VYPE Kansas – SCK September 2025

Tori Morrison Argonia

Naomi Koontz Newton

Rylan Bailey Valley Center

Cameron Kiser Hutchinson Trinity

Wellington’s Ethan Boyd

Ethan Boyd, who is a sophomore football player at Wellington, has been raised on his family farm in South Central Kansas, where hard work and responsibility have shaped his strong character.

At the time of press, Boyd has eight tackles, an interception and a blocked field goal for the Crusaders through two games.

Wellington is poised to make another deep run in the Class 4A playoffs again this season.

Boyd has a deep passion for wheat harvest, working cattle, and spending time in the saddle with his horse.

Known as a great hand, Boyd brings dedication and grit to every task he takes on.

Boyd has two younger brothers who he has helped train and coach alongside him on the farm. His commitment to the land and livestock speaks volumes about his values and work ethic.

In 2023, Over 79% of youth reported there was no chance or very little chance of being seen as “cool’ if they used marijuana.

In 2023, over 91% of youth reported they have NOT had alcohol in the past 30 days.

By Matt Browning

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WICHITA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Hutchinson’s Jackson Anderson

Hutchinson all-league linebacker Jackson

Anderson has always been smaller than most for his position, but he knows that means he has to take his workouts to another level in order for him to be successful.

“Staying consistent in the gym and working my absolute hardest no matter how much I didn’t want to has been the key for bettering myself and getting ready for this year,” Anderson said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym just trying to get bigger overall and going to the field working on speed and my footwork.”

Anderson, who racked up 94 tackles and five sacks last season, is the lone returning linebacker for the Salthawks, but that doesn’t worry him.

“What I am most excited about for this season is getting to play with a new and young group of linebackers,” Anderson said. “I’m excited to teach

them the ropes like the seniors ahead of me did.”

Despite being a starting linebacker on a highly successful program, Anderson feels like he and Hutchinson fly under the radar.

“Some individual goals for me are making a name for myself on the field and getting the recognition I feel like I deserve,” Anderson said. “Some goals for the team are to finally get past that third round of playoffs and have a good time while getting better every single day.”

Brooklyn Benoit, Wichita Northwest

Isabella Cook, Maize South

Ryann Daggett, Wichita North

Lauren DeGroot, Bishop Carroll

Hayden Grimes, Andale

Taylor McDonald, Valley Center

Sydney Nance, Eisenhower

Mason Palace, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Brianna Paul, Circle

McCoy Phister, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Autumn Popp, Maize South

Ally Orth, Bishop Carroll

Addie Rockley, Rose Hill

Emerson Waldren, Buhler

Bailey Bernal, Halstead

Autumn Coleman, Argonia

Lindsay Coleman, Argonia

Katherine Engel, Halstead

Sage Illian, Wichita Trinity

Carlyle Johnson, Wichita Collegiate

Jaye McCurdy, Wichita Central Christian

Kayln Sampson, Sedgwick

Piper Schroeder, Halstead

Alex Scribner, Flinthills

Audrey Smith, Wichita Trinity

Erin Smith, Garden Plain

Reese Stuhlsatz, Garden Plain

WICHITA SMALL VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH

Autumn Coleman Argonia

Sydney Nance Eisenhower

Aldo Acosta, Maize South

Hussain Al-Amood, Andover

Jose Anima, Wichita North

Lincoln Ashley, Derby

Ty Brown, Andover

Braeden Carlton, Andover Central

Breckin Carmen, Andover Central

Will Fulgham, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Esnayder Garcia-Torres, Newton

Griffin Galyon, Hutchinson

Tanner Herrington, Maize South

Cole Ebert, Newton

Micah Martin, Valley Center

Diego Medina, Bishop Carroll

Easton Reiter, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Cruz Sanchez, Andover Central

Roman Scognamillo, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Cooper Shaw, Maize

Skylur Staley, Maize South

Jayden Adcock, Buhler

Wyatt Afman, Wichita Trinity

Dylan Anderson, Buhler

Mason Balzer, Berean Academy

George Diefenderfer, Wichita Trinity

Reuben Harder, Buhler

Joshua Herrera, Rose Hill

Kai Kreger, Wichita Classical

Brady Liebl, Rose Hill

Charlie Ochs, Wichita Classical

Lincoln Tankersly, Buhler

Jace Unruh, Berean Academy

WICHITA SMALL BOYS SOCCER PLAYERS TO WATCH

Diego Medina Bishop Carroll

Brady Liebl Rose Hill

Ethan Beard, Circle

Aidan Braun, Andover

Ryan Cherry, Buhler

Jack Cutler, Andale

Owen Dent, Eisenhower

Landon Englert, Bishop Carroll

Daniel Enriquez, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Will Etheredge, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Ethan Hakins, Mulvane

Samuel Hougham, Buhler

Gavin Lindahl, Buhler

Roman Lubbers, Andale

Simon Martinez, Mulvane

James Morgan, Bishop Carroll

Brayden Pauler, Wichita Southeast

Sam Pavelski, Andale

Cole Reintjes, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Lukas Rivera, Augusta

Jack Sauer, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Ethan Spiva, Eisenhower

Jase Thomas, Augusta

Brody Todd, El Dorado

Nathan Webb, Valley Center

Johnathan Wilson, Mulvane

Luke Wylie, Wellington

Cole Zimmerman, Mulvane

WICHITA SMALL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS TO WATCH

James Braun, Central-Burden

Luke Friesen, Berean Academy

Kyson Healy, Central-Burden

Whit Geoffray, Wichita Trinity

Cameron Kiser, Hutchinson Trinity

Colt Koehn, Remington

Jacob Lindstrom, Hutchinson Trinity

Gunner Parsons, Central-Burden

Zack Patrick, Wichita Trinity

Ambrose Pennycuff, Hutchinson Trinity

Sam Pennycuff, Hutchinson Trinity

Will Snook, Berean Academy

Levi Sturm, Wichita Central Christian

Carter Tran, Wichita Trinity

Stratton Young, Cheney

Luke Wylie Wellington

Cameron Kiser Hutchinson Trinity

Taylor Barriger, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Abigail Bird, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Caitlyn Bruening, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Ava Claassen, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Sophie Ellis, Valley Center

Audrey Foster, Buhler

Isabella Friesen, Buhler

Baylee Frost, Maize

Brett Jacobson, Circle

Haylee Kinast, Buhler

Krislynn Martinez, Maize South

Mya McCrea, Rose Hill

Abigail Meyer, Bishop Carroll

Courtney Nye, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Ragan Pfeifer, Augusta

Rylee Pfeifer, Augusta

Nelly Puente, Wichita North

Gwendolyn Sattler, Bishop Carroll

Corbin Starkweather, Buhler

Sophia Thome, Bishop Carroll

Brooklyn Treaster, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Madelyn Wallace, Andover

Avery Williams, Valley Center

WICHITA SMALL GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY RUNNERS TO WATCH

Briley Allmon, Halstead

Aubrianne Briscoe, Berean Academy

Annabelle Burden, South Haven

Addie Busenitz, Berean Academy

Addison Heater, South Haven

Emily Hein, Wichita Trinity

Autumn Hirsch, Berean Academy

Lillian Hoffman, Udall

Brecken Howell, Wichita Trinity

Cate Jensen, Chaparral

Alyssa Klingenberg, Remington

Avery Larson, Hesston

Ashley Lehman, Hesston

Reagan Neal, Bluestem

Harper Newcombe, Hutchinson Central Christian

Kassi Peters, Remington

Reese Quinn, Hesston

Adelyn Turpin, Berean Academy

Hailey Walden, Wichita Classical

Lydia Walden, Wichita Independent

Chelsea Willour, Remington

Amity White, Pretty Prairie

Sydney Zoglmann, Conway Springs

Baylee Frost Maize

Reese Quinn Hesston

WICHITA AREA GIRLS TENNIS TO WATCH

Amelia Blackman, Wichita Collegiate

Cruz Cornejo, Wellington

Elyse Griffin, Hesston

Sophia Heger, Winfield

Caroline Hocker, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Chloe Hocker, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Mia Jaramillo, Andover

Emma Jittawait, Andover

Morgan Koester, Wellington

Sadie Koester, Wellington

Allison Munhall, Valley Center

Logan Robinson, Wellington

Sofia Spies, Buhler

Ada Tantemsomboom, Andover

Addi Thomson, Wellington

Whitney Wilbur, Circle

WICHITA AREA GIRLS GOLFERS TO WATCH

Mary Bina, Bishop Carroll

Aspen Colqhoun, Ark City

Presley Cornejo, Wellington

Kaylee Cox, Augusta

Regan Dusenberry, Andover

Claire Ginter, Wellington

Remi Hartley, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Naomi Koontz, Newton

Alina Lam, Wichita Southeast

Emma Nguyen, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Anike Paulsrud, Buhler

Ximena Sarinana, Kapaun Mount Carmel

Lilli Sympson, Winfield

Taryn Viramontes, Wellington

Chloe and Caroline Hocker Kapaun Mount Carmel

Taryn Viramontes Wellington

Circle’s Brett Jacobson

By Matt Browning

Circle’s Brett Jacobson is one of the most decorated cross country runners in Class 4A. She won the league race last season and then placed seventh at the 4A meet.

As she heads into her final season, Jacobson is determined to make it a memorable one.

“With this season being my senior and final season,” Jacobson said. “I am excited to enjoy every race and take it all in. I am also excited to continue to improve and see my work from the offseason pay off.”

While Jacobson’s resume is impressive, she still wants to be more consistent with her races.

“One area of racing that I am hoping to improve on, is being more consistent week to week, race to race,” Jacobson said. “I worked on this during the offseason by aiming to hit my certain pace each workout.”

Jacobson is the current record holder at Circle and breaking that record, amongst other things, is on her to-do list in 2025.

“Individually I hope to PR and break my previous school record,” Jacobson said. “I also hope to perform well post season.”

Since there are just two girls runners at Circle, Jacobson trained with other athletes over the summer. They were able to hold each other accountable.

“It was great to train with them,” Jacobson said. “Together we pushed each other in workouts and put in lots of miles. I also spent time in the weight room building strength.”

By Blake Chadwick

WICHITA SMALL BOYS SOCCER POLL WINNER

Rose Hill’s Brady Liebl

Rose Hill soccer has been right at the top of Class 4-1A for a while now. Last season, the Rockets thought that 2024 would be their year as they entered the state championship game with only one loss.

For the Rockets, they would find themselves coming up short once again after a valiant 4-3 back and forth game against Wichita Trinity.

Now, Rose Hill will start their revenge tour per se and will be led by one of the best players in the state, junior midfield and forward Brady Liebl.

Liebl has made a name for himself because of his high level creativity in one-v-one situations while on the ball, and his knack for putting points on the board.

“(My hard work) comes from my passion to be the best I can be,” Liebl said. “It’s always been my dream to play Division I soccer, and that, plus my love to just play, drives me to work hard. My creativity has always just been there and I try to make something happen even if the game isn’t going my way.”

Liebl already has 34 goals and 25 assists in his

career and as he gets closer to the end of his career, breaking some Rose Hill records is on the horizon.

“My personal goals are to get closer or break the program record for career goals,” Liebl said. “I also want to become a better leader this season stepping into a bigger role these next two years.”

But personal gain isn’t the only factor for the junior, for Liebl and the Rockets, there is one ultimate goal in mind.

“The team goal this year is to win a state title as we feel it should have been our (title) last year and anything short this year is a disappointment,” Liebl said.

Bishop Carroll’s Ridge Trail

By Matt Browning

The fear Bishop Carroll football player Ridge Trail felt when he tore his ACL is one that he doesn’t want to feel again.

“It was scary at first, when your leg and muscles don’t work like they are supposed to,” Trail said. “The sudden loss of strength in my thigh and balance skill was hard.”

But Trail was dedicated to the rehab process. He was determined to be able to play his senior season.

