Winner of The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week (May 20 to 25)
Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for high school sports contests played May 20 to 25. Thanks to everyone who voted and supported local student-athletes.
This week’s winner is:
Kennedy Martinson, Auburn Riverside softball
Her bases-clearing, sixth-inning double pushed Auburn Riverside’s lead to seven runs before the Ravens claimed Saturday’s 3A championship over Snohomish, 11-6. Martinson went 2-for-4 with four RBI.
The poll is located below. You can read about all of the candidates and their accomplishments below.
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Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt) with the athlete’s first and last name, school, year, position and a stat line from game(s) during the past week. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lucia and Anya Moravek, Bellarmine Prep tennis — The pair won the 4A state girls tennis doubles championship.
Cassandra Atkins, Federal Way track and field – Eagles jumper and Oregon commit won two state titles at the WIAA track and field championships in 4A girls long jump (19-9.75) and triple jump (39-9.25) at Mount Tahoma.
Danica Butler, Auburn Riverside softball – Ravens arm twirled a complete game and went 2-for-4 with an RBI double at the plate in Saturday’s 3A championship, lifting Auburn Riverside to the first-place trophy in Lacey. Butler fanned eight and walked four (12 H, 6 R, 4 ER) in 11-6 win over Snohomish.
Grace Degarimore, South Kitsap track and field – Senior claimed a pair of state titles at the WIAA state championships in Tacoma. Demolished the field for first-place in 4A girls discus (164-8) on Thursday, then stood atop the podium for 4A girls javelin (136-3) on Friday.
Iren Derricks, Emerald Ridge track and field – Freshman sprinter dashed to the 4A girls 100-meter state title at Mount Tahoma Stadium on Saturday in 12.23 seconds. Jaguars captured the team title with a meet-record 102 points.
Mikayla Gardley, Emerald Ridge track and field – Dominated her events en route to three state titles at the WIAA state track and field championships. Cruised to victory in the 4A girls 300-meter hurdles (43.63), claimed the 4A girls 200-meter crown (24.85), then anchored the final lap of Emerald Ridge’s first-place 4x400 relay (3:53.83). Jaguars captured the team title with a meet-record 102 points.
JaiCieonna Gero-Holt, Emerald Ridge track and field – Olympic hopeful completed an illustrious high school career with three state titles 4A girls high jump (5-10), shot put (44-10.5), and 100-meter hurdles (14.84). Junior heptathlete graduates early to attend University of Illinois. Jaguars captured the team title with a meet-record 102 points.
Savannah Hinton, Silas track and field – Victorious in Saturday’s 3A girls 300-meter hurdles (45.10) at the state championships in Tacoma.
Addison Kelly, Silas track and field – Winner of two state titles at the WIAA state championships in 3A girls triple jump (39-7) and long jump (18-5.75).
Makenna Kelpman, Life Christian golf — Sophomore carded a final-round 78 to finish third in the 1A state girls golf tournament in Chehalis.
Berkeley Ledesma, Curtis golf — Shot a two-under 70 in the final round to finish in fourth place in the 4A girls state golf tournament in Spokane.
Lexie Mahler, White River golf — Shot a 150 (75, 75) at MeadowWood Golf Course to finish in a tie for second place in the 2A girls state golf tournament.
Kennedy Martinson, Auburn Riverside softball – Her bases-clearing, sixth-inning double pushed Auburn Riverside’s lead to seven runs before the Ravens claimed Saturday’s 3A championship over Snohomish, 11-6. Martinson went 2-for-4 with four RBI.
Alanna Wirtala, Emerald Ridge softball — In the 4A state softball tournament, threw a perfect game against Moses Lake in the opening round and complete games in wins over Kentwood and Skyview, leading the Jaguars to a runner-up finish in the tournament. Also went 6-for-12 at the plate.
This story was originally published May 28, 2024 at 11:15 AM.
