Each week, azcentral.com Sports Awards will honor two Athletes of the Week, presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries. And each month, we will select from the weekly honors an Athlete of the Month and two runners-up.

This long-running list of the Athletes of the Week and Athletes of the Month will be updated throughout the 2016-17 school year.?

To buy tickets for the azcentral.com Sports Awards, visit sportsawards.azcentral.com.

To nominate an Athlete or Academic All-Stars, visit nominations.azcentral.com.

Male Athlete of the Week presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries for March 9-16

Eddie McClendon

School: Mesa

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Track and field

Has a 3.5 GPA … High jumps and runs 4×400-meter relay … First year on track … Plays wide receiver and defensive back in football … Power forward in basketball … “I love the tradition at Mesa,” he said. “Bottom line is I love competing.” … Playing basketball and football since he was 6 years old … Hopes to reach 6 feet, 3 inches in high jump … Wants to work on speed and flexibility to improve his athleticism … Coach David Brockmeier was impressed by his courage and heart to play all three sports … “The main thing is that he realizes that changing up keeps you from getting stale,” Brockmeier said.

Female Athlete of the Week presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries for March 9-16

Calee Cortes

School: Surprise Imagine Prep

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Has a 3.9 GPA … Center field … Also a basketball forward … Plays volleyball … Started playing all three sports in high school … Made Canyon Athletic Association’s All-State Top 10 for Division II in basketball this season … Finished basketball season with 11.6 rebounds, 17.4 points, five steals and 1.3 blocks per game … “I’m always a little nervous to do whatever I’m going to do,” she said. “But you’re just trying to win in the end.” … Plays all three sports with her younger sister … Committed to play basketball at NAU … “She never seems to be satisfied with being mediocre,” basketball and softball coach James Mould said. “She feels like she never does things enough.”

Male Athlete of the Week for March 2-9

Gabe McGlothan

School: Chandler Basha

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.8 GPA … Power forward and center … Led the 6A Conference state championship team with an average of about 15 points per game and 11 rebounds … Achieved double-doubles throughout the year … “I don’t like losing, so I strive to find ways to win not just for myself but for the team,” he said … Mentioned his hunger and drive as his greatest strength … Senior class president in student government … Playing basketball since he was 8 years old … Committed to play with Army West Point … Plans to study mechanical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering … “He’s one-of-a-kind,” coach Mike Grothaus said. “He’s the anchor of our team.”

Female Athlete of the Week for March 2-9

Riley Herman

School: Gilbert Campo Verde

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Has a 4.2 GPA … First base … Has a .333 batting average, 15 at-bats, four runs and two RBIs, as of March 3 … “Before every game, there’s a certain energy before warming up, and I look forward to that every time,” she said … National Honor Society member … Part of a BioMed academic program at Campo Verde, and president of the program’s club … Playing softball since she was 11 years old … Played club softball with Team Storm … Going to University of Arizona to study BioMed … Coach Deryk Sexton said Herman is the “entertainment of the team” for her sense of humor … “She’s got that ability to lighten the mood when things get intense,” Sexton said.

February Athlete of the Month presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Jerry Sohn

School: Phoenix Cortez

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Has a 4.5 GPA … Wrestles at 152 pounds … Four-year varsity wrestler … Also played football (middle linebacker/offensive lineman) … In the top 2 percent of his class … Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Math Club and Link Crew member … Poetry club president … National Honor Society officer … Student Body Treasurer of Student Council … Volunteer math tutor for Cortez … Volunteers at Maryvale Baptist Church … Became a U.S. citizen on Jan. 19 … “Being involved on campus has shown me how important commitment is, just like in wrestling,” he said … Attending ASU for psychology with classes in music production and theater … “The climate and culture he creates is amazing,” coach Zackary Meier said.

February Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Erika Yost

School: Fountain Hills

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 4.1 GPA … Forward and two-time captain … Had 54 goals, 20 assists, 11 hat tricks and 128 points this season … Set the Fountain Hills goals scored in a single season record … “Even though I scored the goals, my team had a lot to do with our success,” she said … Plays club at SC Del Sol … Earned azcentral sports’ All-Division III first-team forward last year … Scholar athlete every season for every sport played in her four-year high school career … Also competes in track and field … Committed to play soccer at University of Oklahoma … “She’s such a determined player … she’s so composed with the ball,” coach Alison Mabery said.

February Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Jonathan Sangillo

School: Goodyear Desert Edge

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 4.97 GPA … Defender on varsity soccer team for three years … Also the Scorpions’ kicker on the football team … Ranked No. 1 in his class … Enrolled in five AP classes … Member of the Principal’s Advisory Committee, National Honor Society and the City of Goodyear Youth Commission … Playing soccer since he was 5 years old … “The sport itself is great … It lets you create a bond with your team,” he said. … Hopes to build the soccer team as a whole both in athletic talent and camaraderie … “He’s able to play soccer as a chess match more than a checker game,” coach Justin Shalongo said. “… He’s thinking of the third move or the fourth move.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Feb. 28-March 2

Kaleb Martin

School: Laveen Cesar Chavez

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Forward … Averages about 19 points per game … Helped the Champions make it up to the 6A Conference state semifinals … Started playing basketball after discovering it at Boys and Girls Club and joining a club called Arizona Dream Team … “Looking back now, it makes me think that I learned a lot,” he said … Moved his junior year from Phoenix Carl Hayden to Cesar Chavez … Sat out the first nine games, but says his favorite moment this season was scoring his first points of the season against North … Worked as a lifeguard over the summer … This upcoming summer, he’ll compete on travel teams … “He’s a very explosive, talented kid who has a desire for success,” coach Gary Lee said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Feb. 28-March 2

Lindsey VanAllen

School: Gilbert Mesquite

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 4.2 GPA … Shooting guard and co-captain … In Mesquite’s two games on its way to state, she scored 33 points in each game, which is a career high … “I just hustle,” she said. “I try to do all the little things, all I can, to help the team win.” … Plays club with Team Arizona … National Honor Society member … Volunteers at Feed My Starving Children and Mesquite events … Playing basketball since she was 6 years old … Hopes to play college basketball … “(Her greatest strength) is her ability to get to the bucket,” coach Candice Gonzales said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Feb. 16-23

Trayvin Cato

School: Paradise Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Wrestles at 170 pounds … Finished his 52-0 season with a Division II state championship, the first for Paradise Valley since 1988 … Broke school records in most career wins in a season (52), career wins (112) and pins in a season (32) … “I learned how to work hard,” he said … Wrestles club with Grindhouse … Spent his summer traveling to tournaments … Up 12-2 in the third period when he pinned his opponent … Had 32 pins, and has had 94 wins total in the last two seasons … Looks up to Jason Nolf, a 157-pounder from Penn State … Hopes to continue his wrestling career for a college program … “Every time he steps on the mat, he’s ready to go,” coach Michael Butterfield said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Feb. 16-23

Erika Yost

School: Fountain HIlls

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 4.1 GPA … Forward and two-time captain … Had 54 goals, 20 assists, 11 hat tricks and 128 points this season … Set the Fountain Hills goals scored in a single season record … “You can do anything you put your mind to,” she said … Plays club at SC Del Sol … Earned azcentral sports’ All-Division III first-team forward last year … Scholar athlete every season for every sport played in four-year high school career … Also competes in track and field … Committed to play soccer at University of Oklahoma … “She’s such a determined player … she’s so composed with the ball,” coach Alison Mabery said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-16

Nathan France

School: Chandler Arizona College Prep

Class: Freshman

Sport: Soccer

Has a 4.0 GPA … Forward on varsity team … Leads with 24 goals and 48 points, as of Feb. 10 … Scored two goals in 10 minutes, breaking up a tie against Horizon Honors on Jan. 17 … “It’s all about staying humble, and it doesn’t matter how many goals I score,” he said. “It’s just about whether we can win together as a team.” … Mentioned his favorite highlight was the team’s homecoming game … Started playing when he was 3 years old … Competes with Sereno Soccer Club … “Nathan is barely a freshman, but he possesses a natural talent and ability with the ball,” coach Alberto Millan said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-16

Alyssa Byjoe

School: Kayenta Monument Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.7 GPA … Plays between guard and forward on varsity … One of three team captains … Leads team with 2.2 assists per game … In three games, Feb. 2-4, Byjoe led in rebounds … Led scoring twice with 10 points at Holbrook and 17 points against Window Rock … “I would see high school games when I was younger … and I was inspired by the intensity of the game and the atmosphere of the crowd,” she said … Plays K9 Platinum club basketball … Also competes in volleyball as a setter and opposite … Track athlete who runs the 100-, 200-, 400- and 800-meter dashes and high jumps … Accepted to NAU for nursing … Hopes to try for a walk-on spot with the basketball team … “Whenever she’s playing well, everyone picks up and plays well, too,” coach Jason Franklin said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-9

Bryce Andrashie

School: Fountain Hills

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.85 GPA … Small and power forward … Three-year varsity starter … Two-year captain … Leads team with 15.7 PPG, 7.4 RPG and 1.6 BPG, as of Feb. 3 … “The physicality of the sport is great and so is the competition,” he said … Also shortstop in baseball … National Honor Society member … Led the basketball team in singing Christmas Carols at a local retirement home … Hopes to play basketball in college … Credits coach Matt Keating as a great coach and teacher … Keating said Andrashie “consumes game film” and sends him plays he finds interesting … “We say, ‘If you want to follow your dreams in basketball, watch Bryce,’ ” Keating said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Feb. 2-9

Tyra Williams

School: Maricopa

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Small forward … Averaging a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds the past five weeks … Leads team with 18.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG and 2.2 BPG, as of Feb. 3 … Had a career-high 33 points in a game against Tempe McClintock on Jan. 31 … “Basketball is the easiest sport for me,” she said. “I just like it so much. It’s hard to describe.” … Can defend all five positions … Said her greatest strength is in rebounds and defense … Playing basketball since fifth grade … Hopes to play basketball in college … Wants to study nursing … “Her motor is amazing,” coach Melvin Mitchell said. ” She gets up and down the court so quickly.”