“It was hard at the beginning but over time, I regained the confidence in my knee,” Trail said. “With an injury that takes a long time to heal, you must have mental toughness or it’s easy to be discouraged.”

Trail’s initial injury happened two weeks before the first game of 2024. It was difficult for the doctors to diagnose the injury because it didn’t

present itself like a typical ACL injury.

He was as excited for summer workouts more than he ever had been.

“I am very happy and ready to be back on the field of my team,” Trail said. “I’m ready to help lead our team and defense. It was hard last year to cheer for them from the sideline. I didn’t like sitting out last year, but knowing I had my senior season to look forward to help me get through the tough times.”

While the whole injury process was challenging, it taught Trail to be patient.

“I learned a lot about patience,” Trail said. “My patience has increased since the injury. I am more able to have patience with myself at others. I am so appreciative to be able to play my senior season sitting out another season would not have been good for me or my mental health. I’ve always had a lot of passion for football growing up around the game and not being able to participate in the game definitely increased my passion for the game.”

Drew Chrisman, PT, DPT

Favorite sport: Track and Field

Favorite activity/exercise to get in easy movement: Commuting to work on my bike has been a great way to get the blood flowing, get some easy cardio, and provide an opportunity to mentally transfer from home to work and vice versa.

Sports (if any) you played in high school: MidDistance Track, Cross Country

What you treat/specialize in: I treat general orthopedics, but I love working with high school athletes struggling with knee pain. I had the same struggle and never visited a PT, so athletes succeeding here means a lot to me.

Best tip for high school athletes: Strive for great posture and always stretch your calves.

Andover’s Amanda Stumpe Andover’s Madelyn Wallace

By Hayden Swope

Andover’s Amanda Stumpe spent all offseason finding fun and effective ways to stay active, all in preparation for the quick-paced season ahead.

“In addition to summer conditioning led by my cross country coach, I prepared for the season by exercising every day, including yoga, bike rides, lifting, and, of course, runs,” Stumpe said. “I wanted to improve on my endurance, especially at the end of a race.”

While she has improved on the course, Stumpe’s biggest target is to be the best teammate she can be.

“My number one goal for the season is to support others in their successes as well as in their tough times,” Stumpe said. “My favorite part about cross country is seeing the community uplift each other in a physically and mentally draining environment.”

On top of her summer conditioning, Stumpe has been training herself mentally and physically to finish the races as strong as possible.

“I would love to finish the season with at least one personal record and improve on sprinting at the end of races,” Stumpe said. “I struggle finishing a race with everything I have left, especially when it feels like I’ve already given it my all.”

With a long road ahead, Stumpe is ready to take on whatever the season may throw at her.

“I’m really excited to support my team and be with friends as we endure through this season,” Stumpe said. “Being a cross country runner takes resilience and determination which has helped me endure through challenges in my day-to-day life.”

By Hayden Swope

Madelyn Wallace, an Andover cross country runner, is ready to put it all out there on the course for one last season. After an impressive state appearance from her and the Trojans, Wallace has high expectations for the year.

“This season I really have the goal of soaking in every race and moment and making sure to enjoy my last high school season,” Wallace said. “On a more serious note, I have high standards set for myself and really want to place top three at state this year and place well at NXR.”

At the state meet, Wallace had an experience she will never forget, as well as an exciting team placing.

“My most memorable moment is probably last year at state when I ran with a strategy in mind and it worked for me in the end,” Wallace said. “Our team also placed seventh which was the best we had done in my time at Andover.”

Wallace spent all summer training for the fall, but that didn’t slow down as the season began.

“I am preparing with lots of challenging workouts that are pushing my limits and building my endurance,” Wallace said. “I’ve been wanting to improve my endurance and ability to maintain my speed.”

After graduation, Wallace hopes to continue her athletic journey at the next level.

“I plan to pursue a career in Industrial Engineering and also continue my running career,” Wallace said. “I have a few visits lined up and am excited to discover what the future holds for me.”

Campus’ Michael Umana

By Blake Chadwick

For the last four years, the Campus High School soccer program has had its share of ups and downs. Their one consistent piece throughout is a four-year starter, Michael Umana.

“Michael is a quiet leader,” head coach Casey Reece said. “He is vocal on the field when he needs to be, but he is the kind of player that just shows up and works hard, leading by example.”

The senior has played a ton of soccer over her career, spanning the last 12 years, but this year will be different for Umana.

“I don’t plan on playing soccer after high school,” Umana said. “I’m currently working towards my associate’s degree in composite fabrication at WSU Tech.

After a tough 6-11 season a year ago, and Umana hanging up the cleats after this season, he knows how much these last few games will mean to him.

“Some of my team goals are to have a winning record this year and to have a good playoff run,” Umana said.

“Some of my personal goals are trying to minimize my mistakes and make the allleague first team.”

The senior has been named to the allleague teams twice in three years, and with all of that experience under his belt, he will aim to lead better this season to leave the program better than he found it.

“My goals as a leader are to give as much advice and leadership as I can to all of the younger players,” Umana said. “I want to give a good example of how someone should lead a team.”

HELLAS CONSTRUCTION FIELD

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SPORTS FOR ALL

Sportsmanship Development

YMCA #YiBelong Spotlight Patrick Charlsen

By Matt Browning

All it took was his daughter asking to play basketball when Patrick Charlsen became interested in coaching at the YMCA.

“I was more than willing to jump in and coach,” Charlsen said. “I didn’t realize how much fun I would have doing it and how much I would learn about myself as well.”

In his short three years as a coach, Charlsen has two specific memories that stand out to him.

“I had a girl on our team, who had not played much basketball, come up to me around Christmas time tell me she loved basketball and had asked for a basketball goal for Christmas,” Charlsen said. “It showed me that the game she’s been learning is clearly sticking with her, and it proves that it’s bigger than just wins and losses.”

“Another memory from that same team- was during our end of season tournament. We played against the No. 1 seed in the first round (who had beat us easily, twice in the regular season) and the girls dug in and committed to working hard and we beat them to go to the championship game. Fought so hard in the championship game with a chance to win but fell short. They were so excited to celebrate their hard work with the silver medal. Reminding them how much they have grown in just one short season was the tip of the iceberg to see all their smiling faces.”

The part about coaching that sticks out to Charlsen is that it’s bigger than a sport, it’s about making an impact. It’s the main reason he loves to coach.

“Teaching kids what hard work and being a good teammate is, will always be more important than wins and losses,” Charlsen said. “Seeing these kids off the court, them calling me coach and giving me high fives definitely makes my day every time.”

Maize’s Jay Parrent

By Matt Browning

Having to deal with an ankle injury over the summer, Maize cross country runner Jay Parrent is excited to get back in the mix.

“Having to sit out part of my training made me appreciate running even more,” Parrent said. “So I’m looking forward to pushing myself in meets and helping our team compete at a high level.”

Before his injury, Parrent was grinding.

Whether it was running or strength training, he was gearing up for a successful senior season.

The injury was just a blip on the radar.

“During that time I focused on recovery and staying patient so I could return healthy,” Parrent said. “Now that it’s healed, I’m back to training and feeling strong heading into the season.”

The difference between where Parrent finished last season at state (47th place) and a significantly high finish might have to do with how he closes out races. That has been a focus for him.

“I really want to improve my finishing speed and ability to close races,” Parrent said. “Even though my injury kept me from doing late-summer workouts, I’ve been easing back into strides, hill workouts, and quicker intervals to sharpen up.”

Early in the season, Parrent is focused on just building his endurance back. But once he has it, the focus will be on a high postseason finish.

“Individually, I want to build back up to peak fitness, lower my PRs, and stay healthy throughout the season,” Parrent said. “As a team, our main goal is to qualify for state and place as high as possible in the conference.”

By Blake Chadwick

WICHITA LARGE BOYS SOCCER POLL WINNER

Bishop Carroll’s Diego Medina

can really help you learn a lot.”

Since Bishop Carroll senior goalkeeper Diego Medina was young, he stood out on the soccer field. Now he continues to do the same, whether that was being named an allstate or all-league player or earning the honor to play in a Kansas vs Oklahoma all-state game. Medina has made sure that he is going to leave his mark.

“Diego, as captain this year, is part of the heart and soul of this team,” head coach Mike Skaggs said. “He leads by example and encourages his teammates daily in an honest and positive way. He is the first to give credit and praise to teammates when we play well, and take the blame when we don’t.”

The senior has been playing soccer since he was four years old and credits a lot of his talent and IQ to the amount of time his family has poured into him.

“I think that my IQ comes from watching and playing soccer from a young age,” Medina said. “My dad really taught me a lot at such a young age and got me involved with the sport. I also really believe that watching soccer helps a lot. Being able to watch the highest level possible

Medina is an exceptional communicator in the field. Positioned on the backline, he has a full view of the action and constantly issues commands to organize his team. When his defense falters, he relies on his solid technique and impressive shotstopping ability to keep his team in the game.

“Communication as a goalkeeper is such a crucial trait to have,” Medina said. “As the keeper, you see the whole field better than any other player out there. You have to be able to organize your team, like letting them know when a man is coming behind them or if they can turn with the ball. Things like that are very crucial in the game.”

By Matt Browning

Argonia’s Autumn Coleman

The Argonia volleyball team went 38-10 last season and returning all-league selection Autumn Coleman thinks big things are in store for the 2025 campaign.

“I’m most excited for just getting back on the court and playing with my teammates again this season, new and old,” Coleman said. “I’m also excited because it’s my senior year and I hope that it will be a successful year again.”

Coleman was locked in during the summer, not only with individual workouts, but getting her team involved, too.

“I have been doing all the summer weights and conditioning practices that my team has been doing,” Coleman said. “We’ve done a lot of practices and open gyms as well, so it’s been pretty exciting.”

Last season, Coleman recorded 396 kills, 420 digs and 73 aces – impressive stats to say the

least. But she still knows she can improve.

“An area that I would like to improve on this year is to hopefully get better at serve receive and still improve my hitting this year,” Coleman said. “Some ways that I improved on those was by going to the practices and open gyms to get even more reps on the ball. Some individual goals that I have is to reach 1,000 kills and digs this year.”

By Cooper Chadwick

North’s Ryann Daggett

Junior Ryann Daggett, an outside hitter at Wichita North high school, led her team last season in kills, blocks and digs as a sophomore.

“She is an incredible athlete. Best in the Wichitametro area,” head coach Jesica Keys said.

Daggett plays a leading role for her team, a team of young girls wanting to improve.

“Helping them grow as people and as players is something I love to see out of them so I’m always giving them tips and advice on things they can easily improve on and I see them apply it and then it’s almost instant improvement so I love seeing that, I also love pushing myself to be someone they can look up too as a leader and as a player they can trust on the court when they feel like they have no one else,” Daggett said.

In the future Daggett hopes to play collegiate level

volleyball and she has faith her drive and support system will help her get there.

“I’m super invested in the sport and in the game so playing at the collegiate level is definitely something I’m working towards, I have all the support in the world which I’m so grateful for,” Daggett said. “I feel I owe it to them to do my best every season and being able to play and show my respect and love for them through the season is an amazing feeling, I love making them proud.”

PREP PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH ! GO

Taylor Barringer

Kapaun Mt. Carmel

Cross country meets can be grueling, so it’s important to maintain mental strength. That was one of the primary areas Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Taylor Barringer focused on throughout the offseason.

“One area I want to improve is my mental focus,” Barringer said. “One of the ways I worked on this in the offseason was by maintaining a good mindset during challenging workouts.”

Barringer worked hard all summer so that she can continue to build an already impressive resume.

“In order to prepare for the season, I attended Kapaun's summer cross country conditioning,” Barringer said. “Summer conditioning lasted throughout the whole summer, and it was a great opportunity to bond with my teammates, and meet any new people that have decided to compete in the upcoming season.”

If all of the work she put in throughout the offseason pays off, it could be a fruitful season. Regardless, Barringer wants to enjoy her final ride as a Crusader runner.

