2023 Sports Awards Winners | Experience Olympia

COLLEGIATE SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR — WOMEN

One female athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled any time from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023 in a full-time Thurston County college or be a native to Thurston County. Nominees must also have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one collegiate sport, and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

Haley Agena, Saint Martin’s University (Softball)

Corona Parker, The Evergreen State College (Track & Field)

Sharay Trotter, South Puget Sound Community College (Basketball)

COLLEGIATE SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR — MEN

One male athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled any time from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023 in a full-time Thurston County college or be a native to Thurston County. Nominees must also have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one collegiate sport, and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

Jason Montes, South Puget Sound Community College (Basketball)

Chris Morell, South Puget Sound Community College (Soccer)

Yuta Shimazu, South Puget Sound Community College (Soccer)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR — GIRLS

One female athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program between Spring 2022 and Spring 2023. Nominees must have participated for a minimum of one season in at least one organized sport (high school, club, etc.), and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

Rylee Hall, Capital High School (Soccer)

Ashley Harris, Black Hills High School (Volleyball, Track & Field)

Lucy Heminway, Capital High School (Football, Track & Field)

Yvy La, Olympia High School (Swimming)

Alexis Meyer, North Thurston High School (Volleyball)

Amanda & Hana Moll, Capital High School (Track & Field)

Emma Rose, Capital High School (Soccer)

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR — BOYS

One male athlete will be awarded. Nominees must have been enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school program between Spring 2022 and Spring 2023. Nominees must have participated for a minimum of one season in at least one organized sport (high school, club, etc.), and exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.

Gabe Downing, Olympia High School (Football)

Parker Gerrits, Olympia High School (Basketball)

Max Johnson, Black Hills High School (Football, Basketball, Baseball)

Mason Juergens, Olympia High School (Football)

Kaleb McNeely, Timberline High School (Football, Baseball)

Brayden Platt, Yelm High School (Football, Track & Field)

Trevontay Smith, Yelm High School (Football, Basketball, Track & Field)

SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

Nominees are passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. Nominees could be coaches, persons affiliated with nonprofit organizations, individuals, or major monetary donors to sports initiatives that increase or improve sports access in Thurston County. Nominees must have demonstrated a commitment to sports during the time between Spring 2022 and Spring 2023. Open to all ages.

Zeb Hoffman, The Evergreen State College, Director of Athletics

Thomas Hoghaug, Yelm High School

James LaRue, Pacific Recreational Baseball League Founder

Dwight Midles, Saint Martin’s University Track & Field Coach

Mike Reid, North Thurston High School Basketball Coach

Ian Roberson, Washington Student Cycling League Founder

Yvonne Yourkoski, Soccer Coach

SPORTS MOMENT OF THE YEAR

Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved national or local recognition for a sports moment that occurred from Spring 2022 to Spring 2023. Nominations should highlight an inspiring story, outstanding sportsmanship during a single event (match, game or championship) by a team or individual.

Mitch Hibdon, Weightlifting, Special Olympics

Pope John Paul II High School Cross Country Team

Kyler Ronquillo, Yelm High School Football

Saint Martin’s University Cross Country Team

Tumwater High School Equestrian Drill Team

Yelm High School Football Team

THURSTON COUNTY SPORTS LEGEND

Nominees must be an individual (five years removed from High School) who resided in Thurston County for a minimum of five years and is passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. The nominee must have maintained and continue to maintain ties to Thurston County through philanthropic events and/or financial donations to support sports in the community. Nominees will have had a significant impact in the Thurston County sports community (prior or current collegiate or professional sports players may be included).

Bob Grisham, Saint Martin’s University Athletic Director (Posthumous)

Ryan Perkins, Oly Town Artesians FC, Owner

Lui Sitama, Rugby Player/Coach

Robert Aubrey, Martial Arts Instructor