January Athlete of the Month presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Chloe Christakos

School: Scottsdale Chaparral

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 4.9 GPA … Starting central defender since freshman year … Captain … Had the game-winning goal against rival Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep … Plays club for SC Del Sol … “I’m super competitive … and I like being one as a team,” she said … Will graduate third in her class of 539 … Member of National Charity League which allows her to volunteer with organizations like Casa de Paz and Home Fur Good … Member of school spirit club called Save Our Spirit (SOS) … AIA Scholar Athlete Award recipient … Committed to Bucknell University … Recently accepted to chemistry program at Bucknell … “She leads by play and attitude on and off the field,” coach Robyn Carlson said.

January Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Gator Groves

School: Tempe McClintock

Class: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Has a 4.6 GPA … Wrestles at 145 pounds … Groves is 44-0 this season and 154-3 overall since freshman year, as of Jan. 26 … Two-time defending state champion with his fraternal twin, Marco … “We always challenge ourselves in practice,” he said …  Likes to wrestle without knowing who it is … Student in the Peggy Payne Gifted Program, an advanced academic program at McClintock … Wrestling since he was 7 years old … Real name is Bobby … Got his nickname, Gator, from trying a wrestling move called Gator Roll often as a kid … “Bobby just gets everything,” coach and dad Robert Groves said. “You don’t have to tell him what to do.”

January Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Jody Hernandez

School: Phoenix Thunderbird

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Varsity midfield … As captain, she led the team to a 10-1-1 record with 20 goals, 50 points and 10 assists, as of Jan. 26 … Scored five goals against Greenway on Jan. 13 … Hoping to break coach’s school record for 26 goals in a season … Committed to play at New Mexico State … “I’ll be the first in my family to go to college … I’m excited to see where it takes me,” she said … Playing soccer since she was 5 years old … Said her greatest strength is the ability to dribble and shoot with both feet … “She is a magician with the ball,” coach Angelo Iozzo said. “Someone who knows the game very well.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Jan. 26-Feb. 2

Tucker Fenton

School: Phoenix Sunnyslope

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 3.8 GPA … Striker and captain for the Vikings … Hold-up forward … Leads team with 28 goals and 73 points, as of Jan. 26 … No. 1 in the state for total points and third in state with the most goals and assists, as of Jan. 26 … Had the game-winning goal against Maricopa on Jan. 17 … “I love everything about (soccer),” he said. “I have a passion for the game.” … Plays club with CCV Stars … No. 1 goal is to get the seniors to the state championships … Would like to play soccer in college and study business … “He doesn’t just try to score all the time … He’s a team player,” coach and dad Mike Fenton said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Jan.26-Feb. 2

Shanya Marquez

School: Mohave Valley River Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Forward … Named to All-Section First Team three times and All-Division First Team twice by the AIA … Leads team with 17 goals, 10 assists and 44 points, as of Jan. 26 … “On the field, I don’t hear the coaches or the stands,” she said. “It’s my getaway.” … Lettered three times for softball and made All-Section Second Team twice by AIA … Lettered in volleyball and cross country … TA at Topock Elementary … Helps a youth soccer camp in the summers … Committed to play soccer at Gateway Community College … “I hope that she leaves a lasting impression to these younger girls that anything is possible,” coach and dad Ed Marquez said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Jan. 19-26

Alfonso “Alfi” Calzado

School: Chandler Preparatory Academy

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Midfield … Foreign exchange student from Madrid … Leads team with 12 goals and 29 points, as of Jan. 20 … On Tuesday, Alfi needed stitches on his chin after scoring both goals in a 2-1 overtime win against Fountain Hills … “It’s important to be strong and go hard,” he said. … Against Valley Christian, Alfi had two goals, including the game-winning goal late in a 3-2 win … During the Chandler Prep Back to School Classic Tournament, he had two goals and two assists, including a game-winning goal as the Titans went 2-2 … Said teams are more physical in Arizona than Madrid … Played soccer since he was 4 years old … Hopes to try out for tennis in the spring … “He’s as complete a player that you’d see at the high-school level,” coach Todd Conklin said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Jan. 19-26

Jacqulynn “JJ” Nakai

School: Flagstaff Coconino

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Guard … Leads state and 4A Conference with 7.5 assists, as of Jan. 20 … Also leads conference with 21.3 points per game and 157 field goals, as of Jan. 20 … Scored her 1,000th career point against Peoria on Jan. 4 … Against rival Flagstaff on Jan. 10, she hit a game-winning, 3-pointer to give the Panthers a one-point lead with 53 seconds left … Blocked a potential game-tying, 3-pointer as time expired … Playing basketball since she was about 6 years old … Plays club basketball with Flag Hoops, Tracks (a Coconino travel team) and A-1 Elite … Committed to Pima Community College … “JJ is a very high-energy, personable, great young lady,” coach Martin Reyes said. “… She’s an engine that keeps everyone going.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Jan. 12-19