“Some of the personal goals I have for this season are becoming a more confident runner, improving my times, and being the best teammate I can be,” Barringer said. “Some of the things I hope my team will accomplish this year is qualifying for and placing on the podium (top three) at state.”

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Northwest’s Saniya Barber

Saniya Barber, a Wichita Northwest athlete, has been looking forward to returning to the court. With Northwest’s successful history, Barber knew she needed to start preparing early.

“I am preparing for this season by staying in shape and active and one weakness that I would like to improve this season is kills per set,” Barber said. The work doesn’t stop once the season starts, and Barber is still looking to become a better hitter over time.

“Some goals I’m focused on this season is raising my overall hitting percentage and getting more aces a game,” Barber said.

While she knows this year could be one of the best ones yet, Barber is ready to prepare mentally and physically for the long season ahead.

“The thing I am most excited about this season is having fun and winning because we do have a really good team but it’s going to take focus and dedication,” Barber said.

By Hayden Swope

Over Northwest’s past few seasons, which have been rewarding, Barber has been able to encounter some life changing experiences.

“The most memorable moment was going to state as a freshman and just being able to feel the atmosphere around you,” Barber said. “Another memorable moment was placing at a national qualifier and just all the adrenaline.”

After high school, Barber plans to continue with her education, and head down the medical profession path.

“My future plans are to go to a school that has a great nursing program and become a nurse,” Barber said.

WICHITA AREA ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Valley Center’s Taylor McDonald

Valley Center’s Taylor McDonald was a first team all-league selection last year. This year, volleyball is looking a lot different for McDonald.

“Unfortunately I am watching from the bench this season,” McDonald said. “I tore my ACL in June and had surgery in July.”

Even with the recent injury, McDonald has been putting in the work to be back and better than ever, and as soon as possible.

“Right now I am just working on getting my strength back and being ready to play college ball,” McDonald said.

While no injury is a good injury, McDonald is thankful she gets to see every aspect of the game on and off the court.

“That being said, I am still super excited to be there and support my team throughout the season,” McDonald said. “It is different but nice to see the game from a different angle.”

McDonald had a short summer season, but still was able to get lots of reps in over the offseason.

“The most memorable moment for me is from my past club season when we won the President’s Day Classic tournament,” McDonald said.

McDonald’s career is far from over, as she plans to further her athletic journey at the next level.

“I am graduating early and going to Montana State to continue to play,” McDonald said. “I am planning on majoring in exercise science or kinesiology.”

DAVID KAUFFMAN’S ATHLETE

Wichita North’s Nelly Puente

By Blake Chadwick

Wichita North senior Nelly Puente has put the city and the state on notice as one of the best runners in the state to watch this year.

“She is a very determined athlete and student,” head coach Katherine Reimer said. “When faced with any challenge, she persistently works to overcome it. She has worked so hard these last couple of years to drop her 5k time by several minutes. She never misses a practice, never quits a workout early, and never makes excuses. She is incredibly competitive and is so fun to watch race.”

For Puente, unlike a lot of runners, she hasn’t been running for her whole life. She started running in eighth grade, stopped in her freshman year, and then picked it up again her sophomore year. From there, she has grown so much every year.

“I would say my biggest strengths are my discipline and my care for the sport,” Puente said. “Because of my discipline and my care for the sport, I take it seriously, I never miss a day of running, and when it comes to race day, I do everything I can to run my best. I also want the people around me to do their best, so I push them as well.”

Puente finished top 20 in the state last year at the Class 6A state championships. This year, she wants to accomplish even more.

‘I feel like I need to start focusing on the little things like eating better, getting more sleep, and overall just believing I can do better,” Puente said. “The small things can be a huge help. I’m working towards a sub-19 5k, but I think I can for sure get to an 18:30.”

For the senior, as much as cross country is a self-focused sport, she also wants to invest in her program a little more before she leaves.

“I want to be a leader for my team as well. As for my team, I want everyone to work hard and stay focused. I want as many teammates to qualify for state as well.”

EMPRISE BANK’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita North’s

Jairo Mandujano-Lopez

By Blake Chadwick

Wichita North always finds themselves at the top of the city league, year in and year out. One of the reasons they will be up there this year is because of senior Jairo Mandujano-Lopez.

“What makes (Jairo) so special is his creative play in beating players one on one,” head coach Curt Wullschleger said. “This creates overloads for the opponent’s defense, shifts them out of place, and opens up his teammates. We look for him to be both a dynamic goal scorer & playmaker for his team this season.”

Mandujano-Lopez has 11 goals and 10 assists coming into his senior year but isn’t quite satisfied yet.

“This season, I want to score at least 15 goals,” Mandujano-Lopez said. “As a team, we want to prevent any goals against us and communicate better.”

The senior striker gives a lot of his offensive qualities to the fact of him being extremely flexible as a player and his immense studying of his favorite players like Neymar and Lionel Messi.

“I get my creativity on the ball from watching players like Neymar and Messi,” Mandujano-Lopez said. “Seeing them play taught me how to work hard, which is why they’re the best.”

For Mandujano-Lopez, his soccer career is slowly coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t super excited about his future.

“At first, I thought about playing soccer at a higher level, but I realized it’s not what I really want,” Mandujano-Lopez said. “Instead, I’m planning to get into HVAC or become an electrician and start my own business.”

By Matt Browning

There are many reasons why Teegan Haines chose to play football at Hutchinson Community College.

From the quality of the athletic programs, to the way students are pushed academically, to the community support, Haines loves being a Blue Dragon.

“All of the athletics we provide have great opportunities to continue your sport after the two-year level,” Haines said. “From an academic standpoint, the classes we take are like any other college, they are advanced and push you as a student. Preparing you for the next level. HCC has a great community around the college and shows up for all events that the college hosts.”

There are two specific memories so far that stand out for Haines.

“Some of my favorite memories so far at Hutch CC would have to be, beating No. 2 Iowa Western at home in front of the great crowd we had,” Haines said. “Another favorite memory just comes from living with some of my best friends, watching football on Saturdays or Sundays.”

Haines recommended any student give Hutch CC a try because it will prepare them for the next step in their lives.

“Take the chance, bet on yourself to use Hutch CC as a stepping stone in life,” Haines said. “Meet some great people on the way and develop into the player or person you want to be for the next step in life, whether that is continuing playing a sport or moving on academically.”

Teegan Haines

Kingman’s Garrett Gattis

By Hayden Swope

Garrett Gattis played a big part in Kingman’s successes last season, and returns this year for the Eagles. After battling an injury, Gattis is ready to be back at 100 percent.

“I am most focused on getting and staying healthy as I am coming off a rotator cuff repair,” Gattis said.

Now injury free, Gattis hopes to catch up on stats and aid his team on both sides of the ball.

“Some of my goals are to have more tackles than I did last year after missing a couple of games and to greatly improve my offensive capacity,” Gattis said.

After such a hectic season last year, Gattis is eager to play under the lights with his teammates again.

“I’m just excited to get back on the field to play a sport I love surrounded by friends.” Gattis said.

Hoping that this is the year that the Eagles see some November ball, Gattis still remembers an exciting and record breaking game from last season.

“My most memorable moment was last year when I set the school record for longest receiving touchdown with a 93-yard touchdown reception,” Gattis said.

After high school, Gattis plans to hang up the cleats but further his academic career.

“I plan to major in welding, but I am undecided on which school,” Gattis said.

WICHITA SMALL SCHOOL GIRLS TENNIS POLL WINNERS

Wellington’s Logan Robinson and Addi Thomson

By Hayden Swope

One of Wellington’s best double teams is back for another year. Logan Robinson and Addi Thomson had one exciting season last year, and are looking to be even stronger this fall.

“We really practiced this summer to get our net game down and build some confidence and IQ,” Robinson said. “I particularly wanted to get my back hand poach down knowing I would be on the deuce side this year.”

While Thomson is a sophomore, Robinson is looking to make all the memories and enjoy her final year as a Crusader.

“I really want my main focus to be to have a fun, final season,” Robinson said.

Hoping to capitalize this year, the girls have a long list of goals and expectations they hope

to achieve this season.

“As all players do, we have big dreams of state and am looking to get better than my eighth place finish this year,” Robinson said.

With Thomson under her wing, Robinson is looking forward to spending one last season with her teammates, partner, and coaches.

“I’m excited to play my final season with the best team,” Robinson said. “It’s a great environment. I’m excited to lead the team this year.”

Wellington’s Grant Giefer

By Matt Browning

Wellington’s Grant Giefer was always told by his parents that being involved was important, so when he had the opportunity to join SCCDAT, he jumped at the chance.

“Joining SCCDAT wasn’t just a club; it was a second family where we could share to make Wellington High a better school,” Giefer said. “My mom worked as a probation officer, so I learned how drugs and alcohol can ruin someone’s life.”

SCCDAT has shown Giefer a more refined perspective on the abuse of alcohol and substance abuse.

“I feel like SCCDAT opened up my true identity and what I stood for, right or wrong,” Giefer said. “I believe my opinion on that usage has changed substantially. I have learned how big an issue drug and alcohol use is as well. I realized that I have become more open to my surroundings after joining SCCDAT, even making multiple

friends from it.”

There are a variety of activities that Giefer and his fellow Wellington SCCDAT members put on throughout the school year.

“Wellington SCCDAT is involved in lots of activities around the community and the school,” Giefer said. “We do sidewalk chalk and Picnic in the Park. We get involved a lot during Red Ribbon Week and Suicide Prevention Month. We do a Grim Reaper and Rock, Paper, Scissors activity, which gets the whole school involved.”

Over 90% of young adults in Kansas reported NOT smoking a cigarette in the past 30 days.

In 2023, over 91% of youth reported they have NOT had alcohol in the past 30 days.

HUTCHINSON CLINIC’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Hutchinson’s Myka Thompson

By Cooper Chadwick

Three-year starter and two-year captain, senior setter Myka Thompson is looking to leave a legacy of success at Hutchinson High School.

“She has close to 2,000 career assists. She is an incredible leader on and off the court. She is the President of various clubs at Hutch High, focuses on her academics, has a part time job, and engages in community service,” head coach Josie Armstrong said. “She is a great athlete and an even better person. She is kind, considerate, and a fantastic role model. Her work ethic is truly unmatched! I think the absolute world of Myka and who she is as a volleyball player and human being.”

Thompson has been very productive this offseason, spending time on the court, in the weight room and fine tuning her game.

“I prioritize taking care of my body, making sure I’m healthy and ready to go. However, I feel like the most significant gains I’ve likely made are on the mental side of things. From seeing the game faster which allows me to play faster. Playing with a higher IQ. And just being able to keep my mind in a really strong and positive place no matter what’s going on around me,” Thompson said.

Thompson has big plans for the Salthawks this season and as a setter of her team she hopes to lead the way.

“My goal for us as a team would be that we are seen as a group that consistently puts their best foot forward. To be a team that competes point to point and refuses to back down from a challenge or shy away when adversity comes, because it will. I feel like if we can be that type of group then we’ll be able to step on the court each time out expecting to win and also contend for an AVCTL title,” Thompson said.

Wichita Collegiate’s Amelia Blackman

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Collegiate’s Amelia Blackman made an exciting change over the offseason. While this year may look a little different, Blackman is excited to take the court again.

“As it’s my first year for doubles, I don’t have any main rivals,” Blackman said. “I’m hoping to have a rematch with the Hocker twins after our close match at the opening tournament. I’m very excited for regionals this year.”

While it may be a learning curve, Blackman is still positive she and her partner will be making an appearance at state.

“For this season I’m focused on building a strong foundation with my doubles partner,” Blackman said. “I’m aiming to win state this year with my partner. We are both really solid players so I’m confident.”

Blackman hopes to continue playing the sport she loves, while also furthering her education.

“For my future career, I have a couple offers from multiple schools to continue my career in college and I’ll take that opportunity and hopefully be able to study sports management,” Blackman said.

