TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLAYER PROFILE NOMINATION
Want to See Your Athlete Featured in Youth Nation?
We love celebrating the hard work, heart, and hustle of young athletes in our community—and your child could be next! To have your athlete considered for an upcoming Player Spotlight feature in Youth Nation, simply scan the QR code below and complete the short submission form.
It only takes a few minutes! You'll be asked to provide some basic info, a photo, and a few fun questions to help us tell their story.
Don’t forget to upload a great photo in uniform! Scan the QR code and share your athlete’s journey with the Youth Nation family today!
CONNECT WITH US
If you are interested in learning more about to Youth Nation, how to nominate your athlete to be featured, or you are a local business who wants to advertise, please email YouthNationTeam@gmail.com
Disclaimer: Please note that all photos featured in this magazine have been submitted voluntarily by parents or volunteer photographers, and the league has included a waiver and disclaimer in the registration completed by the parent or guardian prior to the season starting. Additionally, the intended audience for this publication is exclusively the parents and league participants. The content featured in our publication, which includes images of youth athletes, local businesses, league updates, and other information, is intended solely for informational purposes. We strive to accurately represent the activities, achievements, and stories of individuals and organizations within our community. Please note that while we make every effort to obtain consent and permission for the use of images and information, there may be instances where individuals or businesses are inadvertently included without explicit consent. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage anyone who wishes to have their image or information removed to contact us promptly. Additionally, the views and opinions expressed in our publication are those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization. We do not endorse any specific products, services, or businesses featured in our publication unless explicitly stated. By accessing and using our website and publication, you agree to release us from any liability for unintentional use of images or information and acknowledge that the content provided is for general informational purposes only. We reserve the right to update, modify, or remove content at any time without prior notice.Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to strive for transparency, accuracy, and integrity in our publication. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the content featured, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Kanon Dillon
Aubrey Walters
Bennie Briggs Local Business Directory
Maddox Aiken
Faith In Sports
Urijah Frazier
Skylar Frazier
Generations PT 304-760-5660
Heat info@heatwv.com
Cassie Clicks Photography 304-730-9748
Shimas Family Restaurant 681-217-1219
PTCT 304-586-3494
Oscars (304) 948-6916
1861 Public House (304) 948-6140
YOUTH NATION
COMMUNITY NETWORK
Design Roofing
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Rt 60 Hardware
304-743-1571
Steorts Home Design
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Nitro Carpet Outlet 304-769-0495
Hobba Builder | Custom Homes 304-546-5348
Kenny Queen | Ace Hardware 304-736-1177
Impact Realty Group 304-410-0655
Better Homes & Gardens Central 304-201-SOLD
Remax Clairty 304-525-7653
Eddie Mylar | Realtor 304-654-6045
Ann & Margaret Osborne Realtor | 304-542-6500
Ohio Valley Bank - Adam Chapman 304-633-9624
Christian Brand | State Farm 304-760-5001
Ricky Shifko | State Farm 740-867-3137
Tyler Bullington | State Farm 304-522-0233
Eric Dotson | State Farm 304-390-4515
Cameron Vance | State Farm 304-744-4000
Moye Law 304-586-1251
COLLABORATION CELEBRATES REGION’S YOUNG ATHLETES THROUGH SPECIAL FAN EXPERIENCE EVENTS
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall Athletics has announced a partnership with Youth Nation Magazine, further strengthening the bond between the Thundering Herd and young athletes across the region.
Through its partnership with the magazine, Marshall Athletics will host eight fan experience events in various sports per year, which provide Youth Nation's monthly featured athletes an opportunity to attend Marshall sporting events as honored guests.
The first of these fan experience events is scheduled for April 2026.
This opportunity and others like it continue with Marshall's vision within its 'Herd Mentality' in which the pillars include Engaging With Purpose within the community and Dedicating To Others by investing in those in the community through service and support.
"We are ecstatic about this partnership with Youth Nation Magazine, which continues to build the great bond that Marshall Athletics has within its community," said Ryan Crisp, Marshall University's Associate Athletic Director of Revenue Generation.
"Youth Nation Magazine does a great job of highlighting athletes throughout our area. Being able to collaborate with them for unique fan experience opportunities gives us the ability to inspire the next generation while providing meaningful Marshall Moments that will last a lifetime."
Nick Chapman, founder of Youth Nation, said the partnership with Marshall Athletics brings a level of excitement and inspiration that young athletes will remember for the rest of their lives.