Gator Groves

School: Tempe McClintock

Class: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Has a 4.6 GPA … Wrestles at 145 pounds … Groves is 41-0 this season, including 18 pins and eight technical falls, as of Jan. 13 … Two-time defending state champion with his fraternal twin, Marco … Likes to wrestle without knowing who it is … “I’m hoping to get my third state championship,” he said. “I plan to keep practicing and take no days off.” … Student in the Peggy Payne Gifted Program, an advanced academic program at McClintock … Wrestling since he was 7 years old … Real name is Bobby … Got his nickname, Gator, from trying a wrestling move called Gator Roll often as a kid … “Bobby just gets everything,” coach and dad Robert Groves said. “You don’t have to tell him what to do.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Jan. 12-19

Lacee Jenkins

School: Gilbert Williams Field

Class: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.8 GPA … Co-captain and guard … Had a quadruple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists and 10 steals in a 71-43 win over Casa Grande Vista Grande on Jan. 5 … Perfect from the free-throw line during the same game … “I wouldn’t have been able to get that many shots without my team and our momentum,” she said … Leads the Black Hawks with 17.2 points, seven defensive rebounds, 9.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 6.9 steals and 3.4 blocks per game, as of Jan. 13 … Plays club with Team Arizona since fifth grade … Hopes to improve team’s season record and personal mental outlook to bounce back from mistakes … “She leads by example with an amazing character,” coach Taura Gardner said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Jan. 5-12

Mason Stark

School: Tempe Marcos de Niza

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 4.5 GPA … Point guard … Broke the school record for 3-pointers (nine) in a game while scoring 35 points against Glendale on Dec. 20 … Holds the state record for consecutive free throws with 46 … “I like the competitiveness about basketball,” he said … Fifth in the state for most points per game with 23.9, as of Jan. 6 … Leads team with 2.1 offensive rebounds, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game … Playing basketball since he was 5 years old … National Honor Society member … Has one offer from Benedictine … “He plays fundamentally to make the coach and team better,” coach and uncle David Stark said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Jan. 5-12

Rachael Sluyter

School: Globe

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 3.7 GPA … Center midfield … Four-year starting student-athlete … Has 12 points and seven goals, as of Jan. 6 … Also runs cross country … Plans to try out for track sprints and relays … Received an indirect kick and passed to another player for the winning goal in OT against Pusch Ridge on Jan. 5 … Had a hat trick in each of the first two games of the season … “The rush gets me going and my teammates,” she said. “I learn that hard work pays off.” … National Honor Society vice president … Students Against Disruptive Decisions and Link Crew member … Playing soccer since she was 5 years old … “She’s a very good, all-around student-athlete,” coach Tracey Miller said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Dec. 29-Jan. 5

Nigel Shadd

School: Chandler Tri-City Christian

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.8 GPA … Varsity power forward and captain who leads the 6-1 Warriors …  Leading team with 7.9 defensive rebounds, 4.1 offensive rebounds, 12 rebounds and 4.9 blocks per game … Had a triple-double against EVAC on Dec. 16 … “It doesn’t matter if you’re good,” he said. “You always have something to improve.” … Coach Paul Brown said he expects Shadd to shatter the school record for blocks per game … Played club with The Factory … Playing basketball since he was 8 years old … Committed to Kansas State … “Nigel is just a fun-loving kid,” Brown said. “He’s always doing something, but loves talking hoops.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Dec. 29-Jan. 5

Jody Hernandez

School: Phoenix Thunderbird

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 3.5 GPA … Varsity midfield … In one week, Hernandez scored 10 goals and had three assists … Hoping to break coach’s school record for 26 goals in a season … As captain, she led the girls to 5-0 record with 12 goals, 27 points and three assists, as of Dec. 29 … “I feel like I’ve been playing really well not only for myself, but for my team,” she said … Playing soccer since she was 5 years old … Said her greatest strength is the ability to dribble and shoot with both feet … Committed to play at New Mexico State … “She is a magician with the ball,” coach Angelo Iozzo said. “Someone who knows the game very well.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Dec. 22-29

Denen Fernandez

School: Queen Creek

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Wrestling

Has a 3.0 GPA … Wrestles at 138 pounds … The dark horse to win and only Arizona wrestler to win at the Las Vegas Holiday Classic out of 77 schools from nine states … Undefeated as of Dec. 22 … “Getting my hand raised is my favorite part after all the hard work I put in,” he said … Won the Las Cruces Invitational, where he upset a three-time state champion from New Mexico in the final … Finished second in state his freshman year … Wrestling since he was 5 years old … Goes to Fight Ready and Thoroughbred for extra practice … “He outworks everyone,” coach Jake Goddard said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Dec. 22-29

Jennifer Wirth

School: Chandler Seton Catholic

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.7 GPA … Plays post and guard … Had a career-high nine blocked shots at Buckeye on Dec. 5 … On Dec. 6, she had a season-high 22 points and broke the 1,000-point mark for her career against St. Mary’s … “I have goals, but I just want to do what I can to help my teammates,” she said … Finished the week on Dec. 8 with another career high of 17 rebounds against Moon Valley … Played basketball since second grade … Committed to play at Gonzaga with her twin sister … “Jenn is the absolute rock of our team,” coach Karen Self said. “She’s the difference maker on both ends of the floor.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Dec. 15-22

