brayten Ayers closes out special era in Mt. Spokane baseball program
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Coaches naturally form a bond with many of their players, especially those that spend multiple years on varsity or have siblings come through the program before them.
It’s no surprise that senior nights get emotional for all involved. They’re all special in their unique way.
This year, though, will mark the end of a special era for Mt. Spokane veteran baseball coach Alex Schuerman.
Defending Greater Spokane League MVP Brayten Ayers begins his senior campaign with scholarship in hand, hoping to
take the Wildcats back to the state tournament and attempt to do what no GSL team has ever done – win a state title. But the family ties will make the journey this season a little more emotional.
Schuerman, who embarks on his 22nd season at the helm for the Wildcats, and Tim Ayers have known each other since they were high school teammates at Mead – Ayers was the Panthers’ ace, Schuerman the catcher. The bond formed as teenagers extended to Whitworth University, where the pair played college ball together.
“There’s a good family connection for a long time,” Schuerman said.
BASEBALL AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League baseball teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
4A/3A
Central Valley (10-12, 9-9, sixth): Coach Dalton Stamper, second season. Threetime all-league first team senior SS Kamden Lanphere leads eight letterwinners and six starters back for the Bears. “The pitching staff is going to be competitive, with multiple arms running it up in the mid-to-upper 80s,” Stamper said. “We’ll need to find some consistency producing runs if we want to be successful.”
Cheney (10-14, 7-11, seventh): Coach Rob Beamer, fifth season. The Blackhawks have five starters and seven letterwinners returning, including all-league honorable mention senior SS Brayden Martin and senior 2B/P Coleman Randles. “We are going to be a scrappy team,” Beamer said. “We need good pitching and have tough at bats to be competitive.”
Ferris (2-18, 2-16, ninth): Coach Jimmy Smith, third season. Saxons return entire infield among six letterwinners back, including four-year starter Harper Dissmore, whose freshman brother Holt joins on varsity. “We’re still young,” Smith said. “But our returners have good experience.” Gonzaga Prep (20-7, 14-4, t-first): Brian Munhall, 16th season. Last season’s cochamps have 11 letterwinners and six starters back, led by Oregon State commit junior C/OF Anthony Karis, and second-team all-league picks senior P/3B Connor Wood and senior
That family connection extends to Schuerman’s and Ayers’ sons. There have been two Schuermans (Jeter, class of 2021; and Rece ’23) and four Ayers (Quentin ’19, Paxton ’22, Tiegen ’23 and Brayten ’25) come through the Mt. Spokane baseball program – all coached by Schuerman.
Brayten will be the last of group. But for the past seven seasons, there’s been a Schuerman or Ayers – and often more than one – on the Wildcats’ roster.
“The Ayers family is special to me,” Schuerman said. “I’ve coached all four of them, and (Brayten), ever since he was little, he’s been a ‘fire in his belly’ kind of kid. Great competitor, wants to win at all costs.”
That attitude will lead Ayers to follow in his oldest brother’s footsteps to attend Northwest Nazarene in Nampa, Idaho, in the fall. Quentin is a senior catcher for the Nighthawks.
“All three of my brothers
Maupin said.
2B Briggs Beaudoin. “This team has the potential to be very strong,” Munhall said.
“Fresh off a Final 8 finish last season, we hope experience, age and skill will help drive this team in 2025.”
Lewis and Clark (7-15, 6-12, eighth): Coach Steve Bennett, 13th season.
Seven letterwinners and six starters return for the Tigers, led by all-league honorable mention senior P/OF Kyle Wilkinson and senior UTL Landen Keberle. “We are solid defensively and should have a pretty deep line-up,” Bennett said. “We can be competitive if we limit mistakes and get quality starts from our pitching staff.”
Mead (15-8, 13-5, fourth): Coach Drake Yoshioka, first season. New coach Yoshioka will have an almost entirely new team to work with, with just one starter, sophomore SS/P Lucius Spielman, back from last year’s team. “For us to be competitive, we need to play fundamental baseball and do the little things right, like taking care of the baseball,” Yoshioka said.
Mt. Spokane (19-7, 14-4, t-first): Coach Alex Schuerman, 22nd season. The GSL co-champs have 10 letterwinners and five starters back, led by defending league MVP senior P/OF Brayten Ayers, the fourth Ayers brother to come through the program. “We have seven or eight quality arms,” Schuerman said. “We don’t have a lot of varsity innings from our infielders so the newcomers will need to step up and make some plays for us.”
Ridgeline (15-9, 14-4, t-first): Coach Jeramie Maupin, fourth season. Six letterwinners and five starters return, including first-team all-league picks SS Caden Andreas and 2B/P Ben Wartinger. “We graduated key members of our program who played a large part in getting this program off the ground,”
played (at Mt. Spokane), and (Quentin) is where I’m going to college, so it’s pretty cool to carry on that legacy,” Brayten said. “And hopefully end it with a show this year.”
“He’s just a consummate baseball player,” Schuerman said. “He’s been doing it for a long time at a high level. ... He just gives you his all every time. And he’s a really skilled baseball player. So, when you put those two things together – competitive spirit and quality skills – it’s really fun to watch. It’s gonna be really hard to replace him next year, for sure.” Ayers said he was a pretty typical youngest brother, always tagging around with his older brothers and their friends and trying to compete the best way he could. But he was quick to point out that he always “kind of fit in” with the older crowd instead of feeling any pressure to live up to expectations. It wasn’t until recently when
Shadle Park (16-8, 11-6 2A, third):
Coach Sam Schaefer, first season. The Highlanders move up a level with a new head coach amd 14 letterwinners and nine starters back. Senior CF/P Tyler Yarger was a firstteam all-league pick in 2A last season, while OF Evan Lafferty, C Tommy Krozter and 3B Ridge Bryant – all seniors – were second team. “If we take it one game at a time and pay close attention to details, it will give us a great chance to make some noise in the 3A/4A league,” Schaefer said.
University (12-12, 10-8, fifth):
Coach Kevin May, eighth season. The Titans have almost their entire team back with 12 letterwinners and nine starters returning, including first-team all-league junior P/SS Marco Longo and second-team senior P/ OF Logan Spradling. “I like our pitching depth as well as our experience,” May said. “We have a lot of young players who have been battle tested combined with a strong group of seniors.”
2A
Clarkston (6-15, 5-10, fourth):
Coach Taylor Marshall, first season. First-team all-league selection senior P/SS Hayden Line leads four returning starters for the Bantams. A pair of freshman – OF/P Kendry Gimlin and INF/C Caddis Sevey – should provide depth.
