Winner of The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week (Feb. 16 to 21)
Voting is now closed for The News Tribune’s Girls Athlete of the Week for contests played between Feb. 16-21. Thanks to everyone who voted and supported local student-athletes.
This week’s winner is:
Saige McCleery, Sumner wrestling
The junior completed an undefeated season and won her second state title (4A 140) inside the Tacoma Dome at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
The poll is located below. You can read about all of the candidates and their accomplishments below.
Note: If you are not seeing the poll at the bottom of the story, try opening the story in a different browser, such as Chrome or Safari. Votes emailed will not be counted.
Want to nominate a South Sound high school athlete in the future? Email reporter Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or Tyler Wicke (twicke@thenewstribune.com) or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler) 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.
Elise Albeso, Emerald Ridge wrestling — Freshman claimed the 4A 100 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Shayla Cordis, North Thurston basketball — Senior guard dropped 32 points in Saturday’s 3A District 3/4 championship win over Enumclaw.
Sierra Cordis, North Thurston basketball — Scored 11 points in Saturday’s 3A District 3/4 championship win over Enumclaw.
Logan Girias, Enumclaw basketball — Guard scored 16 points in loss to North Thurston in 3A District 3/4 championship game on Saturday.
Kendall Griffin, Lakes wrestling — Junior won the 3A 130 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Emma Holt, Enumclaw basketball — Center scored a team-high 17 points in loss to North Thurston in 3A District 3/4 championship game on Saturday.
Amanda Lillie, White River wrestling — Junior claimed the 3A 125 state title at Mat Classic on XXXVII on Friday.
Saige McCleery, Sumner wrestling — Junior completed an undefeated season and won her second state title (4A 140) inside the Tacoma Dome at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Kyler Menza, Washington wrestling — Senior defeated three-time state champion Sophia Torrez (Toppenish) for the 2A 105 title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday. Menza is a two-time state champion.
Bailey Parker, Peninsula wrestling — Senior won her third state title (3A 155) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Persephone Puz, Vashon Island wrestling — Senior defeated Wapato’s Abbygale Garza for the 1B/2B/1A state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday. Puz is a two-time state champion.
Amayrany Rodriguez, Franklin Pierce wrestling — Senior claimed the 2A 135 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday.
Ashley Rodriguez, Clover Park wrestling — Senior won the 2A 190 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Saturday.
Lindsey Shipp, Peninsula wrestling — Senior claimed her second state title (3A 170) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Lindy Strowbridge, Rogers wrestling — Senior claimed the 4A 130 state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Dayna Vi, Kentwood wrestling — Senior won her second state title (4A 190) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Madison Watts, Sumner wrestling — Junior won her third state title (4A 135) at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday.
Winter West, Bonney Lake wrestling — Sophomore claimed her second state title at Mat Classic XXXVII on Friday (4A 120), completing an undefeated season (49-0). No opponent recorded a takedown in West’s 49 wins.
This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 11:54 AM.