Andre Hoff

School: Mohave Valley River Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 3.0 GPA … Middle forward … Hoff had one header for a goal in each of his first four games … He racked up a total of nine goals, as well as five assists, including two hat tricks in the first three games of the season … Has 31 points, scored 12 goals and had seven assists, as of Dec. 9 … “I’ve always liked soccer,” he said. “I started juggling the ball since I can remember.” … Foreign exchange student from Norway … Competed with adults on club teams like Salangen in Norway … Started playing soccer when he was 6 years old … “He’s easy to coach and willing to learn,” coach Alan Schmitt said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Dec. 15-22

Lydia Griffith

School: Sierra Vista Buena

Class: Freshman

Sport: Basketball

Has a 4.0 GPA … Shooting guard on varsity team … From Nov. 28 to Dec. 2 with three consecutive games, she had a total of 57 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, six steals and three blocks … “I like basketball because of the atmosphere,” she said. “Especially at away games how the crowd screams against you.” … Shoots 44 percent from 3-point range and 70 percent of her free throws … Averaging 14 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game … Started playing basketball in rec leagues with her twin brother … “She’s not out there to be the best player, she’s out there to play hard,” coach Cole Colvin said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8-15

Wayde Mowry

School: Buckeye Verrado

Class: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Has a 2.1 GPA … Wrestles in 160-pound weight class … On Dec. 2 and 3 at the Camp Verde’s Duals Tournament, he pinned his way to first place … Wrestled seven matches and received one forfeit … Some of his accomplishments at the tournament include an 11-second pin, a 1:23-minute pin to win and not being scored on in all seven matches … “I like the challenge and the fitness that comes with the sport,” he said … Took third place in the 152-pound class at state … Also runs cross country and track’s 4×800 … “He’s in a good mindset this year,” coach Stephen Manak said. “He’s determined to win as many matches he can.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Dec. 8-15

Hannah Best

School: Chandler Valley Christian

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Has a 3.65 GPA … Third season as a starter forward for the Trojans … On Dec. 2 and 3, at the Phoenix Country Day Desert Classic, Best hit 100 career points (112 points by the tournament’s end) … Scored 86 goals and made 26 assists in her career as of Wednesday … “I want to carry this Valley team to state this year,” she said … Played club with Legacy Soccer … Runs hurdles in track and field … So far this season, she scored on a header against Glendale Prep … She made two shots outside the 18 mark against Phoenix Horizon Honors … “She never expects anything from her teammates that she wouldn’t do herself,” coach Lynn Spina said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Dec. 1-8

Trevor Thompson

School: Phoenix Moon Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Has a 3.4 GPA … Starting shooting guard … Fourth year on varsity … Scored 1,000th career point Nov. 23 against Rancho Solano Prep during Sunnyslope Hoopsgiving tournament … Led team in tourney with averages of 19.7 points and nine rebounds per game over three games … In Moon Valley’s regular-season opener on Nov. 29, Thompson had 25 points and 12 rebounds in a 62-49 win against Washington … Played basketball since he was 8 years old … His dad got him into the sport … “My dad said going the extra mile is always going to do wonders,” he said … In AP and honors courses … Playing basketball since he was 8 years old … Has full offer from South Mountain Community College with numerous Division I and NAIA schools showing interest … “He’s a one-sport athlete, but he’s a high character kid,” coach Matt Elliott said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Dec. 1-8

Allie Schadler

School: Rio Rico

Class: Senior

Sport: Cross country

Has a 4.5 GPA … Won her fourth consecutive cross country state championship and broke her own course record with a time of 17 minutes, 2.4 seconds … Her 17:02 was also the weekend’s fastest state meet time in the country, according to Milesplit.com … “It was a goal of mine for a long time to win four (state championships),” she said … On Saturday, she placed second in the Nike Cross Country Southwest Regional, qualifying her for the Nike Nationals in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 3 … Ranked ranked No. 6 in the country … Also runs track in the 800, 1-mile and 2-mile … National Honor Society and Interact Club member … Signed letter of intent to University of Washington … “I’ll miss someone who comes to practice every day with the sole purpose of getting better,” dad and coach Stephen Schadler said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Nov. 24-Dec. 1

Derek Bowers

School: Gilbert Classical Academy

Class: Senior

Sport: Diving

Has a 3.6 GPA … Won 2016 Division III state championships with a 476.40 score … At the qualifying meet, he scored a 531, his highest result of the season … “The social aspect of diving is one of the things I really enjoy,” Bowers said. “… The guys that I was competing against at state, we’ve been competing together for years.” … Also plays guard in basketball … Part of Outdoor Club … Competes in club with Arizona Sun Devil Divers … Started competitively diving in 2006 … Committed to Texas Christian University … His sister, Megan, also dives at TCU … “He’s very unifying,” coach Autumn Hunt said. “He pulls everyone together.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Nov. 24-Dec. 1

Brooke Nuneviller

School: Tempe Corona del Sol

Class: Junior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 4.5 GPA … Outside hitter … Part of the team that won the 6A Conference girls volleyball state title … Lead her team with 361 kills … Ended the season with a .283 hitting percentage, 35 total blocks, 50 aces and 315 digs … “I did gymnastics when I was younger,” Nuneviller said. “But the team aspect of volleyball drew me to it, and continue to love it.” … Plays beach volleyball … Plays club for Aspire 17 Rox …Wants to play volleyball in college … “She’s a great teammate,” coach Ben Maxfield said. “She pushes herself to be better, and her teammates, in a positive way.”