Deer Park (17-7, 8-4 1A, second):
Coach Darren Snyder, eighth season. The Stags return just two starters, first-team all-league senior pitcher RJ Gillaspy and secondteam OF Evan Brinlee. On top of the high graduation rate, they also lost starter Parker Hamilton to injury. Snyder will count on freshmen Brody Chapman and Payson Hansen to fill out the lineup.
East Valley (2-19, 1-14, sixth): Coach Justin Sinn, fourth season. The Knights are young, as each of their five returning starters
Ayers felt an internal pull to succeed.
“The (college) recruiting process was tough,” he said. “Trying to live up to my oldest brother, because he’s going to (Northwest Nazarene). I kind of felt like I had to live up to that and try to be better, I guess.”
He had other options he could have considered, but NNU was always his top choice. Ayers signed as soon as he was offered.
“It’s a great community there,” he said. “Clean city, right by Boise. I think it’ll be really fun.” Though he could own bragging rights at the dinner table about earning the GSL MVP in his junior season, he refrains.
“I was pretty humble about it,” he said. “I don’t like putting myself out there like that. It’s not my type of thing.”
Ayers likes the composition of the team for his senior run. Five starters and 10 letterwinners
See AYERS, 8
are juniors or sophomores. “We are lucky to have some competitive and driven returners with the added bonus of some eager young freshmen,” Sinn said. Freshman SS Kyler Goll could be an impact player right away, while junior C/1B/P Colby Bergman in an offensive force.
North Central (2-18, 1-17 4A/3A, 10th): Coach Curly Rousseau, third season. The Wolfpack took their lumps in 4A/3A last season and have six letterwinners back to take on the 2A ranks. Senior catcher Kian Carruthers – who also works as a Western Hockey League linesman – is a three-time all-league pick, while senior OF David Madsen was a second-team selection last season.
Pullman (19-6, 12-3, first): Coach Kevin Agnew, sixth season. A pair of first-team all-league seniors – OF/P Joey Hecker and INF/P Brady Coulter – lead six letterwinners and three starters back for the Hounds. “We have strong senior leadership and a good group of young players,” Agnew said. “Our pitching depth will be our biggest question mark this spring.” Rogers (6-15, 5-10, fifth): Coach James Wasem, 32nd season. First-team allleague seniors P/SS/OF Jackson Ables and OF/P Logenn Storer lead nine returning letterwinners and seven starters. “We have some great upperclassmen,” Wasem said. “We’re a little green, but we’ll grow throughout the season.”
West Valley (12-12, 11-4, second): Coach Cory Aitken, 10th season. First-team all-league senior pitcher Ethan Turley leads seven returning letterwinners and four starters. Fellow seniors OF/P Simeon Mattingly and OF Brandon Spunich were second-team picks. “The strength of this years team will be its pitching and defense,” Aitken said. “This may be the deepest team that West Valley has had in a long time.”
JESSE TINSLEY/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Brayten Ayers, a pitcher and outfielder for the Mt. Spokane Wildcats, takes batting practice at Mt. Spokane recently.
A TENNIS TITAN
By Ethan Myers THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Even after three strong seasons with state finishes in singles and doubles, University tennis player Kailee Alteneder is not interested in any expectations for her senior year.
“I don’t like to put a lot of pressure on myself, so this has just been such a great experience with my team,” she said. “First and foremost, I just want to have the best year with my team and so many amazing people.”
Alteneder, who also plays basketball, credits her success on the tennis court in part to her mental toughness. Her positive attitude and steadiness give her a sense of pride.
The U-Hi girls tennis team will look to follow Alteneder’s lead in the quest for a third straight Greater Spokane League title.
Julene Osborn, who has coached the girls’ team for over two decades, pointed to Alteneder’s consistency – both when swinging the racket and off the court in her mindset and coachability.
“She is more patient in her game as she has gotten older,” Osborn said of Alteneder’s growth. “She’s more patient for the op-
portunity to hit winning balls. She is such a pleasant person, always has such a good attitude and is really thoughtful to everybody around her – those she plays as well as her teammates.”
After electing to compete in doubles at districts – and qualifying for state both times – her first two years, Alteneder took a swing at singles last postseason, where she reached the second and final day before losing.
Alteneder took some lessons away from her experience.
“I think one of the most important things I learned is that there are so many different skill sets out there,” she said. “Especially going to state, there are a lot of different players and different styles of play that you don’t normally see in your little area.
“It takes some adjusting to however my opponent plays – I definitely learned that that’s one of the biggest parts of the game that is important to carry out wherever you play.”
While looking forward to applying what she learned to the upcoming spring season, Alteneder also worked on getting stronger and quicker, along with some fine-tuned points of her tennis game, in the offseason.
Alteneder will hold down the
TENNIS AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League boys and girls tennis teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
4A/3A
Central Valley: Boys: Coach Michael Gordon, first season. Freshman Sam Benedetti will make an immediate impact on the program at No. 1 singles. Senior Andrew McCombs is No. 2 singles. Girls (4-4, fifth): Coach Jacob Fry, first season. Fry moves to CV from the past six seasons at Mt. Spokane. Eight letterwinners return, including seniors Sophia Riddle and Kate Woodward, and sophomore Kate Bendele
Cheney: Boys (1-8, eighth place): Coach Dan Estock, fourth season. Returning senior Jacob Estock is returning from a broken ankle sustained during wrestling and will start the season playing doubles while his sophomore brother Samuel Estock will fill in at No. 1 singles until he’s back to speed. Girls (4-10): Coach Linnea Love, third season. A strong senior class populates the roster, especially in doubles. Junior Victoria Baycroft and senior Annabelle Taylor will compete in singles.
Ferris: Boys: Coach Chris Jacobson and Adam Hencz. Five players return from last season, including seniors Charlie LaSalle Sheldon Hencz and Luke Roland, fresh off a second-team all-league selection during basketball season. Girls: Coach Aaron Torres, first season. After consecutive years with coaching changes, Torres is still learning the roster but he feels the Saxons are “showing tremendous work ethic and desire to improve their game.” Seven seniors on the roster will
top singles spot on the team for the third straight year for the Titans. Osborn commended Alteneder and her teammates for their hard work in making up for the loss of talented graduating seniors over the past few years.