As a Collegiate student, expectations and standards are high for student athletes, and Blackman is thankful for her community through it all.

“I really enjoy playing tennis for Wichita Collegiate school,” Blackman said. “The overall atmosphere is great since we are such a tight knit community. I’m very grateful for the support I have received in my six years being a Spartan.”

WICHITA COLLEGIATE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Southeast’s

David Mlendja

By Blake Chadwick

Fresh off the 2024 city league championship for Wichita Southeast, the Buffaloes look to win another championship and make an even deeper push for a Class 6A state championship.

One of the Buffaloes who will be a big-time piece this year will be senior David Mlendja. Mlendja is the starting goalkeeper for Southeast, who has been named an all-league goalie the last two years.

“My goal this season is to get the state championship,” Mlendja said. “For my team, the goal is to do better and fix our mistakes from the last season, so we can do better this year and build up the future buffs to be better.”

The senior has been a huge staple for the Buffaloes in his time, but he has shifted his focus to ensure Southeast stays at the level he and his teammates have gotten it to.

“Being positive is something that I have learned from people I have been with, people I have watched on TV; if you are doing something with other people as a group, especially in soccer, being positive to your teammates is too important,” Mlendja said. “Soccer brings us closer than our family members. I love all my teammates as part of my family.”

Mlendja will look to give his all this season in hopes of getting a scholarship offer to play at the next level.

“I am planning to play soccer in college,” Mlendja said. “I don’t know where I will go, but I am still looking forward to it. If I am not playing sports in college, I will be an aerospace engineer.”

Mulvane’s Ainsley Wood

By Matt Browning

Mulvane’s Ainsley Wood has long been interested in agriculture, specifically horses, so joining FFA was a no-brainer.

“When I heard that Mulvane High school had FFA I immediately knew that I needed to be a part of it,” Wood said. “As I have been in FFA over the past few years I have realized how important it is to be a leader, not only within your school, but within your community as well.”

Mulvane’s FFA program is busy throughout the year, with numerous activities and competitions, but Wood would not change a thing.

“This fall, we are also hosting a pumpkin patch which means this past summer we tilled and planted our pumpkin patch and coming up within the next few months we will be picking out pumpkins and then handing them out to kids around our community,” Wood said. “Aside from the pumpkin patch, my FFA chapter tried to do monthly service projects to ensure we are helping our community in any way possible. Whether it is volunteering at the local animal shelter or making teacher appreciation boxes for the teachers in my school, my FFA chapter is always trying to give back to the ones who support us.”

Wood said anybody interested in joining FFA would have no regrets.

“If someone was joining FFA I would tell them to do as many things as possible to get involved,” Wood said. “Whatever you put into FFA is what you will get out and FFA has taught me countless life lessons because I have put my all into FFA.”

Wichita Central Christian’s Jaye McCurdy KTA “Driving Change” Athlete Spotlight

By Matt Browning

Wichita Central Christian volleyball player Jaye McCurdy has established herself as a leader for the Lions, which are coming off back-to-back state tournament appearances.

How exactly does she lead on the court?

“A good leader is someone whose attitude is not affected by the play of the game,” McCurdy said. “It doesn’t matter if you are down 15 points or down one, you have already lost if you are bitter towards yourself or your team. You have to have a presence on the court and be confident in all the practice and skills you have learned, even if you aren’t playing your best.”

Not only does McCurdy’s impact as leader affect the 2025 CCA team, but it is also laying a foundation for the next wave of Lions.

“If there is one part of my volleyball career that I hope people remember is the effort that I put into making the program better,” McCurdy said. “Giving your all at games and practice (especially practice) is a great example for the upcoming generation of athletes. You’re only as good at you allow yourself to be.”

Along with McCurdy, the Lions return several key players from last season’s team that finished 24-19. But McCurdy is not satisfied with just simply making it to the state tournament.

She wants more.

“I have high hopes for this season,” McCurdy said. “The goal this year is not to make it to state. We have done that twice already. The goal is to win. I believe in every girl on that court and the abilities they contribute to the team. We can do it.”

By Blake Chadwick

Maize South’s Skylur Staley Hutchinson Trinity’s Jacob/John Lindstrom

Maize South senior forward Skylur Staley has cemented himself over the last couple of years as one of the best players in the state.

Part of the reason Staley is the player he has become is due to the mindset and mentality that he brings with him everywhere.

“I’d say one of my biggest strengths is my determination,” Staley said. “Even if my team is down, I believe there’s always a chance to come back.”

Staley has been a part of two state championships and a runner-up finish during his career as a Maverick. The senior has tallied more than 45 goals and 13 assists, earning all-league Co-MVP honors last season along with a first-team all-state selection.

“Skylur is a unique and talented soccer player,” head coach Rey Ramirez said. “The toughest attribute to find in a player is scoring ability. Goal scorers are difficult to find. Players with a top-tier finishing ability are rare. It takes talent, vision, composure, quality, and tenacity- and those words pretty much sum up who Skylur Staley is.”

The senior has worked his whole life to be the soccer player that he is now. Starting from the YMCA days, to now having a chance to be a high-level collegiate soccer player, all Staley ever did was work hard. A big piece of that work was instilled by his parents, and has trickled down to become just who he is.

“(My parents) support really pushes me to give my all every time I step on the field,” Staley said. “The main pressure I feel comes from wanting to meet their expectations. They always want me to put in 100 percent, and honestly, that motivates me. When my coach asks for something, like teamwork or specific plays, I make it a point to deliver. I actually like the pressure; it makes me want to step up my game and show everyone what I can do.”

By Blake Chadwick

At Hutchinson Trinity Catholic, cross country isn’t just about running miles for seniors Jacob and John Lindstrom; it is about family. For the Lindstrom brothers, the sport has become a bond that pushes both brothers to new levels while shaping the identity of their team.

Jacob, who returns as the fastest boy runner in Class 2A, knows the importance of preparation.

“To elevate myself for this season started during the summer,” he said. “Our coach hosted summer workouts and practices. I started running two weeks after the state track, and we averaged about 30 miles per week during the summer. The main thing that I try to do on a week-toweek basis is to get the mileage in, stay as fresh as I can by stretching, and recovery.”

That consistency has been his greatest strength.

“I have a great team to train with and rely on,” Jacob added.

His goals are straightforward: “Win every meet this season, go sub-15:20, win state cross country, and run to the best of my ability every meet.”

For John, progress has come from staying steady while embracing the team’s competitive culture.

“I just stayed consistent, pushed myself hard on workouts, and kept building on the base that was already there, while still slowing down and enjoying the sport with my team,” he said. “In a race setting, though, I think that my strengths lie more in being able to switch up my tactics from sitting behind people to leading a pack.”

Running against and with each other has been a true difference maker for both.

“Running with my brother has been one of the best parts of my cross country experience,” Jacob said. “He’s my biggest supporter and competitor. Without him, I don’t think I would have the success that I do, or the love of the sport.”

John felt the same way.

“Having the chance to run with my little brother has honestly been one of the best things for me in my journey. He’s always there when I need a running buddy. It has also made me push myself because I really do want to beat him, but he also holds me accountable and helps me push through, especially when I am tired.”

ACL Tear & Injury: Recovery & Physical Therapy Treatment

What is an ACL Tear

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the key ligaments that helps stabilize your knee joint. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and promotes stability by keeping your knee from sliding too far forward or excessively rotating. When the ACL is torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and instability in the knee, making everyday activities difficult or impossible. Understanding what causes it, the symptoms, and treatment options is important for anyone who wants to protect their knees and recover well.

Who’s Most Likely to Sustain an ACL Tear?

ACL injuries are surprisingly common. Research shows that approximately 200,000 ACL tears occur annually in the United States alone. These injuries are especially frequent among athletes involved in sports requiring sudden stops, pivots, or jumps, like soccer, basketball, football, skiing, and volleyball. Statistically, females have a higher risk of ACL tears compared to males, with some studies suggesting as much as 2 to 8 times greater risk. This difference is often attributed to anatomical, hormonal, and neuromuscular factors. However, anyone, regardless of gender or age, can sustain an ACL injury.

ACL Tear Causes

ACL tears typically happen in two main ways: contact and non-contact injuries.

Contact Injuries

These occur when an external force directly impacts the knee, such as a tackle in football or a collision in soccer. Examples include:

• A player being hit on the side of the knee, causing it to buckle inward (valgus force)

• Landing awkwardly after a jump with someone else landing on your leg

• Hyperextension of the knee caused by a sudden force

Non-Contact

Injuries

Interestingly, the majority of ACL tears (up to 70%) happen without direct contact. These usually happen during sudden changes in direction, rapid deceleration, or improper landing from a jump. Common mechanisms include:

• Cutting or pivoting quickly while running

• Twisting the knee while the foot is planted

• Landing from a jump with the knee in an unstable position

The ACL is vulnerable during these movements because they may place stress on the ligament that exceeds its capacity to resist twisting or forward motion of the tibia relative to the femur.

ACL Tear Symptoms

If you tear your ACL, you may notice several signs right away:

• A sudden “pop” or snapping sensation in the knee at the time of injury

• Immediate swelling within a few hours

• Pain, especially when trying to bear weight or walk

• Loss of full knee range of motion (difficulty straightening or bending fully)

• A feeling of instability or the knee “giving way,” especially when walking or changing directions

Although an MRI is the gold standard for an ACL tear diagnosis, physical therapists can perform special testing which can help rule in/out the possibility of a tear.

Is Surgery Required?

One of the biggest questions after an ACL tear is whether surgery is necessary. Research shows that the ACL has limited capacity to heal on its own once torn. However, not everyone with an ACL tear requires surgery.

That said, non-copers typically experience persistent instability, repeated knee giving way, or inability to return to desired activities without surgical reconstruction.

While surgery can restore mechanical stability, long-term research on returnto-play rates and functional outcomes is still evolving. Many people live active, fulfilling lives without an ACL, but it’s a decision best made with a healthcare professional’s guidance.

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical therapy (PT) is a cornerstone of both non-surgical and surgical management of ACL tears. It’s often the only treatment for those who choose the non-operative route, and it plays a crucial role in preparing patients for surgery and in post-operative recovery.

Non-Operative Approach

For copers, PT focuses on building strength, especially in the muscles around the knee and hip, improving balance and proprioception (your body’s sense of position), and retraining movement patterns to avoid instability. With consistent guided rehab, many patients regain function without surgery.

Pre-Operative (Prehab) Phase

If surgery is planned, physical therapy beforehand is essential. Getting the knee as strong, mobile, and pain-free as possible before surgery leads to better postoperative outcomes. Prehab helps reduce swelling, restore range of motion, and build strength.

Post-Operative Rehab

After ACL reconstruction, physical therapy guides the recovery process through phases:

• Regaining full knee motion and controlling swelling

• Rebuilding strength and stability

• Retraining gait and functional movement

• Progressing to running, jumping, and sport-specific drills

• Restoring confidence in the knee to safely return to prior levels of activity

Physical therapists are experts at balancing progression, pushing you enough to improve but not so fast that you risk re-injury. They use a combination of timebased milestones (weeks since surgery) and functional milestones (strength tests, movement quality) to safely guide your return to activity.

Final Thoughts

Contact us today to schedule your appointment!

Patients can be categorized into two groups: “copers” and “non-copers.”

Copers are individuals who can compensate for the lack of a functional ACL by improving strength, stability, and movement patterns, often through targeted physical therapy. Some high-level athletes, like Tiger Woods and John Elway, have successfully played sports with a torn ACL.

An ACL tear is a serious injury but not the end of an active lifestyle. Regardless of your chosen surgical or non-operative route, physical therapy is essential to regain knee function and confidence.

Derby’s Corey Koch

By Joanna Chadwick

Corey Koch, Derby’s new head cross country coach, brings a unique blend of experience and discipline to the Panthers.

Koch is a 15-year military veteran who coached most recently at McMurry University, a Division III school in Abilene, Texas.