November Athlete of the Month presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Kara Spicer

School: Peoria Centennial

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 3.4 GPA … Middle blocker and senior captain … Led 5A state championship team with 215 kills and 68 solo blocks … Third in 5A Conference for highest hitting percentage at .447 … During the state game, she had three consecutive kills to stave off three straight match points to tie the game at 24 … Had a kill to tie again and a block to win the game and match 32-30, clinching the Coyotes’ first state title since 2008 … “I never thought I’d be where I am today,” she said … Plays club at Revolution Volleyball … Committed to Appalachian State University … “She has evolved into a game changer,” coach Cari Bauer said.

November Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Reyes Lara III

School: Surprise Valley Vista

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.38 GPA … Quarterback and captain … Had five TDs, breaking the school’s record for the most touchdowns in a single season, and more than 200 yards passing during a 65-28 win against La Joya … Sports Medicine Club and HOSA Club member … Very analytical and watches film to understand game plays … “From the redness of their knuckles to their vision and where they’re looking, you catch onto the little things the more you look for it,” he said … Played football since he was 5 years old … “He’s more cerebral,” coach Josh Sekoch said. “It’s like having a younger coaching assistant.”

November Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Natalie Weber

School: Gilbert Mesquite

Class: Junior

Sport: Badminton

Has a 4.2 GPA … No. 1-seeded player on No. 1 badminton team for state tournament … Also plays shooting guard in basketball … Won the Division II individual state singles championship, the first AIA girls badminton state championship for Mesquite, on Oct. 22 … “I just kept saying that whatever happens, I’ve had a great season,” she said … Had a 13-0 regular-season record … Started playing badminton freshman year … National Honor Society member … “Natalie is one of the nicest, most well-rounded athletes here,” coach Mark Hanna said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Nov. 17-24

Isaiah Pola-Mao

School: Phoenix Mountain Pointe

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 2.52 GPA … Safety and wide receiver … Against Mesa Desert Ridge, he had three interceptions and two returned for touchdowns, breaking the interception school record that was formerly held by Oregon WR Jalen Brown … 18 interceptions in his three-year career … “That was my goal: to make history,” Pola-Mao said … Played football since he was 5 years old … Competes in long jump and hurdles in track and field … Plans on trying out for basketball this season … Loves the family atmosphere in football … “Isaiah is an all-around player,” coach Norris Vaughan said. “Most people think he’s the best player in the state.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Nov. 17-24

Kara Spicer

School: Peoria Centennial

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 3.4 GPA … Middle blocker and senior captain … Leads 5A state championship team with 215 kills and 68 solo blocks … Third in 5A Conference for highest hitting percentage at .447 … During the state game, she had three consecutive kills to stave off three straight match points to tie the game at 24 … Had a kill to tie again and a block to win the game and match 32-30, clinching the Coyotes’ first state title since 2008 … “Before games, you can be nervous,” Spicer said. “But once you’re out on the court, you have a job and you know what you can do” … Plays club at Revolution Volleyball … Committed to Appalachian State University … “She has evolved into a game changer,” coach Cari Bauer said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Nov. 10-17

Gavin Cohen

School: Tucson Catalina Foothills

Class: Senior

Sport: Golf

Has a 4.1 GPA … Cohen led the Falcons to the Division II state title shooting a 2-under par … Captured the individual state title for Division II … As the team’s No. 1 golfer all season, he paced his team to a fourth-place ranking and led the charge to come back from five strokes down entering the final round … “I was constantly asking Coach how the team was doing because my ultimate goal this season was to get the team championship,” Cohen said … Plays golf with the American Junior Golf Association … His dad introduced him to golf eight years ago … Committed to play golf at the University of Arizona … “He’s amazing in his pursuit at playing in the best level he can,” coach Julie Walters said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Nov. 10-17

Katie McBratney

School: Queen Creek American Leadership Academy

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Swim

Has a 4.0 GPA … Won the 200 individual medley and the 100 breaststroke at the Division lll state championships … Helped team place second in the 200 medley and 200 free relays … “I’m racing a clock, and yes, I have a team and friends here, but it also betters myself and my sportsmanship,” she said … Her times qualified for All-American consideration … The 100 breaststroke qualified her for the Winter Junior Nationals … PitchFork Club team member … Swam at Phoenix Senior Time Trials, placing first in both the 200 freestyle and 200 breaststroke … “Swimming is what she breathes,” coach Corie McCurdy said. “It’s been really cool watching her have passion for the sport.”