Alteneder’s dad, Aaron Alteneder, coached the U-Hi boys’ tennis team for a number of years. Her brother, Austin Alteneder, also led a fruitful tennis career for the Titans under his dad. She praised the team culture
provide leadership and hold the younger players accountable. A total of 68 girls came out for tennis this spring. Gonzaga Prep: Boys: Coach Shane Sandlin, second season. Sophomore Tiernan Waggoner is the No. 1 singles and leads seven returning starters. Girls (2-6): Coach Brendan Archer, second season. A senior-heavy group. led by No. 1 singles Devyn Pirwitz and No. 1 doubles team Molly Davidson and Emma Sandberg. Lewis and Clark: Boys (9-0, first): Coach Scott Worley, second season. Firstteam all-league senior Tate Thatcher was an alternate to state last season and will handle No. 1 singles. No. 2 singles is senior Kael Oos MacFadden, who reached state in doubles. Girls (12-2): Coach Kate Burns, fifth season. The Tigers return each of their top five players, led by singles players junior Daphne Rabinovitch and Charlotte Burns Mead: Boys (9-1, second): Coach Bryce Borland. Eight letterwinners return, including two-time state participant and first-team all-league senior Bryce Lynd and first-team all-league and state participant sophomore Robbie Wrigley Girls (8-1): Coach Jon Wrigley, 22nd season. Eight starters and 10 total letterwinners are back for what should be a deep and competitive team. Top singles players junior Lexi Mattox and senior Josie Kellogg combined to go 17-1 last season and both qualified for state. Mt. Spokane: Boys (4-5): Coach Dustin McConnell, fourth season. A senior-heavy squad with five letterwinners returning. Kevin Pickering and Jacen Phillips are the No. 1 doubles pairing. Girls: Coach Nicki Wittwer, first season. Juniors Hannah Meythaler and Addison Vanwert will handle top duties in singles, while seniors Ava Bunney and Almina Zukic will compete in doubles.
at the high school. “Just such good vibes,” she said. “Everyone is here to support each other and I don’t think we ever have any kind of drama.
I’m just so excited to be around all these awesome people and great coaches as well.”
Alteneder, who is planning to attend Whitworth next year, has not yet decided if she will continue with tennis and basketball – or perhaps even neither.
With plans to study exercise science and nutrition, she called
Ridgeline: Boys: Coach Tim Pell, first season. A senior-laded squad, though half the team is made up of first-year players. Key returners are Grant Brito, Marco Lopez and Jordan Lancaster. Girls (4-5): Coach Russ Tarmann, fourth season. The Falcons return 10 letterwinners and four starters with a ton of varsity experience. Senior Svetlana Wickham, a three-year letterwinner, is the No. 1 singles.
Shadle Park: Boys (4-6, fourth in 2A): Coach TBD. The Highlanders are still searching for a boys coach, but seven starters return, including senior Anthony Gomez and junior Kimball Plaster, both of whom qualified for districts last season Girls: Coach Liz Melville, first season. Danielle Cozetto went to state last year in 2A and leads six returning letterwinners.
University: Boys (7-2, third): Coach Dan Tenney. Seven letterwinners are back, including No. 2 singles Garrett Christiansen and No. 1 doubles Riley Yates and Mike Coe. Newcomer senior Niccolo Gentile takes over No. 1 singles.
Girls (9-0, first): Coach Julene Osborn. Senior Kailee Alteneder is a three-year GSL 3A champion and state qualifier and Madison Orr is a two-time state qualifier. 2A
Clarkston: Boys (8-2): Coach John Kowatsch, 10th season. Nine letterwinners are back, including seniors Alex Whittle Haven Morfin and Chase Meyer Girls (10-0): Coach Margie Denton, sixth season. The Bantams were league and district champs last season and return six letterwinners and four starters. Sophomore Rachel Gall is No. 1 singles while senior Ella Leavitt returns for doubles.
Deer Park: Boys (7-9 in 1A): Coach Jack Wood, 23rd season. Seven letterwinners return, including seniors Lucas Neumiller and Liam Varang and sophomore Weston Honshiko East Valley: Boys: Coach Tom Griner,
academics a “big part” of who she is, so sports may take a back seat. But for the meantime, Alteneder is happy to remain in the moment for her last go around at the U-Hi tennis courts.
“Everyone says it goes by so fast, so I want to enjoy it while I have the time here,” Alteneder said. “Also, I want to have a winning record, but that’s one of the minor details.
“It’s more about just making the most of my time in my last year.”
first season. The Knights are in a rebuilding phase as Griner takes over the program. Sophomore Joey Maughan projects as the No. 1 singles, and senior Zach Charbonneau and junior Noah Pickard are returning letterwinners. North Central: Boys (0-8): Coach Marina Gruis, seventh season. The Wolfpack have eight starters returning and Gruis thinks that experience will help them improve from last year’s last place finish. Girls (2-7): Coach Brina Carrigan, third season. No. 1 doubles team Abby Liezen and Emma Pell, both seniors, lead six returning starters.
Pullman: Boys (10-0, first): The Greyhounds haven’t lost a league match since joining the GSL. Sophomore Nathan Sutton was a district semifinalist last season and had climbed to No. 1 on the Pullman challenge ladder. Seniors Mir Park and Reed Newell are three-year letterwinners with state experience. Girls: Coach Daniel Vollmer, eighth season. Two-time state champion Rhoda Wang returns for her senior season after taking her junior season off. She’s joined by GSL MVP senior Diana Gutierrez, who was fifth at state last season, and second-team all-league senior Amy Fugh, giving the Greyhounds a formidable 1-2-3 punch in singles. Rogers: Boys (2-8): Coach Miles Moffitt, 12th season. The Pirates have some players with experience but remain very young, Junior Javan Christensen and sophomore Jathan Quifunas are growing into leadership positions. Girls: Coach Kevin Trim, first season. Senior Peyton Remmington leads a very young squad, with just four players returning to the program from last season. West Valley: Boys: Coach Ned Fadeley. Nine starters return, including two-time state qualifier senior Conner Kunz and junior Orion Mastel Girls (6-4,
University’s Kailee Alteneder wants to make the most of senior season
Kailee Alteneder will serve as University’s top singles player for the third straight season.
KATHY PLONKA PHOTOS/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
University High School tennis player Kailee Alteneder serves the ball during a recent practice. The Titans are going for their third straight GSL title.
FOCUSED ON GOALS
Ridgeline senior soccer player André Chaker doesn’t let potential stigma of alopecia slow him down
By Justin Reed THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
André Chaker is not like the other kids at Ridgeline High School. With a college soccer scholarship in hand to Northwest Nazarene, the 2024 Greater Spokane League leading scorer demands attention.
In the Falcons’ first game of the season against Gonzaga Prep on March 12, Chaker’s name was often heard all around the field as the Bullpups exhausted resources trying to keep tabs on the senior.
“It definitely boosts the confidence, but it’s also a little frustrating,” Chaker said. “They know I’m a dangerous guy and I can do certain things.”