Koch was named head coach in 2023 of the cross country program after serving as the assistant since 2021.

While at McMurry, Koch helped coach seven conference championship titles as well as being named to eight conference coaching staff of the year awards.

Koch was extremely pivotal in helping the women’s program secure their second and third conference titles in 2021 and 2022, while helping lead the men’s program to their first conference championship since 2000.

Now with the Panthers, Koch looks to bring the same mentality he had at his old school to Derby.

“Not focusing on others, but being better than you were yesterday, last month, last year, not just performance, but in the effort you put into everything in life,” Koch said. “

Koch will look to stamp his spot in Derby athletics and will do so with a good nucleus of returners. Junior Ben Perry, and sophomore Ellie Rinn, will look to lead both programs from an athlete standpoint.

Andover ‘s Mia Jaramillo

By Blake Chadwick

Winning four state championships in a row is no small feat.

For the 2025 season, all of the attention will be on the Andover Trojans as they look to win another state championship.

Senior Mia Jaramillo will be one of the most important pieces on a team that will have a lot to prove with a huge bullseye on their back.

“Mia is one of the most highly motivated athletes I’ve had the pleasure of working with in my 38 seasons of coaching,” head coach Stephen Alexander said. “While many student athletes understand it takes hard work and dedication to reach the top of your sport Mia is willing to sacrifice so she can put in the countless hours to really reach her full potential.”

Jaramillo has finished fourth, sixth, and third place at the class 5A State Championships over the course of her career as an individual.

“My personal goals are to win state this year as well as winning as a team,” Jaramillo said. ”I set very high expectations for myself such as not losing a single match this year but I have learned that losing is not always a bad thing and that it is a learning experience to fix your game and do better next time.”

The senior has grown up in a big time tennis family who has helped guide her in her tennis playing journey thus far starting when she was only five years old.

“I think throughout all of my years playing tennis I have learned and improved on a lot of things,” Jaramillo said. “My mom and dad both grew up playing tennis so that’s how I got started. My dad was a former tennis teaching pro and brought me out to play when I was little and ever since, I grew up with the sport in my life.”

Oxford’s Chase Douglas

By Cooper Chadwick

Last year Chase Douglas had a more diverse role for Oxford, playing multiple roles on offense, defense and special teams. Now as a senior, Douglas is Oxford’s starting quarterback.

“I’m excited to run our revamped option offense this year—it plays to my strengths as a dual-threat QB. Being my last season, I’m especially stoked for our playoff push and making unforgettable memories with the guys I’ve grown up playing alongside,” Douglas said.

This offseason to prepare for his senior year, Douglas did a lot of different things to help him focus on making quicker decisions under pressure.

“I spent the offseason at Emporia State’s and Southwestern’s football camp, honing my deep-ball accuracy and learning new play-calling strategies, plus high school camps and workouts. building strength and speed to better escape the pocket, and I’m ready to lead our team to a strong senior-year run,” Douglas said. Douglas, as a senior and the quarterback, is an on-field leader for Oxford.

My motivation this season is to leave it all on the field as a senior and to lead our team to a South Central Border league championship,” Douglas said.

Douglas hopes to land a track scholarship to continue his athletic career in college, but is still exploring career paths. Since this is Douglas’ last year he has big goals for himself and his team.

“I’m aiming to boost my completion percentage by making quicker decisions in the pocket and using my mobility to extend plays, while leading with confidence as a senior. As a team, we’re set on winning our league and making a deep playoff run, building on the chemistry we developed at camps this offseason,” Douglas said.

Andover Central’s Braeden Carlton

By Hayden Swope

Andover Central’s Braeden Carlton took no time off to prepare for the 2025 season. The first team all-league forward has been training year-round, and hasn’t slowed down either.

“Preparation for the season started back when last season ended in October,” Carlton said. “We’ve been having training sessions either privately or as a group since then and summer really picked it up a notch. I’ve been having lifting sessions and private soccer training sessions all year in preparation for one last year of high school soccer.”

With lots of pressure on the team and the expectations, Carlton is happy to be spending it with the people he’s gotten to grow with.

“The thing I’m most excited about this season is spending one last season with me and my senior friends,” Carlton said. “We’ve spent four years together and this last one with all our experience is something I’m really looking forward to and have already had a lot of fun with.”

A cross-town rival is one Carlton is looking forward to taking on this year, as many familiar faces will take the field.

“Andover is the game I’m most excited about,” Carlton said. “Getting to play against club friends and just friends in general in a very competitive environment is something I cherish each year and considering both teams are looking good this year I think it will be a great game.”

While tough decisions were made, Carlton is excited to follow in some important footsteps.

“My future plans are to go to either Kansas State or Arkansas University and pursue business marketing like my dad,” Carlton said. “College soccer is definitely something I have had to battle with and make hard decisions about but I think it’s in my best interest to follow my career path despite how much I love soccer.”

Andover Central’s Breckin Carman

By Hayden Swope

Breckin Carman of Andover Central was a first team all-league midfielder for the Jaguars last season. Hoping to come back even stronger this season, Carman spent the offseason staying determined and disciplined.

“I have been lifting weights and running outside of practice,” Carman said. “Another focus I’ve had is really putting in the work at practice. That’s the place where the most improvement happens. A particular weakness I wanted to improve was my eating habits, and since I’ve improved I’ve found myself being much more successful on the field.”

One of the best parts of a team is the bond, and that is exactly what Carman is eager to see this season.

“The goal I have for this season is just for the team to be more like a family,” Carman said. “The culture around the squad last year wasn’t what we wanted it to be, so we are improving that. I would also love to get 10 wins, and see how far we will make it in the post season. I have high hopes for the squad, but it all relies upon how we play for each other.”

With those high expectations comes some tension, but Carman is inspired to see how the team perseveres.

“I am most excited to see change in our program,” Carman said. “Just seeing all the boys develop a true love for the game and for each other.”

Carman plans to continue his leadership off the field to study education in college.

“I’m thinking I want to go to either Kansas University or the University of Arkansas to study education,” Carman said.

TEAM OF THE MONTH

Kapaun Volleyball

By Matt Browning

The seniors on the 2025 Kapaun Mount Carmel volleyball team were able to experience playing in the state tournament last season. That valuable experience is why the Crusaders have lofty expectations again this season.

“You set a goal to win substate and go to state but it’s hard to work for something you know nothing about,” said coach Heather Holovach.

“The goal you set for all these years was attained and now we want to win state, not just make it there.”

The beauty of Kapaun’s team is it’s more than just one or two players. The Crusaders are a blend of experience and youth but most of all, talented.

“We are depending on the strengths of our five seniors,” Holovach said. “We have a couple of freshmen that will have a lot to contribute, with a few juniors and a sophomore sprinkled in there. It will take all 12

players to get where we want to go.”

If the Crusaders are to get back to the state tournament and be a threat to win the whole thing, the schedule they play in the Greater Wichita League will help them be prepared.

“I believe the GWAL schedule will be challenging this year,” Holovach said. “Northwest, Bishop Carroll, North and Heights should all be pretty good. It is great that the level of play in the GWAL has improved over the last few years.”

Kapaun has two goals of capturing a league and state championship, which would make this a season to remember if both are achieved.

“Because you know what’s fun?” Holovach asked. Winning…winning is fun.”

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Valley Center’s Rylan Bailey

By Matt Browning Senior Valley Center football player

Rylan Bailey has several goals he wants to achieve in his final season as a Hornet.

But there are three that stand above them all.

“I want to leave my team with a lasting legacy of strong leadership, ‘all in’ mentality and persistence,” Bailey said.

Bailey rushed for 500 yards last season, with four touchdowns. He wants to eclipse those numbers in 2025 so that his team can be a factor in the playoffs.

“I hope to have 800-plus rushing yards,” Bailey said. “As a team, I hope to host the opening round of playoffs and go on to win a regional title.”

To say the least, Bailey put in the work throughout the offseason to become a better running back, but also a better defensive player, too.

“I plan to improve my quickness, perfect my ball carrying skills, and hone my

defensive skills,” Bailey said “In preparation for these goals, I did personalized skill training for running back and linebacker with Coach Rashad Daniels.”

Bailey is excited to be able to show how much he and his teammates have improved from last season.

“I am most excited about the opportunity to showcase my abilities on both offense and defense,” Bailey said. “I am also looking forward to proving our team will exceed other’s expectations as my friends and I play our final year together.”

Campus’ Alex Chantivong

By Matt Browning

A family connection is the main reason why Campus student Alex Chantivong was interested in pursuing the business program at Campus.

“My interest in business is largely due to my sister, Amy Chantivong,” Alex said. “She’s a current business student at Wichita State University and has been a role model for me throughout my life. Naturally, I decided to follow in her footsteps to see where business would take me. After high school, I plan to utilize the skills that I’ve acquired within my business courses at Campus to minor in Business Administration/Business Management at Wichita State University.”

Alex already has a resume that is impressive for his future in the business program at Wichita State and even past that, in the real world.

“I’m currently a manager at Stompin’ Grounds Coffee Shop, an intern at the Valley State Bank, a member of BPA (Business Professionals of America), and I’m enrolled in the Work-Based Learning program, following the Business Management & Entrepreneurship pathway,” Chantivong said. “In addition to those classes, I’m also a YEK (Youth Entrepreneurs of Kansas) alum, and I have taken Accounting I.”

Chantivong said these experiences have been incredibly beneficial to him because it has improved all the necessary attributes needed in the business world.

“I have gained practical experience in leadership, management, marketing, entrepreneurship, sales, analytics, finance, and basic accounting,” Chantivong said. “Alongside these business skills, I’ve also improved core skills like problemsolving, communication, and decision-making. These skills that I have acquired and strengthened have not only made me a stronger business student but also a more responsible, knowledgeable, and independent person.”

Don’t Just Bank Here.

Win the Game Here.

PRAIRIE STAR HEALTH CENTER’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

By Blake Chadwick

Hutchinson’s Gael Parra

Being a goalkeeper is always one of the hardest positions to play. Especially when you start playing as a freshman in high school. For Gael Parra, switching positions was hard, but necessary.

“I started playing keeper the summer going into my Freshman year,” Parra said. “It was mentally tough as my whole life I’ve always known the field. Being a keeper also taught me to never get up even when times are tough. My freshman year consisted of a lot of learning, with lots of work in the off season I was able to start and play Varsity every game since my sophomore year.”

Parra helped lead the Salthawks to an 11-2-4 season with five clean sheets, while being named an all-league honorable mention player.

“Gael is a hard worker and a natural leader, always a high

energy guy in training as well as the games,” head coach Cirildo Vargas said. “Not only does he have countless phenomenal saves in his highlight reel, but he also has the rarity of a box to box keeper goal from last year. We are fortunate to have a solid reliable player in goal, recently voted a team captain by his teammates, Gael will be vital to our team’s success this season.”

As a goalkeeper for the Salthawks, Parra has always had a lot of leadership resting on his shoulders, and now as a senior, there is even more.

“I’ve always believed that attitude is contagious,” Parra said. “Staying positive helps me push through challenges, and also lifts up my team when things get hard. A lot of it comes from my love for the game. I love playing, competing, and growing with my team. I know that we’re better when we support each other, so I make an effort to bring good energy and encourage each other.”

Rose Hill’s Landon Marshall

By Matt Browning

When Rose Hill’s Landon Marshall was little, his dad, Keith, spent a lot of time working nights. Combine that with Landon and his sisters being in school, they didn’t get to spend much time with their dad.

But as they grew older, his work schedule changed so that they could all be together more.

“With my dad in the military my life has been affected a little bit but not too much,” Marshall said. “As I got older he stopped working night shifts and now works the weekdays with time to see us.”

While Marshall recognized his life was not altered too much because of his dad being in the military, he and his family did have to relocate more than a “normal” family.

“We never really adjusted our lives too much while he was in the military,” Marshall said. “We got pretty used to relying on our mother

for things since we didn’t see him as often. We never moved too much either. I believe I’ve moved six times total but most of them I don’t remember because I was too young.”