Male Athlete of the Week for Nov. 3-10

Oscar Gabriel Salvanera

School: Queen Creek

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Golf

Has a 3.2 GPA … Team captain and No. 1-ranked player for the Bulldogs … Earned his second trip to the individual state golf tournament qualifier … Consistently shoots in the 60s for 18 holes, according to coach Mark Underwood … Sixteenth-ranked player in the state, as of Thursday … “I get tunnel vision, so I don’t worry about anyone else,” Salvanera said … Practices and plays year-round at Las Colinas Golf Club and the Links at Queen Creek Golf Course … His dad brings aluminum cans from work for Salvanera to crush, which helps him build strength in his left hand … Competes in the Junior Golf Association of Arizona … “He’s a wonderful putter,” Underwood said. “He’s Mr. Reliable from six feet in.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Nov. 3-10

Quin Johnson

School: San Tan Valley Poston Butte

Class: Senior

Sport: Cross Country

Has a 3.8 GPA … Became the first athlete in school history to qualify for the Division II state championships … “Whenever I’m going through a bad day, running gets me through,” she said … Also runs the 400 and 800 meters in track and field … Holds track and field school records in the 400, 800 and 5K … One of her goals is to see how many records she can break … Wants to run in college … “She shows what hard work can get you,” coach Brendan McMaster said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Oct. 27-Nov. 3

Reyes Lara III

School: Surprise Valley Vista

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.38 GPA … Quarterback and captain … Had five TDs, breaking the school’s record for the most touchdowns in a single season, and more than 200 yards passing during a 65-28 win against La Joya … Sports Medicine Club and HOSA Club member … “I can take my knowledge to lead a team to victory,” he said. “I wasn’t always the most athletic, but I was the smartest.” … Very analytical and watches film to understand game plays … Played football since he was 5 years old … “He’s more cerebral,” coach Josh Sekoch said. “It’s like having a younger coaching assistant.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 27-Nov. 3

Natalie Weber

School: Gilbert Mesquite

Class: Junior

Sport: Badminton

Has a 4.2 GPA … No. 1-seeded player on No. 1-ranked badminton team for state tournament … Also plays shooting guard in basketball … Won the Division II individual state singles championship, the first AIA girls badminton state championship for Mesquite, on Oct. 22 … Had a 13-0 regular-season record … Started playing badminton freshman year … “My older sister played badminton,” she said. “She’s always told me to never give up.” … National Honor Society member … “Natalie is one of the nicest, most well-rounded athletes here,” coach Mark Hanna said.

October Athlete of the Month presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Josiah Bailey

School: Glendale Raymond S. Kellis

Class: Junior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.8 GPA … Slot receiver … Had a punt return and interception in a 55-28 win against Maricopa on Oct. 21 … Had three rushing attempts for 78 yards, caught six passes for 157 yards and scored four TDs in a 51-35 win over Apollo that moved Kellis to first place in the 5A Conference Metro Region on Oct. 14 … Plays guard in basketball … Student council member … Played football since third grade … Said his brothers influenced him to play football and he’s loved the sport since … Hopes to play college football … “He’s our hardest worker,” coach Shawn Copeland said. “He’s very skilled and the most explosive player I’ve ever seen.”

October Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Annie Hatch

School: Mesa High

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 4.0 GPA … Co-captain and outside hitter … Leads state and the Jackrabbits with 495 kills, as of Thursday …  In the top 10 of 6A Conference for most aces with 54 total, as of Thursday … Had 24 kills and 11 aces in 3-1 win against Mesa Dobson on Oct. 25 … Named to all-tourney team for the Chandler House of Payne Tournament … Against Surprise Valley Vista on Sept. 20, Hatch had three aces and 15 kills, including the match-leading kill … Plays club volleyball with Aspire 15 Rox … Her goal is to keep getting better and give 100 percent every night … Prioritizes focus on team before herself … “She’s our go-to hitter,” coach and mom Amy Strawn said.

October Athlete of the Month runner-up presented by La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries

Dakota Rubie

School: Anthem Boulder Creek

Class: Senior

Sport: Swim

Has a 4.42 GPA … Team captain who specializes in 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke … National Honor Society member … Part-time swim coach for kids with his swim club, Anthem Dolphins … Currently ranked third in the state in the 200 individual medley at 1:57.17 and third in the 100 breaststroke at 59.71 … Part of a team that set a team record in the 200 free relay … Said it’s been fun to see his swimming career grow as he prepares for state … His goal for the season is to achieve Junior National times and break current PRs at state … Hopes to swim in college … “He is the hardest-working kid we’ve had on the team,” coach Scott Newell said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Oct. 20-27

Josiah Bailey

School: Glendale Raymond S. Kellis

Class: Junior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.8 GPA … Wide receiver … Had three rushing attempts for 78 yards, caught six passes for 157 yards and scored four TDs in a 51-35 win over Apollo that moved Kellis to first place in the 5A Metro Region … Also plays guard in basketball … Student council member … Played football since third grade … Said his brothers had influenced him to play football and he’s loved the sport since … Hopes to play college football … Visited ASU so far … “He’s our hardest worker,” coach Shawn Copeland said. “He’s very skilled and the most explosive player I’ve ever seen.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 20-27