Some of those things include holding up play, and finding his teammates making runs in behind the defense – like fellow se-
nior forward Abdul Umar-Nasir.
But the challenging play on the pitch doesn’t match the challenge Chaker had growing up with a misunderstood condition.
Chaker was diagnosed with alopecia areata when he was in the fifth grade, which brings a different sort of attention toward the striker, but it is attention that he doesn’t shy away from at this point in his life.
Alopecia areata is defined by the Cleveland Clinic as an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
“For me, I have alopecia. I don’t have hair, but there’s somebody else who’s in a hospital bed killing to be in my position,” he said.
“It’s not as bad as it seems, although it does have its struggles mentally, for sure. But it’s like my religion – my alopecia shaped me into the person I am today, and has only made me stronger, even
SOCCER AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League boys soccer teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
4A/3A
Central Valley (8-8-1, 5-4, fifth):
Coach Aaron Gruis, fourth season. Seven starters and 12 letterwinners return, including two-time first-team all-league senior defender Beau Butner and honorable mention senior MF Kevin Ng. “We should be pretty solid defensively, with a great core through the center of the park,” Gruis said. “We need a reliable goal scorer – we’re probably going to have a lot of close games.”
Cheney (6-10, 2-6, eighth): Coach Noah Prophet, second season. Just three starters but 11 letterwinners return for the Blackhawks, including seniors MF Nic Alderson and defender Max Hemenway
A pair of senior transfers – Terrence Shiasta (Georgia) and Ben Limburg (Pullman) should help immediately.
Ferris (6-9, 4-5, sixth): Coach Alex Bray, first season. The Saxons lost 12 players to graduation and aiming to compete with an almost completely new team. The three starting holdovers are senior MF Eli Ledgerwood, junior MF Marcus Saba and junior forward Reilly Lenihan. “With the addition of a few cerebral freshmen and some strong returning leaders, we believe we can grow quickly and compete,” Bray said.
Gonzaga Prep (7-10, 4-5, seventh): Coach Johnny Bartich, sixth season. Eight starters and 13 letterwinners return for the Bullpups, including senior all-league honorable
in my weakest moments.”
Some of those weaker moments have come with his mom Cori by his side, along with his father Francois and sister Ava. Those moments are fewer and farther between as he gets older, but there were times that were extremely tough.
“There are insecurities for sure,” he said. “You’re in middle school and people are looking at you like ‘Why does this kid have patches of hair gone,’ or ‘Why is he bald?’ You have to learn when you have something like that, just to embrace it and be yourself.”
Chaker is thankful he promised himself he’d never wear a wig because he said it helped mold himself into being comfortable in his own skin and with who he is.
Ridgeline coach Ernie Merino said it’s a sign of Chaker’s maturity and perspective on life.
“He never is like, ‘I have to wear a hat,’ or ‘I have to hide’ or ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ ” Merino said. “He’s never once made it bigger than it needed to be,” he said. “He’s never, in fact, never used it as an excuse.”
mention MF Alex Wood, and juniors MF
Brian McCann and CB Abel Rivera
“Team captain senior Kenny Pierpoint will be an imposing force in goal,” Bartich said. “This team consists of plenty of young players who are hungry and ready to make their mark.”
Lewis and Clark (13-5-1, 6-2, third): Coach Mica Lamb, 14th season. The Tigers return 10 letterwinners and seven starters, including first-team all-league senior forward Hank Bishopp. “Goal scoring should not be the major issue,” Lamb said. “If we can come together defensively and find suitable replacements for (all-league center back Max) Wilson and (Whitworth goalie commit Ollie) Hart, a GSL title is in reach.”
Mead (12-6-1, 6-3, fourth): Coach Tanner Wilburn, third season. Defending league MVP Rocky Wells signed with Spokane Velocity FC and is ineligible to compete in high school this season, and the Panthers lost five starters to graduation. Senior MF Luke Taigen will be counted on to lead in the aftermath. “We should still be strong on attack,” Wilburn said. “We return all of our starting forwards and added freshman Jagger Willard, who scored our first goal of the season against Ferris.” Mt. Spokane (12-3-1, 8-1, first): Coach Todd Slatter, fourth season. Six starters and nine letterwinners return, including first-team all-league senior MF Gavin Wunsch and second-team keeper Threon Stevenson – both players have signed to play at the next level. “We should be strong in the midfield and it’s a luxury to have experienced goalkeepers,” Slatter said. “We are young on the backline and will have to have players step up.” Ridgeline (14-5, 8-1, first): Coach Ernie Merino, fourth season. The Falcons reached the first round of state last season and return nine letterwinners and four starters,
André’s mom, Cori Chaker remembers the day he was diagnosed by a dermatologist. The doctor was quick to establish the cause of the hair loss, but the confirmation was no relief to the Chaker family.
“It was extremely difficult,”
she said.
And when the doctor said it wasn’t curable, the family went to work.
“I made him go on this huge, crazy autoimmune diet,” she said. “It completely changed the way our family eats. It kind of transformed the whole family and we’re all a lot healthier for it.”
“In our family, when we get hit with extremely difficult things, we kind of bear down and try and figure them out.”
Chaker said that without his family being with him every step of the way, he isn’t sure where he would be. His mom said that when their family has been hit with difficult things in the past, they bear down and work together as a family to get through them.
For the past seven years, the
including senior forward Andre Chaker and junior Thatcher Hemphill – both first-team all-league picks last season. “There will be no easy games in the GSL this year, so every game will be hard fought and this team will need to reflect that grit needed to find success,” Merino said.
Shadle Park (8-10, 5-5, fourth 2A): Coach Mike Pellicio, first season. Senior MF Conner Bailey leads eight letterwinners and five starters back for the Highlanders, who move up a classification this season. Junior MFs Kingston Clark and Cash Clark are key returners, as is sophomore defender Cam Roberts.
University (3-12, 1-8, ninth): Coach Kara Sharpe, second season. Eight starters and nine letterwinners are back, including twotime second-team all-league senior defender Braden Meeks and senior MF Kordell Liberty, while sophomore Josh Guill steps into the role of starting goalkeeper. “Our team will rely heavily on our two senior captains, Meeks and Liberty as well as a handful of sophomores that have started and played in every game since their freshmen year,” Sharpe said.
2A
Clarkston (3-15, 1-9, sixth): Coach Corinthia Richart, 11th season. The Bantams return all 11 starters from last season. “We have some experience with returning every varsity player last season,” Richart said. “They we have some fine tuning and kinks to work out with adding some new guys to the roster. I am excited to see how this group can work together to build a strong season.”