Marshall said patience would be his advice to any kids or families going through hardships of having a family member serving our country.

“I would tell them that it should get better as it goes on depending on what the profession of their parent has,” Marshall said.

Wichita Southeast’s Alina Lam

By Cooper Chadwick

As a sophomore Wichita Southeast’s Alina Lam tied for seventh place at the 6A state tournament.

Lam finished with a scoring average of 76 last season and earned second team all-state honors. This season she hopes to improve even more.

“I am wanting to improve on everything this year because I believe that nothing is perfect in golf and you always have something to improve on,” Lam said. “I have been practicing almost every day for 2-4 hours working on my swing mechanics at the range and the short game areas.”

Lam is excited to be an upperclassman this year and getting to play another year alongside her teammates.

“We have grown an incredible friendship, and I believe we can do great things this season,” Lam said. “I try to encourage the girls on my team to work hard and push through any challenges they face because I believe that they have the potential to be great.”

During the offseason Lam spent a lot of her time in the gym and on the green.

“Playing in many tournaments over the summer and practicing almost every day,” Lam said. “My goal this season is just to play the best that I can and get a better scoring average than I did freshman and sophomore season.”

THE TIRE STORE’S ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Wichita Southeast’s Vernon Williams

By Cooper Chadwick

Being the strong safety for Wichita Southeast, senior Vernon Williams earned high praise from head coach Corby Milleson.

“Vernon is a terrific player. Extremely athletic and strong. He is a hard worker both on the field and in the weight room, and has earned the respect of his team by being voted a team captain,” Milleson said.

Williams is excited for his senior year and the ability to compete and play the sport he loves with his teammates.

“The team goal I have is winning,” Williams said. “The role I play on the team is I’m a team captain and also I have to be a leader for the under classmen and also a few upper classmen.”

Williams spent most of this summer getting ready and prepared for this upcoming season.

“The things I’ve been doing the offseason is working out, getting stronger in the weight room, going to the field with some of my teammates to get some extra field work in when we’re not practicing,” Williams said.

Specifically, Williams wanted to work more on attacking the ball while it was in the air and he did so by doing one-on-one drills with his teammates.

Last year Williams racked up 40 total tackles; 22 assists and 18 solos. As well was 16 rushing yards, 67 receiving and two touchdowns.

Williams isn’t sure on what he wants to do after football but right now he is focused on the success of him and his teammates.

“Wanting to see me and my brothers win after all the hard work and dedication we put in,” Williams said.

Wichita Northwest’s Ava Barker

By Hayden Swope

Wichita Northwest’s Ava Barker ended last season on a high note, and the work she put in over the offseason says she’s ready to be back even stronger.

“Before the season started I ran a lot to have a good base to build off of, and I’m ready to see where my work takes me,” Barker said. “I am trying my hardest to take care of my body the best I can to improve and prevent injury.”

Pushing herself every week at every meet, Barker is excited to see what goals and records she’ll get to break this season.

“Last season I ended really well with a PR at regionals running a 22:33,” Barker said. “This year is starting really well and I can definitely see some new PR’s coming up. My goal by the end of the season is to break 21:30.”

While she’s been putting up the numbers, Barker is also trying to take in every last moment with her team.

“I am most excited to see how far I’ve come from starting cross country as a sophomore to now as a senior,” Barker said. “I also look forward to being with my teammates and having them with me to do what I love.”

Running at one of the most difficult courses in the state is never easy, but Barker is excited to take on the challenge this fall.

“I am very excited to run at Rim Rock Farm this year,” Barker said. “It’s an amazing course and I can’t wait to see how I will do.”

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

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WICHITA AREA LARGE GIRLS TENNIS POLL WINNERS

By Hayden Swope

Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Chloe and Caroline Hocker

Just recently winning the Collegiate Classic, Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s Chloe and Caroline Hocker are back and better than ever this season. After spending all offseason preparing together, they are ready to take on the competition.

“We prepared for the season by working hard every day and playing tournaments throughout the summer,” the Hockers said. “We worked on all aspects of our game.”

Both girls are hoping their hard work pays off, and that they can bring home some hardware at the end of the season.

“Our number one goal is to win a team state title and an individual doubles title,” Hocker said. “There is some amazing competition in 5A doubles, so it will be a very difficult task to accomplish.”

On top of racking up their wins, the Hockers are

really excited to play with another close teammate.

“We are most excited about bonding with my team and playing with our sister who is a senior,” Hocker said.

As well as family, the Hockers will be looking forward to taking on some other close competition throughout the year.

“We would not consider them rivals, but more our friends from Andover,” Hocker said. “They are the best team in the state and we are super excited to take them on this season.”

By Blake Chadwick

Bishop Carroll’s Brea Martin

Being a starter for all four years is no easy feat, but for Bishop Carroll senior volleyball player Brea Martin, she has made it look easy.

“Brea is an all-around athlete,” head coach Teri Larson said. “She is quick, strong, and has an excellent vertical. She used to play basketball and made varsity her sophomore year. She also participated in track; however, now she focuses on volleyball only.”

Martin has been named to the all-league teams for her last two years and knows that she wants to continue leaving a lasting impact on the Golden Eagles program.

“Playing for Bishop Carroll is very special to me,” Martin said. “Many of my cousins and my mother played volleyball at Carroll. To follow in their footsteps is very impactful.

Carroll is known for our great volleyball program, and I am proud to say that I am part of it.”

For Martin, she has always been one of the best athletes on the court, and being the Libero, she knows how important it is to continue improving in order to win.

One of those things she has improved on was her serve, something that Larson has mentioned as being “deadly.”

“I have worked hard on my serve for many years, and in the past couple of years, it has come together,” Martin said. “I

worked the hardest on it during club season, playing highlevel teams, and I needed to perfect it. I am very proud of my serve because it is one way that I can score points for my team, since I am on defense and not offense. Serving is one thing everyone can be good at, and I am proud that mine makes a difference for my team.”

ALEXANDRIA JOHNSON’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Eisenhower’s Owen Dent

By Hayden Swope

Eisenhower’s Owen Dent has had quite the cross country journey over his four years. After years of season-ending injuries, training, and conditioning, Dent is ready to take the course.

“I am glad I had a summer of training leading up to this season,” Dent said.

“In my freshman year, I broke my leg at Rim Rock, so that season I was unable to finish. During the summer of my sophomore year, I had knee surgery. My junior year, I was still doing therapy on my knee and was unable to run. This year is different, so I hope it pays off.”

While spending countless time readying himself for his first season back, Dent hopes to break some records as well as help his team leave an impressive lasting impression.

“My goal for this season is more team-oriented,” Dent said. “In the past, we have won league and regionals, but last year we were runner-up at the regional meet. This year, I wish we could once again win the league and regional titles as a team. Individually, I hope to run in the fifteens at multiple races and place in the top ten at the state meet.”

On top of being injury-free, Dent and the team get to experience a new atmosphere with some tough competition.

“This year, we are going to Olathe Twilight for the first time, where the team and I will have the opportunity to run against some of the best runners in the state,” Dent said.

Wichita Collegiate’s Carlyle Johnson

By Matt Browning

For her high school career, Wichita Collegiate’s Carlyle Johnson has racked up 851 kills, with 350 of which coming last year alone.

Safe to say her goal of 1,000 career kills is quite achievable.

“One of the biggest goals I have for this season is to reach 1,000 kills,” Johnson said. “Coach Zandler is really great at keeping stats for us throughout our high school careers, and from looking at the stats from past seasons, I am hopeful to reach my goal.”

While Johnson is considered one of the best hitters in the state, there are other stats at the net she wants to improve in 2025.

“Something I want to improve on this year is my blocking consistency,” Johnson said. “Where I am playing in the front row usually isn’t determined until right before the game, so I want to focus on consistent and intentional blocking for each position. Whether that’s through blocking drills during practice or jumpfocused workouts in the weight room, I hope to provide a stable and strong block for my back row.”

Johnson’s offseason was filled with plenty of volleyball, but also her secondary sport, as well.

“In the offseason, I have been lifting, participating in high school team camps/ practices, and competing on my high school’s swim team,” Johnson said. “This past season was my third time swimming at the KSHSAA state swim meet. Along with that, I got to go visit Duke again and attend a volleyball camp there.”

No matter the individual or team result this season, Johnson wants to lay a foundation for future Spartans.

“As a senior, I am eager to not only lead and encourage the new freshman on the team, but be a source of positivity and motivation for everyone,” Johnson said. “Our school is a very tight-knit community, so I love engaging with my teammates during practice and outside the gym.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Circle’s Gracie Tucker

Three-year starter Gracie Tucker is looking to be a force this year and lead her team to a successful season.

Last year Tucker played middle hitter for Circle, but for her senior year she is making the switch to outside hitter.

“Gracie is an extremely athletic young lady who brings energy and a competitive spirit to the court. I’m looking forward to seeing what she will accomplish for us in her senior season,” head coach Shelly Nibarger said.

The Lady Thunderbirds return five seniors this year, and Tucker is excited to be one of these leaders for her team.

“I am super excited to see how this season plays out and hope it’s a super competitive and fun last high school season,” Tucker said.

Last year, Tucker led the team in blocks, kills and hitting percentage with 50 blocks, 173 kills and a percentage of 2.50.

During the offseason, Tucker plays club volleyball to sharpen her skills.

“One area of improvement I will continue to work on is my back row skills. I have had some amazing coaches and trainers that put me in the back row for extra reps to prepare me for this season,” Tucker said.

As a senior Tucker is going to step into more of a leadership role.

“I believe that I play a competitive leader role for my team,” Tucker said. My goal for myself this season is to be a strong leader and lead my team in every way shape and form.

By Blake Chadwick

Maize South’s Ethan Cole

Senior Ethan Cole knows what it means to win. The Maize South center back has been on varsity since his sophomore year and was a huge part of last year’s secondplace finishing team. Now he wants to get back and finish the job from last season.

“My goals for the team are to get back our Maize South Invitational Title, to win League and Regionals, and then get back the State Title,” Cole said. “I really want our team to go 23-0. My personal goals for the year are to succeed in the classroom, make all-state, and be the best teammate I can be.”

Cole was named as an all-league player last season and has hopes to do even more on the field to win a state championship and go 23-0, so that his older brother Andrew, who was the goalkeeper and first team all-state selection in 2022, can’t brag about his undefeated championship season anymore.

“(Playing for Maize South) makes me feel good to be surrounded by great players who push and challenge me every day to be the best I can,” Cole said. “It’s a program my brother played in, and it’s cool being a part of something the group he came in with helped build. He was the goalkeeper on the 23-0 state championship team, and I want this group to match that.”

Despite the brotherly competition, Cole

gives a lot of props to his brother and his family as the ones who have instilled his knowledge and competitive spirit on him.

“My brother is the one who has pushed me to work hard and get better,” Cole said. “I’ve tried to match him and go one step farther, and he has always been my biggest competition and makes me better. I’ve been lucky to have supportive parents and grandparents who have supported me through my soccer journey, and have also had the privilege of having great coaches over the years who have pushed me and believed in me at both Maize South and in club soccer.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Maize’s Cooper Shaw

Last year, Maize High’s Cooper Shaw averaged 12.8 saves a game, earning him first team all-league goalkeeper. This season, Shaw is leading his team as captain and anchoring their defense from the goal line.

“An exceptional athlete and an even better teammate, Cooper leads with intensity, composure and unmatched vision. His ability to read the field and anticipate plays sets him apart, and his quick reflexes and strong hands make him a dominant presence in the air and in one-on-one situations. Known for his leadership and consistency…Whether it’s making the impossible save or rallying the team from the back, Cooper Shaw is the kind of player every team wants and the kind of leader every team needs,” head coach Brett Womack said.

This being Shaw’s senior year, he has put in a ton of work this offseason, he has high hopes for the outcome of this season.