"Marshall University means so much to families across our region," Chapman said. "For these young athletes to walk into a Marshall event not just as fans, but as honored guests, is something they will never forget. The power that Marshall Athletics brings to the youth sports community goes far beyond the game — it creates moments, memories, and motivation that can shape a young athlete's future."
An added benefit to the partnership is that Marshall Athletics will have some of its own studentathletes featured within Youth Nation Magazine, which allows readers to learn more about the journey of their favorite athletes who represent the Herd.
Youth Nation Magazine is a community-driven publication focused on highlighting youth athletes and the positive influence of sports in their lives. Each issue features local players, their accomplishments, and the stories behind their dedication, while also bringing together families, schools, and local businesses to support and encourage youth athletics.
The fast-growing magazine currently highlights all the great athletes within our region through four separate editions: the River Cities Edition, the Kanawha Valley Edition, the Greater Teays Edition and the Knights Edition. The overall footprint of the magazine is currently more than 50,000 people.
For all the latest information about Marshall Athletics, follow @HerdZone on Twitter and Instagram.
To follow all Thundering Herd sports and get live stats, schedules and free live audio, download the Marshall Athletics App for iOS and Android.
YOUTH NATION FAN EXPERIENCES EXPAND WITH MARSHALL ATHLETICS
Youth Nation is thrilled to announce that following a recent meeting with Marshall Athletics, multiple new Youth Nation Fan Experience events have officially been scheduled for the upcoming year.
These experiences are designed to reward and celebrate the incredible young athletes featured in our magazines while creating unforgettable memories with Marshall University Athletics.
Upcoming Fan Experience Events Include:
Two Marshall Football Experiences
⚽ Men's Soccer
⚽ Women's Soccer Volleyball
Men's Basketball Women's Basketball
One of the upcoming football experiences will feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes opportunity that includes:
✅ Locker Room Access
✅ Athletic Facility Tours
✅ The Thunder Walk Experience
✅ Exclusive Field Access
What started as a simple idea to recognize local athletes has quickly grown into something much bigger. Through this partnership, Youth Nation is able to provide opportunities that many young athletes may never otherwise experience, while continuing to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements. We truly believe these events will create lifelong memories for the athletes and families who participate.
The Best Part?
Every athlete featured in Youth Nation receives a FREE ticket to attend these fan experience events. There is never a cost to be featured in Youth Nation, and there is never a cost for featured athletes to participate in these special experiences.
Additional dates, event details, registration information, and exciting announcements will be released soon. Until then...
BE EXCITED. The best is still to come.
YOUTH NATION EVENT
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
Kanon Dillon is proving that excellence extends far beyond the football field. A standout studentathlete at Spring Valley High School, Kanon has built an impressive resume through both academics and athletics while continuing to represent his school and community with dedication and discipline.
On the field, Kanon earned MSAC First Team Defensive Back honors, showcasing his talent, toughness, and ability to make an impact on defense. His work ethic and competitive drive have helped him become a key contributor for Spring Valley, standing out as an athlete who consistently rises to the challenge.
In the classroom, Kanon’s accomplishments are equally remarkable. Carrying a 4.74 cumulative GPA along with a 5.0 fall semester GPA at Spring Valley and a 4.0 Marshall University fall semester President’s List GPA, he has established himself as one of the top students in his class. His long list of academic honors includes AP Scholar recognition, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Rural and Small-Town Recognition, academic honors in math, science, and English, along with prestigious scholarships such as the Promise Scholarship, WVU Climb Higher Scholarship, and the John Marshall Scholarship.
Set to graduate in 2026, Kanon represents what it means to be a complete student-athlete. Whether competing on Friday nights or excelling in advanced academic programs, he continues to show determination, leadership, and commitment in every area of his life. With his drive both on and off the field, Kanon Dillon’s future is filled with opportunity and success.
PLAYER PROFILE
For Aubrey Walters, sports are about far more than competition — they are about friendships, family, and making memories that last a lifetime. Known for her dedication both as a player and a teammate, Aubrey continues to bring positivity and heart to every game she plays.
Aubrey’s favorite moments from this season had little to do with scores or statistics. Instead, she treasures the opportunity to compete alongside her friends, play with her cousin Brooke, and be coached by both her grandpa and stepdad. Those experiences helped make the season special and created memories she will always carry with her.
A fan of Marshall Thundering Herd and athlete Bailey Russell, Aubrey looks up to players who compete with passion and determination. Her love for the game shows through in the way she supports teammates and stays committed to improving every time she steps on the field or court.