Deer Park (6-9, 6-6, fifth 1A): No information submitted. East Valley (9-9, 5-5, third): Coach Logan Georgeadis, fourth season. Senior first-team all-league MF Weston Fracz and second-team senior defender Carson Bly leads 14 letterwinners and six starters back for
Chaker’s have tried solution, after solution, after solution, praying for and supporting their son through normal and trivial life circumstances.
Chaker pointed to his mom specifically for moments that she has guided him.
“My mom’s helped me while I was crying, and she’s helped me while I was smiling, same with my dad and my sister, they’ve been great,” he said.
With everything, Chaker and his family have leaned on their religious beliefs through the trying times of an uncurable situation.
It’s like my rock, in a way,” Chaker said. “It’s what I lean on in hard times. So if I’m being tested, I’m like, ‘What would Jesus do in this situation?’ And it’s gotten me through some hard times in my life.”
Chaker has used the diagnosis as motivation throughout his life, not allowing it to drag him down on his way to his successes.
His mom said that somehow, the diagnosis has helped build
See CHAKER, 8
the Knights. “We have a good mix of youth with experience this year and I think that as long as we give effort we should be able to compete in the league,” Georgeadis said. North Central (1-11, 0-9, 10th 4A/3A): Coach Matt Leonard, 12th season. There are 10 letterwinners and seven starters back, but the Wolfpack is still young with just one senior, MF Owen Bischoff, expected to play a key role. “We started five freshmen last season,” Leonard said. “We look to continue developing our squad. We have amazing leadership from Bischoff and junior Chase Carter to help guide us.”
Pullman (16-2-2, 10-0, first): Coach Doug Winchell, 18th season. The Greyhounds reached the second round of state last season and have six letterwinners and four starters back. First-team all-league senior forward Clarens Dollin (University of Washington commit) and first-team junior center back Nick Neville are solid building blocks. “We lost a lot of talent through graduation. It’s a rebuild to be sure, but last year’s JV was strong,” Winchell said. “Forging an identity as a defensive group will be the factor in regard to our need to be competitive.” Rogers (4-13, 1-9, fifth): Coach Mike Duke, fifth season. Seven letterwinners and five starters return, including senior all-league first-team MF Josiah Torres and secondteam senior MF Osvaldo Valdovinos “We lost two key starters so there is a noticeable hole in our defense,” Duke said. “We have the ability to play very high level soccer, however we tend to play down and that is our downfall.” West Valley (12-6, 8-2, second): Coach CC Collins, second season. The Eagles have reached state each of the past two seasons and have 13 letterwinners and seven starters back from last season. First-team allleague senior defender Parker Simpson, and second-team senior MFs Trenton Lobdell and Champ Bailey are leaders.
KATHY PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Ridgeline soccer player Andre Chaker, who has already earned a scholarship to play at Northwest Nazarene next year, was the GSL’s leading scorer a season ago.
READY TO SOAR
By Greg Lee
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Josie Anselmo could very well capture a third straight state championship in pole vault this spring. Whatever happens, though, the Shadle Park senior is feeling less pressure. Last year, she couldn’t escape a self-inflicted prison of expectations.
Having captured a State 2A title as a sophomore, Anselmo wanted to back it up by repeating. And she did. But it wasn’t easy. Complicating things was dealing with grief and the unexpected death of her grandfather – on the day she vaulted a personal best 11 feet, 6 inches. Grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in 10 days. She spent much time over the years with him, going to his house instead of day care.
Thanks to her grandpa’s help, Anselmo got a jump-start on her education, especially in math. She carries a 3.8 grade-point average and can chalk up her discipline in the classroom with the start her grandpa instilled in her.
A month after her grandfather died, Anselmo was at state attempting to defend her state title.
“I was shaken up by it,” she said of her grandfather passing.
“I had no time to deal with it.”
Like many female pole vaulters, Anselmo got her start in gymnastics. The sport provided a foundation.
She didn’t try vaulting until her freshman year. Her first recorded jump was 6 feet at a season-opening jamboree.
“I remember my first jump. I was so nervous,” Anselmo said.
“We hadn’t practiced with a bar, just jumped with bungees.”
Ten days later she did 7-6 and was on her way to climbing up by leaps and bounds. She tied the school record (10-0) at state when she placed third.
That was an 18-inch improvement.
The following year she improved a foot, twice hitting 11-0 including the winning mark at state.
Consistency sums up her ju-
nior season. She made 11-0 six times, 11-4 once and 11-6 once.
She did less than 11-0 just once when she jumped 10-6 at the Pas-
co Invite. Shadle Park moved up a classification to 3A this year. Anselmo finds herself in a more competitive field.
The 3A state winner last year jumped an impressive 14-3, but she graduated. The runner-up, Ava Enriquez of Shorewood, did 12-9. “I watched her at state last year. She’s super good,” Anselmo said.
Pole vaulting is highly technical – not to mention fear-inducing at times. It requires more than running down a runway with a long pole in hand and then propelling off said pole over a bar three times one’s height.
Anselmo knows she has work to do. She wants to extend her personal best by at least a foot to 12-6. She would be heavily favored to win if she was still in 2A. But she’s looking forward to the new challenge.
“I’m just kind of focused on having a fun senior year,” Anselmo said. “And I want to win (state) again.”
Shadle Park coach Nathan Clayton is excited for Anselmo’s final season.
TRACK AND FIELD AT A GLANCE
By Greg Lee
THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League boys and girls track and field teams. Coaches voted to change the format for deciding team league championships. For the first time since 1976, league champs will be determined at the league subdistrict meet instead of the league dual meets. The format will be evaluated after the season to see if coaches want to continue to use the subdistrict meet to declare league titles. The 4A, 3A, 2A meets are at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma and the 1A, 2B and 1B meets are at Zaepfel Stadium in Yakima. The meets are May 23-25. In alphabetical order by classification.
4A/3A
Central Valley: The Bears, who dropped from 4A to 3A this year, return Aaron Wright, state runner-up in the 800 meters, and Joseph Demars Tyler Bissell and Wright off a state title 4x400 relay among the boys. CV has some holes to fill, but veteran coach Chuck Bowden reports he has the best freshman class in his 35 years as coach. Hurdler Davina Kostecka and 400 specialist Halle Mendenhall return as leaders for the girls team.
Cheney: The Blackhawks have some depth among their distance crew, led by senior Calvin Hilton, who was fourth at state in the 3,200.
