Recent winners of The News Tribune's Athlete of the Week

This list of curated articles highlights exceptional performances by high school athletes in the South Sound, celebrating their achievements as The News Tribune's Athlete of the Week.

In one article, Natalie Buchanan wins for her performance in basketball, after she scored 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a victory over Elma, followed by 24 points in a loss to Toutle Lake. Another article features Mia Nielsen, who scored a career-high 49 points to lead the Capital girls basketball team to a win over Steilacoom. Additionally, Anna Sheeran received recognition for her role in North Thurston volleyball's state title run, recording 72 digs across four matches.

Sumner running back Lance McGee (9) carries in a touchdown against Eastmont during the first half of the game, at Sunset Chev Stadium on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, in Sumner, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 1: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S BOYS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 3 TO 8)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Boys Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Players warm up before the volleyball match between the Kennedy Catholic Lancers and the Curtis Vikings at Curtis Senior High School, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in University Place, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 2: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 3 TO 8)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Graham Kapowsin wide receiver Jayce Halasz (1) runs in a touchdown reception against Kennedy Catholic during the first half of the opening round 4A state tournament game at Art Crate Field, on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, in Spanaway, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S BOYS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 10 TO 15)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Boys Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Curtis right side/middle blocker Kayla Baker (15) hits the ball against Kennedy Catholic outside hitter Acacia Lloyd-Aguiar (8) andmiddle blocker Pela Ivey (6) during the volleyball match at Curtis Senior High School, on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, in University Place, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 10 TO 15)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke

Mount Tahoma cornerback Elijah Durr (1), right, celebrates a touchdown against Lincoln on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Liesbeth Powers

NO. 5: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S BOYS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 17 TO 22)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Boys Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Manley, Tyler Wicke

North Thurston High School’s volleyball team poses with the first-place trophy after their sweep of No. 2 Mount Spokane in the 3A state championship at the Yakima Valley SunDome on Nov. 22, 2025, in Yakima, Wash.

NO. 6: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (NOV. 17 TO 22)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between Nov. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Manley, Tyler Wicke

Sumner running back Lance McGee (9) carries the ball during the first quarter of the 4A State Championship game against Lake Stevens at Husky Stadium, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in Seattle. By Brian Hayes

NO. 7: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (DEC. 1 TO 6)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week for contests played between Dec. | Published December 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jon Manley, Tyler Wicke

Sumner guard Olivia Collins (10) goes in for a layup as Camas guard Baylie Farra (3) defends during the first half of a Class 4A state basketball tournament quarterfinal game at the Tacoma Dome on Thursday, March 6, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Pete Caster

NO. 8: WINNER OF THE NEWS TRIBUNE’S ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (DEC. 8 TO 13)

Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Athlete of the Week for contests played between Dec. | Published December 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tyler Wicke, Jon Manley

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.