I have been keeping consistent visits to our field at Maize with my friends and getting work there. Also staying in shape by going to our summer

conditioning camps at our high school,” Shaw said. “Some things I would like to work on would be my side volleys and keeping my drop kicks lower as it is a little hard for my teammates to get a good touch on. Some ways I worked on that in the offseason was getting comfortable and consistent with the kicks. Also working on my accuracy.”

Bishop Carroll’s Mary Bina

By Cooper Chadwick

Bishop Carroll’s Mary Bina, received high praise from Golden Eagle’s head coach Pat Easum for not just her skill but work ethic.

“One thing that stands out about Mary is her determination and work ethic. On the course she’s very focused and sets high expectations for herself. She’s the type of athlete who evaluates errors and is able to make adjustments on her own. Mary has a natural gift for leadership which elevates the performance of her teammates,” Easum said.

Bina is a senior for Bishop Carroll and is more than ready for her final year of high school golf.

“I am most excited to grow in my golf game, play more confidently, finish strong in the high school career and make memories,” Bina said.

Bina spent a lot of her summer working on her course management to improve on placing this year.

“I have worked with my swing coach to gain strength, played in tournaments and worked independently,” Bina said. “Analyzing each shot trying to make smart choices.”

Bina’s main focus this year is to play with confidence and lend that confidence to others as well.

“I am fairly self-motivated to see how I can succeed in the sport I love playing,” Bina said.

By Cooper Chadwick

Haven’s Mayzie Warden

Last year, Haven senior libero Mayzie

Warden earned honorable mention allleague and this season she hopes all her work over the offseason will help her improve on that.

Warden did a variety of things this summer to help improve her game.

“I’ve played club for a while and have done a few camps, lots of conditioning, and just worked on getting touches in as often as possible,” Warden said.

One thing specifically Warden worked on this offseason was improving on getting quicker and reading hitters more efficiently.

“Doing targeted workouts and watching a lot of college games to see how they move and read helped,” Warden said.

Warden is excited for her senior year to just experience every moment of her last season playing high school volleyball.

“I’m most excited to watch our team grow and come together. We have

great team chemistry this year and I think that will be beneficial for us,” Warden said. “Some team goals I have for this season are to continue to better our record and have fun while doing it.”

Last season Warden

averaged 5.3 digs per set, 31 aces with a serving percentage of 94.5%. Warden also had 456 digs and 700 receptions on the season. This season she has goals to reach 1,500 career digs, and 50 aces on the season.

Valley Center’s Nathan Hinds

By Blake Chadwick

A good goalie is a key piece for every soccer team. For last year’s 13-4-1 Valley Center team, senior goalkeeper Nathan Hinds was a huge part of their success because of his big-time shot-stopping ability, soccer IQ and experience. Hinds was a second-team all-league player last season, contributing to the team with his 11 shutouts.

“Nate’s a hard-working and good kid,” head coach Matt Coleman said. “He’s an athletic goalkeeper. Very quick with good instincts. I’ve seen consistent improvement each year. Last year, as a junior, we saw him start to take more of a leadership role. Looking forward to a great year from him.”

Hinds, who has started for four years, has steadily improved every year, just like the rest of the program. Now, Hinds and the Hornets will look to get over the hump.

“My team goals for this year would be to win at least 10 games, win regionals one last time before I graduate, and try to make it to state since we’ve been really close the last few years,” Hinds said. “Two personal goals I have I have for this year are to make all-league first team and get eight clean sheets.”

The senior will also move to an even more of a leadership role, and will look to uplift this year.

“I always try to keep a positive attitude and uplift my teammates because it doesn’t really do much good if everyone is just mad at each other or yelling,” Hinds said. “It’s even more important for me to keep this attitude this year since I’m a senior, so the other seniors have to set the example.”

By Matt Browning

WICHITA SMALL GIRLS GOLF POLL WINNER

Wellington’s Taryn Viramontes

Golf can be a game that affects the mental side more than the physical side, so Wellington’s Taryn Viramontes made that a priority to work on in the offseason.

“One area I would like to improve on is the mental game of golf,” Viramontes said. “To work on that during the offseason I’ve just been trying to focus on one shot at a time.”

Being a senior, Viramontes wants to make sure her final season as a Crusader is one she will always remember.

“For me individual goals I have for myself is to always have fun and enjoy my last season of high school golf,” Viramontes said. “For the upcoming season I am most excited about seeing how good we can do as a team, and seeing if I can improve from my last year.”

Viramontes placed sixth at the 4A Tournament last season, shooting a two-day total of 160. That

score earned her second team all-state and she also earned first team all-league.

She won the Wellington Invitational by shooting a season-low three over 73.

Despite all of her accolades and honors in 2024, Viramontes put in the time in the offseason to be even better in 2025.

“During the spring I played in a couple tournaments around my area,” Viramontes said. “I spent my summer just practicing on certain areas that I thought I needed to work on.”

Eisenhower’s Sydney Nance

By Matt Browning

The Eisenhower volleyball team returns five starters from last season’s team that finished 22-14. This has Sydney Nance, a first team all-league selection, excited about what the Tigers’ prospects are for 2025.

“I am most excited about the team dynamic this year,” Nance said. “We have a bunch of talent this year and every spot on varsity is going to be fought for. Our practices have been built on intention and focusing on improving our game.”

Last season, Nance’s hitting percentage was .389 and 149 kills. Exceeding those numbers are just two things she wants to accomplish this season, as well as a significant team goal.

“I want to be a reliable and consistent player for my team,” Nance said. “A team goal would be to go to state this year and always hustle and give every single point all of our effort.”

While Nance’s stats were certainly impressive last season, there are aspects to her game she wants to improve.

“I would love to improve my passing/serve receive,”

Nance said. “As a middle I was never really taught how to pass and that Is a skill I took upon myself to get good at over the summer. It will really enhance my diversity as a player once I get to college.”

Nance’s offseason was all about volleyball, as she was gearing up for her final season as a Tiger.

“During the off season I have been working out with a trainer, doing a lot of strength training, agility training, endurance training, and working on flexibility,” Nance said. “I have been involved in training/open gym sessions all summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Getting a lot of reps and working with a private coach to improve my defense skills specifically.”

WICHITA SMALL VOLLEYBALL POLL WINNER

By Matt Browning

Flinthills’ Alex Scribner

Attending a small school like Flinthills means playing with the same teammates for most of your athletic career.

That is no different for Mustang volleyball player

Alex Scribner and it’s also one of the reasons why she is excited for the 2025 season.

“I am most excited about playing with my teammates I have played with for many years, building relationships with my teammates, and being the best role model I can be,” Scribner said.

Scribner’s summer was all about volleyball in preparations for the season.

“This offseason I have attended team volleyball workouts twice a week, while being in the weight room three times a week, along with attending volleyball camps with my team,” Scribner said.

As a first team all-league designated setter and

libero, Scribner’s assist stats were off the charts in 2024. She recorded 25 assists, while also digging out 459 balls.

There is an area of her game however that she wants to improve.

“The area I most want to improve on is my serving,” Scribner said.

“I want to be the best server for my team. Therefore this offseason at volleyball workouts I worked on improving my serving.”

Flinthills took fourth at the 1A Tournament last season and while Scribner would love to get back to Dodge City, she just wants to enjoy the final ride.

“A goal I have for my team is to push ourselves to be the best volleyball players we can be,” Scribner said.

Augusta’s Molly Marteney

By Hayden Swope

Augusta’s Molly Marteney spent her offseason doing what she loves best, playing lots and lots of volleyball. The all-league libero found every way possible to stay in the best shape.

“To prepare for the upcoming season, I made sure to show up to as many summer opportunities as possible,” Marteney said. “Not only for school, but for club as well. Morning weights, open gyms, private lessons, college camps, etc. Expanding my overall game and my volleyball IQ has been a focus of mine.”

While she trained on her time off, Marteney also worked to be the best leader on and off the court.

“My goals for this season may look a little different than others,” Marteney said. “My main goal is to be the teammate everyone wants. To be the most encouraging, most trustworthy, and hardest worker out there. As a team with only two varsity returners, leadership is extremely important. I am doing my best each day to lead by example for the younger girls, and leave behind a lasting legacy.”

Already seeing some tough competition, Marteney is looking forward to a few revenge games.

“I’m excited to take on Winfield this year,” Marteney said. “We played them at home on the second week of games and lost in three sets. We will see them twice more this season. Our games are always exciting and super competitive.”

Marteney plans to continue playing volleyball next season at the next level.

“I am committed to play college volleyball at McPherson College,” Marteney said. “I will major in sport studies and begin my career as a personal trainer, and potentially get into coaching one day. I have been super into health and fitness my whole life, and I cannot wait to help other people find that same love.”

By Matt Browning

WICHITA

A golfer would be hard-pressed to find a resume as good as Newton’s Naomi Koontz.

The senior had a low round of 65 at Salina Municipal, a 2024 stroke average of 70.3, which was ranked No. 2 in all classes and No. 1 in Class 5A, she won the Derby Invitational, Salina Central Invitational, Newton Invitational, AVCTL Div II Championship and the 5A Regional Championship in Hutchinson.

So what is in store for 2025?

“One major goal I have for our team is to have a good team finish at league and possibly qualify for state,” Koontz said. “Individually, I would love to just keep getting better and play my best golf at state.” Courses are getting longer, so Koontz understands she has to be able hit the ball

farther. The longer her drives are, then more often she has scoring clubs in her hands.

“One area that I am wanting to improve on is continuing to hit the ball further and get stronger,” Koontz said. “I have been working out at the gym and done some swing speed training in order to get stronger. To prepare for this season, I have been playing in a lot of summer tournaments and I got to travel to many different states, which was very fun.”

Newton’s Naomi Koontz

LARGE GIRLS GOLF POLL WINNER

By Blake Chadwick

Wellington’s Luke Wylie

Fresh off a top 20 finish a season ago at the Class 4A state championships, Luke Wylie is poised and hungry for more.

“Luke Wylie is a perfect example of the process it takes to be successful,” head coach Jaedyn Showman said. “He shows up to every practice willing to do the ëxtra mile. He does not take shortcuts and often asks if he can do more. Luke puts the work in for himself, not for the attention and glory.”

Wylie has stamped himself as a hard worker, and now, entering his sixth year running cross country, he has plans to do even more.

“Ever since I was young, I was always competitive, and in people’s eyes, I was reaching for the stars, but I knew that with hard work, I could reach my goals,” Wylie said. “Even in my young age, I knew that with my background and genetics that I would have to fight for every inch that I could get. So now that I have grown and I am succeeding and getting

opportunities to do things, it is just so unreal, and I don’t even know if it was me who made it happen.”

Last season, Wylie was named a first-team allleague runner after his third-place finish at the league meet and 19thplace finish at state. Now, he wants to finish his career even better.

“My personal goal for this year’s season is to beat my school’s men’s 5k record, which is at a time of 16:38, as well as winning our league meet individually,” Wylie said. “For my team, I like to set goals high as a way of pushing my team, so the goal for this year is the win our league meet, which would make Wellington the AVCTL league champion for four years running.”

WICHITA SMALL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY POLL WINNER

Hutchinson Trinity’s Cameron Kiser

By Blake Chadwick

After five years of running cross country, Hutchinson Trinity’s Cameron Kiser will leave it all out on the course as this year will more than likely be his last time running cross country.

For Kiser, all of his years he has had a good group of athletes in front of him to show him and his teammates the ropes. Now, it’s his turn.

“One way I want to leave my mark on the program is by being a leader and role model for the younger runners,” Kiser said. “They’re the future of this team, and it’s important to me that I help set a standard they can build on. Whether it’s offering advice, pushing them during workouts, or just being someone they can rely on, I want to make sure they feel supported and confident.”

Kiser currently is a seven-time state medalist in both cross country and track and a two-time state championship team runner-up participant, who will be looking to hit that next level this year.