Ferris: Boys coach Brian Davidson, in his third season, has 11 letterwinners back, including senior sprinter Isaiah Newman, junior thrower Alex Flanigan and sophomore
distance runner Parker Lemmon. On the girls team, senior Cale Stinebaugh was fourth at state in discus and senior Ella Brinkman was fifth in triple jump, while distance runners Ella Menard and Darla Kelly both qualified for state. Gonzaga Prep: If the Bullpups had more numbers they’d be favored to win the league title. But they do have Nikko Alexander a returning state champ in the 400 and was second in the 200. In the girls, G-Prep has much talent but lacks depth to challenge for team honors. The girls team has several with state experience, including senior sprinters Kaylin McMahon Hannah Boyum and Olivia McIntyre
Lewis and Clark: The Tigers’ coaching staff went through turnover but talent returns. In the boys, sprinter Romin Saleki is back. Saleki, Colin Sheehan and Elijah Nelson are three of four legs back off a state title 4x100.
Mead: No school has a richer track history in the GSL than Mead. The Panthers moved up to 4A after winning the State 3A title in the boys last year. They return Simon Rosselli (throws) and sprinters Jaeland Leman Eamon Gamon and Matthew McShane In the girls, the Panthers bring back some experience mixed with some younger talent.
Mt. Spokane: The Wildcats boys waged a tug of war with Mead for league supremacy a year ago, and they’ll look to senior distance aces Kade Brownell and Parker Westermann to lead the way. Brownell is headed to Washington State and Westermann is going to Colorado State. Kayli Eastham Jane Wycoff Makenna Ritter and Laine Gardner lead the girls.
Ridgeline: Youth best summarizes the Falcons boys and girls. A handful of returners on the girls team chose not to participate this
“My goals for Josie is to have her continue building strength, technique and confidence so she can achieve her goals of personal bests and a berth to postseason,” Clayton said. “I hope to see her continue to challenge herself in meets, keep pushing her limits and achieving goals that she has set for herself this season.”
Clayton knows Anselmo will put in the work required to improve.
“To make it happen in 3A, she needs to continue working hard, refining her skills and technique and stay mentally focused on her goals,” Clayton said. “No matter what classification you are in, when you get to state everyone is good. She knows exactly what it takes to win her third title because she’s done it before. With her keeping the right mindset and dedication I’m confident she can challenge for that third title.”
Anselmo is Shadle’s first pole vault state champ for any gender.
The Greater Spokane League has developed a reputation of sending athletes to state capable of winning.
The GSL boasts six state champs and Anselmo is the lone two-time state champ.
“Her drive and dedication is what makes her who she is,” Clayton said. “She thrives on the challenge of reaching new
season. Senior Daden Lewis (throws) leads the boys.
Shadle Park: The Highlanders move up from 2A to 3A. Two-time state champ pole vaulter Josie Anselmo and sprinter Madison Claar are back for the girls. In the boys, sophomore Becks Bird is one to watch in the distances and Highlanders quarterback Kaden Hooper will compete in “all events” according to coach Nathan Clayton.
University: Senior Addy MacArthur is back to defend state titles in the shot put and discus. She has signed to continue her career at Boise State. Also back is Kyla Roberts. In the boys, Jeffrey Whitman Quinn Lipke Steven Wissink and Luke Trefry return.
East Valley: The Knights girls captured a state title last year, but the big point producer Logan Hofstee graduated. Returning are the state champ 4x100 quartet of Weather Salinas-Taylor Ashlynn Deaton
A’Nya Shaw and Hayden Andersen along with 400 state champ Veronica Garcia. The boys are led by Talan Hughes and Logan Ihle
North Central: The Wolfpack always have state-caliber talent but lack numbers to compete for dual and meet titles. In the boys, Elijah Wright Trevelle Jones Adie Wright and Levi Aden are back and returning girls include Brooklyn Lawrence Jaela Susemiehl Izzy Schlettert and Marley Spencer return.
Pullman: The Greyhounds always are competitive in the sport and this year shouldn’t be any different. They’ll be led by Ada Harris, Sidney Johnson and Ali Hathaway
Rogers: The Pirates boys are led by talented sprinters Michael Sanders, Triston Bates and Alex Peabody Girls coach Khalil Winfrey, who was a decorated sprinter at Rogers and University of Washington, has a trio of quality senior sprinters in Zaquiah Tomeo, Akeelis
heights and being the best.”
Anselmo’s indoor coach, Erin Clark, also coaches at Eastern Washington. Anselmo says she’s leaning toward going to EWU to continue her vault career.
“Josie is an athletic girl who can go far in pole vault,” Clark said. “If she can get faster and more explosive she will see big improvements in her vaulting. I believe with a well-rounded program, like EWU has, she will do amazing and jump some big bars.”
Born and raised in Spokane, Anselmo comes from a one-child home with athletic parents. But neither tried pole vaulting.
She video records her jumps so she can see where she needs to focus her training. They give me stuff to work on. It makes my (practice) reps intentional.”
Anselmo wants to refine her starts and when she plants the pole in the iron box before starting her ascent.
“It’s kind of sloppy,” she said. “It could be a lot better. Sometimes I’m not very aggressive like I should be, but it can be kind of scary going up 11 feet.”
Every time Anselmo competes she has somebody on her mind.
“He’s always with me,” she said. “I still have him in my heart. Although he’s not physically here, he’s always here with me.”
Muhammed and Kiera Smith. “We are young and need to get more kids interested as a team but we have a lot of upside with our young kids,” Winfrey said. West Valley: Lauren Matthew Hadassah Duff Quincy Andrews and Kyla Silva lead the girls. Cooper Henkle leads the boys – he won a state title in the shot and was second in the discus.
2B
St. George’s: The Dragons boys and girls captured state titles last year, and they return solid cores to defend said titles. In the boys, Brayden Bayless and Shawn Jones return. Bayless was a state champ in the 200 and second in the 100. Jones was a state champ in the 400 and 800 and also teamed together on the title-winning 4x400. In the girls, Regan Thomas and Josie McLaughlin, who led the Dragons to a state title last fall in cross country with a 1-2 finish, headline returners. Thomas won a state title
Two-time State 2A pole vault champ Josie Anselmo accepts challenge of increased competition
KATHY PLONKA/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Shadle Park’s Josie Anselmo is shooting for her third straight state championship in the pole vault.
A DRIVE TO SUCCEED
Teigen Brill rides solo as lone member of North Central boys golf team
By Samantha DiMaio THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Not only is Teigen Brill an only child at home, but he is also the only member of North Central High School’s boys varsity golf team. While other schools either have multiple players or completely banish the sport, NC kept their squad alive so Brill could go on to make history. According to the Washington Junior Golf Association archives, Brill is the first male Spokane Public Schools student-athlete to receive a Division I scholarship to play golf in more than 20 years.