Her parent shared how proud they are of the person Aubrey is becoming, describing her as a dedicated player and loyal friend. They hope she always keeps believing in herself, chasing her dreams, and holding her head high no matter what challenges come her way.
With her positive attitude, strong support system, and passion for the game, Aubrey continues to show what youth sports are truly about. Whether she’s competing, encouraging teammates, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, she leaves a lasting impact everywhere she goes.
PLAYER PROFILE
PLAYER PROFILE
Bennie Briggs brings heart, determination, and a team-first attitude every time she steps onto the softball field. Playing shortstop while wearing numbers 44 and 2, Bennie continues to grow as an athlete while building the friendships and memories that make youth sports so meaningful.
For Bennie, the best part of being on a team is the friendships created throughout the season. Whether celebrating big plays or encouraging teammates through tough moments, she values the bond that comes from competing together and supporting one another. That mindset helps make her the kind of teammate every player wants beside them on the field.
Outside of sports, Bennie enjoys expressing her creativity through art and spending time riding four-wheelers. Her balance of creativity and competitiveness gives her a unique personality both on and off the field.
When it comes to role models, Bennie looks up most to her older sister. She admires her sister's strength and perseverance through multiple surgeries while continuing to face each day with courage and determination. That example has helped shape Bennie's own outlook, teaching her the importance of resilience, toughness, and never giving up.
As she progresses through her athletic journey, Bennie is learning valuable lessons both on and off the field. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and appreciation for her teammates make her a great representative of what youth sports are all about.
PLAYER PROFILE
PLAYER PROFILE
Maddox Aiken’s confidence and love for football have continued to grow every time he steps onto the field. Representing South Point, Ohio, Maddox has worked hard to improve his game while building the determination and mindset that make successful athletes stand out.
A fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and star defender Myles Garrett, Maddox enjoys bringing toughness and energy to the game. One of his favorite memories from this past season came at football camp, where he was recognized as the best player — a moment that showed how much his dedication and effort are paying off.
Maddox’s parents shared how proud they are of the progress he has made since the first time he stepped onto the football field. They have watched the sport help build his confidence while giving him an outlet to compete, have fun, and continue growing as both an athlete and a person. Their encouragement reminds Maddox that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
As he continues developing his skills and passion for football, Maddox is proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to big achievements. With strong support from his family and a growing confidence in himself, he has a bright future ahead both on and off the field.
PLAYER PROFILE
Skylar Frazier continues to make a name for herself through hard work, determination, and exciting playmaking ability. With every season, the Huntington, West Virginia athlete keeps showing growth both in confidence and talent, impressing her family, teammates, and coaches along the way.
A fan of the Miami Dolphins and explosive playmaker Tyreek Hill, Skylar brings that same energy and competitiveness whenever she steps onto the field. One of her favorite moments from this season came when she recorded her first interception of the year, a play that highlighted her awareness and athleticism. She also earned MVP honors for the season, recognizing the impact she made throughout the year
Skylar’s family shared how proud they are of the athlete and person she is becoming. They continue to be amazed by her drive, dedication, and natural talent, watching her improve more with every season. Their encouragement and support have helped fuel her confidence and love for the game.
Whether making big defensive plays or competing with passion every time she takes the field, Skylar continues to prove she is a difference-maker. With her determination, strong support system, and competitive spirit, she has a bright future ahead and many more memorable moments still to come.
PLAYER PROFILE
PLAYER PROFILE
PLAYER PROFILE
Urijah Frazier brings confidence, determination, and a competitive mindset every time he steps onto the football field. Representing Huntington, West Virginia, Urijah continues to develop into a strong athlete while creating unforgettable moments alongside his teammates.
A fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Urijah enjoys competing at a high level and embracing the excitement of the game. His favorite memory from this past season came during a huge semifinal football victory against the Lawrence County Bulldogs, a game that showcased the toughness and teamwork of his squad.
Urijah’s family shared how proud they are of him, encouraging him to “keep winning the battle up top,” a reminder of the importance of staying mentally strong and confident no matter the challenge. Their support has helped motivate him to continue pushing himself and growing both on and off the field.
Whether making plays under pressure or celebrating big wins with teammates, Urijah continues to show the heart and passion that make youth sports special. With his competitive drive, strong support system, and love for football, he has a bright future ahead and plenty more exciting moments still to come.