“To elevate myself as a runner this season, I’m focusing on the things that happen off the course just as much as what happens on it,” Kiser said. “That means eating better, staying consistent with hydration, and making recovery a priority. I know that if I want to perform at my best, I can’t overlook the small details that add up.

Fueling my body the right way, drinking more water, and taking recovery seriously—whether that’s sleep, stretching, or rest days—will help me stay healthy and strong all season. I’m committed to building better habits so I can see real growth in my performance.”

The senior leader is a really good all-around runner, but when it comes to attacking the hills and his mindset, he sets himself apart.

“One of my biggest strengths in cross country is my ability to handle hills,” Kiser said. “I see them as an opportunity, not a setback, and I use them to gain ground on the competition. I also take pride in my mental fortitude — I don’t back down when things get tough, and I know how to push through pain when it matters most. On top of that, I bring focus, consistency, and a competitive mindset to every race and practice. I’m always looking for ways to improve and contribute to the team’s success.”

By Cooper Chadwick

Maize’s Baylee Frost

A younger leader for the Maize high cross country team, sophomore Baylee Frost is excited for her second year of high school running.

“I am most excited to watch my girls team grow and do what I know they are able to. The few I watched work incredibly hard this Summer are going to get amazing results and I just can’t wait for when they get them.

Frost also received high praise about her leadership skills from Maize head coach Skeeter Rankins.

“As a sophomore,

she is one of my team captains. Character counts, too, and she has enough of that to go around as well. She is the kind of athlete that coaches want to coach,” Rankins said.

To be as successful as she could be this season, Frost put in tons of work over this off season.

“This summer I got up every day and ran. And that’s all you can really do; you stay consistent and you put in your hours. I hope to see my results sooner rather than later, but I know everything I did for this season will show,” Frost said.

Frost has big goals for her and her team this season as well.

“This season I’d really love to break 20, the ultimate goal being 19:18. It is important to me that I make a season I’ll be proud of and something I can build off of for next year. I am also hoping to get our girls to state again, because I know many of our girls are working hard for it,” Frost said.

WICHITA SMALL GIRLS CROSS COUNTY POLL WINNER

By Cooper Chadwick

Hesston’s Reese Quinn

Last year, the Hesston Swathers placed third in 3A at state and junior Reese Quinn, was a big part of their success Quinn placed fifth individually at state and throughout the season had a 5K personal record of 19:42.

This season Quinn is looking to achieve a couple goals she has set for her first year as an upperclassman.

“My goals for the season are to lower my 5K time by a good amount and have fun.

I believe the more

positive I am the better me and my team will succeed. For the team I would love to bring back another State Championship and work hard all season to make that happen together,” Quinn said.

As an upperclassman and runner with experience, Quinn is going to have to take on a leadership role for her team. Head coach Nealee Johnston is more than ready for Quinn to be in that role due to her drive to be better.

“Reese is a privilege to coach. She is such a hard worker and competitor. Reese put in the time and effort to be the best she can. She has become a great leader on the team the last couple years as well. She’s also just a fun kid to be around,” Johnston said.

Quinn takes a different approach to leadership than most, she wants to just make cross country fun.

“I love to bring the energy to the team... We have a lot of young kids coming up so I strive to be a positive role model for them to look up to,” Quinn said.

Kingman’s Shay Watkins

By Matt Browning

Kingman’s Shay Watkins has been impressed with how she and her teammates have worked throughout the offseason. The hope is that translates into a successful season.

“We’ve been working hard in the offseason, and I can’t wait to see how that translates on the court,” Watkins said. “I’m especially looking forward to facing some of the tougher teams on our schedule so that we get to see how we work under pressure and how all of our hard work from the summer and first few practices has paid off.”

When the high school season concluded last October, that didn’t mean Watkins stopped dedicating her life to volleyball.

“A big part of my work in the off-season is playing club volleyball, where I have played with a lot of very talented girls,” Watkins said. “A few of them have already graduated and moved on to play college volleyball.”

While Watkins was named second team all-league last season, there were some components to her game that she wanted to improve on for the 2025 season.

“A big thing I have been working on this

season is becoming a more versatile hitter,” Watkins said. “In the past, I have mostly been a middle hitter, but this year I have been working on becoming a better outside hitter. I believe this will help me and the team so that I am able to play wherever I am needed from game to game.”

By Hayden Swope

Argonia’s Tori Morrison

A big change in positions kept Argonia’s Tori Morrison on her toes last season, but it didn’t slow her down. Morrison was a first team all-league selection.

“I’m preparing for this season by practicing as hard as I can because I want to improve my overall performance,” Morrison said. “Last year was my first year ever playing middle hitter so I am still learning that position. I am definitely undersized for the position which is something I can’t change so I really have to use my vertical and quickness to make up for my lack of size. I have to focus on doing the best I can for my team.”

Trying to keep up on both sides of the ball, Morrison has quite a few goals she’s hoping to accomplish this season.

“This season I’m focused on improving defensively and becoming more aggressive on offense,” Morrison said. “I would love to return to state and

place higher than fourth. Hopefully, I can also reach my career goal of 1,000 kills and digs.”

Seeing tough competition every year is natural, but coming out on top isn’t always an easy thing to do. For Morrison, it’s always one of the best memories to look back on.

“The most memorable moment of my career so far was beating Attica twice in the substate finals my sophomore and junior year,” Morrison said. “No one expected us to come out on top either time but we fought hard and never gave up.”

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Ark City’s Santiago Castillo

By Cooper Chadwick

Excited for this upcoming season junior Santiago Castillo has big plans for him and his team.

“Some goals I have for this season are to become an all-around better player. I want to make the first team for my league. A goal I have for my team is for us to become better and have a good win record,” Castillo said.

Last season Ark City didn’t perform as well as Castillo was hoping, but now as an upperclassman he is hoping to turn that around.

“I am very excited to play against Winfield at the beginning and end of the season. I look forward to seeing how we will do as a team this season,” Castillo said.

Castillo, who plays center midfield and forward for the Bulldogs, spent this offseason training harder.

“One area I want to improve on this season is my stamina and endurance. I have worked on improving my stamina

by pushing myself during every practice and run I go on, both during this off-season and this new season that has begun,” Castillo said.

As an upperclassman now and team captain for Ark City, Castillo is hoping to be the captain his team needs.

“I am a very good leader. I lead the team for warmups, drills, and practices,” Castillo said.

Last year, Castillo had six goals and six assists, this season he hopes to have around eight goals and at least 10 assists.

By Blake Chadwick

Kingman’s Gabe Andersen

Kingman running back and linebacker Gabe Andersen made his mark last season, rushing 121 times for 797 yards, catching 13 passes for 100 yards, and finding the end zone 11 times. His production earned him Kingman’s Offensive MVP award, along with secondteam all-league and honorable mention allstate recognition.

That success didn’t come overnight. Andersen has been putting in the work since he first picked up a football in fifth grade, and his steady development throughout high school has caught the attention of several college programs. He already holds offers from McPherson College and Kansas

Wesleyan University, with more schools showing interest as he considers playing at the next level.

Now entering his senior season, Andersen is determined to push Kingman over the top.

“This season, I’m focused on doing everything I can to take my game to the next level,” Andersen said. “That means putting in extra work outside of practice, getting after it in the weight room, and always pushing myself to be better. I take pride in being a three-year starter, and with that experience, I’ve learned how to lead during tough situations and help keep the team locked in.”

With his high school career nearing its final chapter, Andersen knows the kind of leader he wants to be for the Eagles.

“As a leader, I want to be the guy who keeps the energy up, stays cool under pressure, and brings everyone together. I try to lead with my actions, but I’m not afraid to speak up when the team needs it. I want to be the wet towel and the motor—keeping things cool when needed, and firing everyone up when it’s time to go.”

By Matt Browning

Pretty Prairie’s Kayleigh Vogl

Despite being a first team all-league selection last season, Pretty Prairie’s Kayleigh Vogl has been doing whatever it takes to get her game to the next level in 2025.

“I have been working out twice a week at The Nest in Cheney with a trainer doing weights and plyometrics,” Vogl said. “I have worked one on one with volleyball coaches and participated in summer league with my high school volleyball team.”

Vogl’s hitting percentage last season was 0.172, but she is wanting that number to be even better this season.

“I am wanting to improve my hitting percentage,” Vogl said. “I have been working on being more consistent by getting more reps in during club season and summer workouts. I am eager to see the improvements I have made since last season.”

The Bulldogs went 30-12 last season and were one of the top teams in Class 1A. Vogl is optimistic that it is going to be even better this season, with maybe reaching the ultimate goal in late October.

“I am genuinely excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for my team this volleyball season,” Vogl said. “I look forward to witnessing the progress and development of our team throughout the season. A goal I have for my team is to help improve communication and teamwork. Another team goal is to make it to state.”

MARTHA MCGEE’S FARM BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Central Burden Volleyball

By Matt Browning

With four key pieces back this season, Central Burden volleyball coach Julie Konrade is optimistic that it will be a more successful season than 2024.

“I expect us to be more competitive than last year,” Konrade said. “I expect us to have more wins than last season.”

The Raiders were young last season and those four returning players (Gracelea Weigle, Jessilyn Parsons, Laken Eastman and Lena McGee) have matured in their games, which should translate to fewer mistakes on the court.

“We should be able to attack more and send less freeballs,”

Konrade said. “We have worked on our out of system offense and back row attack.”

There are specific goals for the postseason that Konrade and the Raiders hope to accomplish.

“We have a goal not to have to play in the play-in matches on October 9,” Konrade said. “And we would really like to be playing in substate. The players have put in some work in the off season playing club volleyball and attending camps to help strengthen our level of play.”

While the South Central Border League provides a fair share of challenges, Konrade is still hoping she can see progress in her program.

“I have a few boxes that I would like to check off,” Konrade said. “One would be to have more wins than last year. Finish in the top half in the league based on league record and play in sub-state.”

By Matt Browning

Garden Plain’s Erin Smith

It has been three years since the Garden Plain volleyball program, a perennial power, has been to the state tournament.

Senior Erin Smith, who was a second team all-league selection in 2024, is ready for that change.

“Garden Plain used to be one of the programs you could always expect to see at the state tournament every year, it was a tradition,” Smith said. “We haven’t made it since my freshman year, I believe this team can bring that tradition back. We are strong, mindful, skilled, and most importantly determined.”

The chemistry and cohesion on the Owls is what has Smith most excited.

“We have such an amazing group of girls, and every single one is excited to learn more and improve their skills,” Smith said. “We have already made

so much progress, and you can tell we are all hungry to keep getting better.”

While there are just a few minor adjustments she has to make, Smith is focused on improving her servereceive passing. She wants eliminate zeros and raise her passing average to at least a 2.2.

“To improve I have been focusing on being simple and tracking the ball early, those are still my main focal points so far this season,” Smith said. “I can already feel the improvements and I think I am right around the corner from meeting that goal.”

RACHEL JANES’S SHELTER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

Campus’ Christopher Caballero

By Cooper Chadwick

After a not so favorable season last year for the Campus Colts, senior center attacking midfielder Chris Caballero is hoping to turn it around for his final season of playing high school soccer.

“My motivation going into this season is how last year’s playoffs ended,” Caballero said.

Caballero plans to play collegiate level soccer, though he doesn’t know where yet, but he is looking for a place that will set him on the path to play professional soccer as well.

This offseason Caballero has spent a lot of his days out on the field.

“I have been putting in countless hours perfecting my craft and body to make sure I’m ready for the season/next level,” Caballero said.

Caballero decided his main focus was going to be on his shooting, playmaking and overall IQ this summer.

“Many training sessions and workouts focused on those aspects of my game,” Caballero said. “I’m excited to see how I can adapt to the better teams in each league and win games.”

Center attacking mid is a very important role for any team, and for the Colts, Caballero is the perfect person for the job.

“My #10 role on the team has transformed the past two years and will allow me to create as much as possible for our team,” Caballero said.

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