Brill officially committed to Seattle University in January and will finish out his junior and senior years having already accomplished one of his greatest life goals.
Brill began playing golf at 2 years old when his parents introduced the sport to him.
“I remember going to the range with my dad just trying to hit the range picker,” Brill said. “Just hit balls as far as I could.”
A few years later, he joined the junior program at Kalispel Golf and Country Club where he met the man who would soon become
his most valued coach and a lifelong family friend. Kalispel Head PGA Golf Professional, Nick McCaslin, has also been giving Brill private lessons for the past six years, focusing on perfecting his swing and polishing his natural talent.
Though he currently rides solo as a high school competitor, there was a time when Brill had a team alongside him. He was always welcoming, encouraging and supportive with his teammates – but he wasn’t the kind to lead explicitly or emphasize his own success.
“He’s going to be a leader, but he’s also going to be … not a loud, boisterous leader,” McCaslin said. “He’s going to be a humble leader.”
Brill now enjoys being the sole athlete on his team as it highlights the individuality of the sport and allows him to be the exclusive representative of North Central. When he attends tournaments across the state, competitors don’t often know much about the school.
time, lifetime sport.”
Considering golf is such an expensive sport, Brill does not take for granted the opportunities he received throughout his childhood. Other kids, especially within NC’s district, are not as fortunate.
Brill is grateful and dedicated not only to his sport but also his academics and the accommodations the school affords him as a student-athlete. With an impressive 3.95 GPA, he aims to pursue wealth management in the future.
“Keeping my grades up is important to me, but it’s so hard with tournaments because you’re always gone,” Brill said.
Tournaments can span up to a week and, with daily practice at Kalispel, that doesn’t leave Brill much time for studying. Fortunately, teachers are flexible, and Brill is a dedicated, hard-working student who will not take failure as an option.
GOLF AT A GLANCE
By Dave Nichols THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Preview capsules for the 2025 Greater Spokane League boys and girls golf teams. In alphabetical order by classification. Records and standings from 2024 season.
4A/3A
Central Valley: Boys: Coach Brian Spencer, sixth season. Junior Chase Sturgis was a state qualifier last year and heads five letterwinners returning. Girls: Coach Rob Rowe, seventh season. The Bears have two returners – senior Charli Thomas, who will balance her time also on the Spokane Lilac Court, and sophomore Carley Morrell Cheney: Boys: Coach Justin Fayant, second season. Sophomores Ryan Howe Justin Krasselt and Brayden Anderson finished 13th, 30th and 67th at state last season.”With the talent this team has we have a great chance of winning whenever we show up to play,” Fayant said. Girls: Coach Gerald Morton, 21st season. Six letterwinners return, including Lauren Howe Chloe Gawenit and Allison Vold. Morton lauded his senior leaders, “They are the most amazing senior girls a coach could ask for. Their shoes are going to be tough to fill.” Ferris: Boys: Coach Ryan Lamb, fourth season. Owen Senske, the lone holdover from last year’s squad, could reach state, and freshman Tyler Smith has experience as a USGA junior golfer. “He will be exciting to
“If you lose, it’s on you. If you win, it’s all on you,” Brill said. Brill participated in team sports as a kid, including baseball and basketball, but golf has consistently taken priority. He never felt the need to take a break or switch things up – golf has al-
He is the underdog by default and faces slight diversity as others arrive with a crew of support, but he then surprises everyone with a magnificent performance. Without a team, there is no reliance on anyone else and there is only accountability for oneself. Brill thrives with that mindset.
watch over the next four years,” Lamb said. Girls: Coach Laurie Smith, sixth season. Seven starters return, including state qualifier sophomore Vanessa Zacapantzi, senior Kayla Jones, junior Emmaline Kuney and sophomore Naomi Adams Gonzaga Prep: Boys: First-team all-league senior Dillon Schrock is one of the best golfers in the GSL. Girls: Coach David McKenna, seventh season. The Bullpups have three returners from last season’s district champions: senior first-team all-league Lisette Durkin, senior Lilliann Sayler and sophomore Maira Frank Lewis and Clark: Boys: Jack Brigham. Girls: Coach Michelle Grafos, 20th season. The Tigers were GSL champs last season. GSL MVP Amanda Nguyen returns for her senior season, joined by junior state qualifier Eve Parker and senior district participant Brynn Lauder Mead: Boys: Coach Keith Ross, 14th season. The Panthers were 3A district champs and sixth at state in 2024. Three state qualifiers return: senior Cameron Cantillana, the reigning GSL and district champion, and juniors Benjamin Barrett and Dustin Stansberry Girls: Coach Meg Maglio, second season. Five starters return, with junior Lucy Ugaldea and sophomore Maryn Langham key returners. “We have a lot to work on this year, but short game seem to be our strength,” Maglio said.
Mt. Spokane: Boys: Coach Terry Cloer, fourth season. The Wildcats were fourth in
ways been the lone focus. It has become such a major aspect of his life that its absence would leave an empty void. Plus, it is a sport with more longevity than any other.
“Taking a golf route … you can play your whole life,” Brill said.
“I feel like baseball or football or any other sports like that your body kind of breaks down and you can’t, you know, you can’t play it anymore. So, golf’s a full-
league last season but have just one returning starter, senior Alex Cloer. “We’re looking to reload with young players,” Terry Cloer said. Girls: Coach Ryan Nelson, ninth season. The Wildcats will have a lot of beginning golfers out this year, led by seniors Carmen Heeter and Harley Stanford Ridgeline: Boys: Coach Nick Seaman, third season. Senior Owen Packebush is a four-year varsity and three-time state qualifier. Other key returners are senior Patrick Rogers, who qualified for state last season, and three-year varsity player Brock Duer Girls: The Falcons were the only 3A team east of the Cascades to finish top 8 at state. Seniors Carolyn Rose and Kate Mulligan, and sophomore Chloe Hamilton are all-league selections.
University: Boys: Coach Tyson Rule, second season. A very young squad, led by returners junior Wyatt Broach and sophomore Luke Wolfram Girls: Coach Sandy Tipton, second season. Four seniors return with varsity experience: Lilya Anzalone Lily Brannon Ella Parnell and Justine Sears 2A
Deer Park: Boys: Coach Matt Wallblom, eighth season. Five starters and seven letterwinners return, including two-time state participant senior Wyatt Priddy, who finished 10th in the State 1A tournament last season. “We are excited to move into 2A and play some challenging courses,” Wallblom said. East Valley: Boys: Coach Adam Fisher, 15th season. Two state qualifiers, juniors Brady Flahavin and Teegan Martinez, lead five returning players for the Knights. “This will be
While still enjoying the game and embracing his love for the sport, Brill has not let the expansive world of golf overpower his academics or his social life. Soon enough, these skills will be put to the test as he starts a new journey playing at the collegiate level come the fall of 2026.
“He’s accomplished a lot of things, and I think … he’s not done,” McCaslin said. “He’s going to just keep going.”
our best year as a team in the last six years,” Fisher said. “We’re gaining some depth and kids who have played golf before at a higher level than before.”
North Central: Boys: Coach Jeff Tapp. GSL co-MVP Tiegen Brill is one of the top golfers in the league. Girls: Coach Lindsey Shannon, first season. Wolfpack had 13 girls come out for golf this spring. “Most of these players are brand new to the sport, so we are focusing on honing skills and getting as much exposure to the sport as we can,” Shannon said. Pullman: Boys: Coach Eric Martin, first season. League MVP senior Parker Legreid, who placed 27th at state, leads five letterwinners back
JESSE TINSLEY PHOTOS/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
North Central golfer Teigen Brill, taking swings at The Creek at Qualchan last week, is one of the top players in the region.
North Central golfer Teigen Brill committed to Seattle University for next season.
return for the Wildcats.
“We actually have quite few leaders on this team. Lot of communication with this team,” he said. “A lot of skill on this team too. It’s kind of like, ‘lead with your talent’ on this team.”
“They know how to win,” Schuerman said. “They’re good competitors and good baseball players. ... We might be a little different in some ways, in the sense that we’re a little bit inexperienced in some spots but we’re going to be really good on the mound again. We’re going to play good D we’re going to make you grind out of bats against us.”
Even though Ayers is the team’s No. 1 pitcher, he likes to talk about his offense.
“My bat, for sure,” he said. “It’s my No. 1. But I’m a leader on the
CHAKER
Continued from 5
his confidence.
field and I get the guys going in the clubhouse, get them going with energy. And I bring it on the mound. Just ‘1-2-3’ and show them how it’s done.”
As a pitcher, he’s not a particularly hard thrower. But he’s a “bulldog” on the mound, accord-
“It’s been a difficult thing for our family, but it’s also been a very, very beautiful thing, because I have watched my son transform into such a strong man because of it,” she said.
On the soccer pitch, Chaker has unwavering confidence as he said he is more comfortable taking other players on one-on-one with both his pace and his strength. When he feels the need to take
ing to Schuerman.
“You use that term for pitchers when they just know how to, you know, turn it up a notch when they need to,” Schuerman said.
“I kind of go out there and just throw strikes. Locate – that’s my biggest thing,” Ayers said. “I don’t have a ton of ‘velo’ on me, but I definitely locate and hit spots. That’s the biggest thing that people need to know, is if you hit spots, you’ll get a lot of outs. And if throw strikes, you’ll get a lot of outs.”
Ayers throws a four-seam fastball, a changeup and a “slurve,” which is a breaking ball that combines the characteristics of a curveball and slider. It’s not a pitch commonly thrown by high schoolers.
“It’s definitely kind of a secret weapon for me,” he said. “I don’t have a ton of spin on it, but it’s something that people don’t see a lot of.”
someone on and score, he usually does.
Now in his fourth season, Merino said his skill just forces other teams to focus on him for 90 minutes.
But it isn’t just what he does on the ball, but also off it.
His penetrating runs, both real and dummy, keep the defense wondering what his next move will be.
Merino said it helps the younger players see how they can impact the game without putting the ball in the back of the net.
It’s the same story in practice, Merino said. Over the years, Merino knows senior stars will take their foot off the gas during
“He is not big in stature, and he doesn’t get you with velocity on the mound – he’s probably 81 to 82 miles per hour tops,” Schuerman said. “And nowadays, that’s considered slow. But he’s got great command. He’s got a devastating change-up. He knows how to pitch. He knows how to go inside and out.
“He’s everything about the word ‘pitcher’ – changes speeds, throws strikes, changes locations, great demeanor. I love giving him the ball.”
Ayers enjoys the mental aspect of pitching as much as the physical.
“It would be fun, obviously, to throw gas and make people late on your fastball,” he said. “But honestly, I like carving people up.”
Ayers said years of pitching to his oldest brother, a catcher, ingrained some of the finer aspects of the craft.
training, but Chaker uses that time to hone his abilities while leading by example. For a coach who has built this program from scratch, it has been huge to have a player like Chaker as the poster child, especially with the roster churning that happened this season.
Ridgeline lost seven starters and 13 total players and of those, two (Braylon HelmRenz and Caden Thompson) were firstteam all-GSL players and were named to the all-state team.
“It was definitely fun throwing bullpens to him,” he said. “He gets on you a little bit if you don’t hit a spot. So I think that’s why I hit spots pretty good, because I got, let’s say, motivated by it.” Schuerman doesn’t like to play favorites.
But considering all of the circumstances, Ayers will hold a special place for him.
“You don’t forget what players like that mean to your program,” he said. “And over the course of time, it’s fun to reflect back on those kinds of kids and what they’ve brought. I mean, geez, in this business, you run through a lot of kids, and you love them all in different ways.
“But when a kid is that good for so long, and especially because I’ve known him for such a long time, there’s a different special place for him, you know, in terms of what he means to us in our program.”
“He’s unafraid of that stuff,” Merino said. “I love that, it makes him a little more special.”
Merino called Chaker a genuine old soul in the sense that he doesn’t get caught up in the stereotypical high school drama.
But still there is still danger in the form of Chaker who Merino said has a fantastic shot, even in traffic.
“He’s just so focused and he’s such a character,” Merino said. “At one point in our conversations, he said, ‘If my life becomes something other than soccer, if I don’t go forward with soccer, I’m still going to have a good life.’”
“He’s a rare cat, and gosh, love the kid for many reasons,” Merino said.
own for the big games? Save mone
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Whether it’s for volleyball, basketball, or soccer, STA has you covered, and you can leave those parking woes behind. Just use our convenient Park & Ride system available across the region and easily get to Spokane Arena, the Podium, ONE Spokane Stadium, and the Convention Center!
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With 14 locations, STA’s Park & Rides are quick and easy. Parking is free, and the ride is just $2 each way for adults. Youth 18 and under ride free! Once downtown, STA offers four high frequency routes to get around downtown and the North Bank: City Line, Routes 11, 27,
JESSE TINSLEY PHOTOS/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Brayten Ayers, a pitcher and outfielder for the Mt. Spokane Wildcats and returning GSL MVP, takes batting practice at Mt. Spokane recently.
Big-hitting Brayten Ayers is also Mt. Spokane’s No. 1 pitcher.