Noni Thomas

School: Flagstaff

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 3.2 GPA … Middle on Flagstaff’s varsity volleyball team … No. 1 in the state with the most blocks at 209, as of Thursday … Plays post in basketball … HOSA treasurer … Internship in athletic training at Flagstaff … At the Desert Ridge Invitational, Thomas and teammate Madi Lee, both CPR-certified, helped a girl who was having a seizure until medical professionals arrived … Plans on attending NAU or Fort Lewis for athletic training … Hopes to play volleyball or basketball in college … “It seems like every time she plays, she gets better and better,” coach Beth Haglin said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Oct. 13-20

Dakota Rubie

School: Anthem Boulder Creek

Class: Senior

Sport: Swim

Has a 4.42 GPA … Team captain who specializes in 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke … National Honor Society member … Part-time swim coach for kids with his swim club, Anthem Dolphins … Currently ranked second in the state in the 200 IM at 1:57.17 and third in the 100 breaststroke at 59.71 … Part of a team that set a team record in the 200 free relay … Said it’s been fun to see his swimming career grow as he prepares for state … His goal for the season is to achieve Junior National times … Hopes to swim in college … “He is the hardest-working kid we’ve had on the team,” coach Scott Newell said.

Female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 13-20

MacKenzie Whitten

School: Glendale Mountain Ridge

Class: Senior

Sport: Badminton

Has a 3.82 GPA … No. 1 varsity singles and doubles player for three years but played badminton four years total … Captain for two years … Plays club softball as an outfielder with AZ Unity … Won the Independence Invitational Tournament … Said her adaptive playing style is an advantage over competitors … Her mom played badminton in high school, so she decided to make badminton her second sport … Her mom’s best advice is to never back down even if she was losing … Wants to go to ASU on a softball scholarship and study a career in the FBI … “She’s been the heartbeat of the team,” coach Tim Rosinbum said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Oct. 6-13

Kaleb Hardin

School: Mesa Skyline

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 2.9 GPA … He has rushed for 1,067 yards in seven games, as of Thursday … Had 23 carries, 208 yards and three touchdowns against Mesa Mountain View Sept. 30 … Competes in the 100-yard dash, 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump in track … Member of Hall Pass, a club that has lunch with special needs children in Skyline … Part of a football youth and developmental camp through Skyline … A referee for a youth football team league … Would like to play collegiate football … “His greatest attribute is the way he attacks the line of scrimmage,” coach Angelo Paffumi said. “He’s a hard-working kid.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Oct. 6-13

Nikki Blake

School: Glendale Deer Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 4.3 GPA … Libero … Plays at Ohana volleyball club … In top 5 for digs in 5A Conference with 280 digs, as of Thursday … Has played volleyball for nine years … National Honor Society member … HOSA member who is in Deer Valley’s nursing program … Said her strategy is to prepare for everything … Loves the experiences she made with her teammates and coaches over the years … Mentioned Arcadia as her most memorable match her senior season because she had 32 digs … “As a student, a person and an athlete, she’s a great kid with a good head on her shoulders,” coach Jackie Wallace said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 29-Oct.6

Ryan Hoffer

School: Scottsdale Chaparral

Class: Senior

Sport: Swim and Dive

Has a 3.3 GPA … Jack of all trades who swims mostly relays … Favorite events include the 50 and 100 freestyles … Led Chaparral to three relay wins at the Brophy Invitational, setting a meet record in the 50 freestyle with the top state time of 19.71 and leading the team to an overall second-place finish … Over the summer, he competed in the Junior Pan-Pacific Championships … Swims for Scottsdale Aquatics Club, from age of 6 … Swam competitively since he was about 8 years old … Verbally committed to California … “Ryan is by far the best swimmer we have here,” coach Richie Krzyzanowski said. “He’s our fastest kid in the pool.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Sept. 29-Oct.6

Preslie Anderson

School: Chandler Hamilton

Class: Senior

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 4.0 GPA … Middle hitter … Team captain … Named to Westwood Tournament of Champions All-Tournament Team … A four-year starter for the Huskies … Hitting better than .400, fourth in state as of Thursday … Leads her team with 217 kills as of Thursday … Plays club with Aspire … Volunteers through National Honor Society and Feed My Starving Children … Coaches YMCA volleyball team for children … Played since she was 9 years old … Wants to win state title and make azcentral sports’ All-Arizona Team for a third time for her senior season … Committed to play volleyball at California … “She’s been an impact player since the beginning,” coach Sharon Vanis said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 22-29

David Quick

School: Flagstaff Coconino

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.3 GPA … Running back … Broke a school single-game rushing record against Mohave (340 yards on 29 carries) … Made key tackles to make defensive stops and help close the game … Tied school record for rushing touchdowns with four in the same game … Leads Panthers with a total of 407 yards … Also wrestles and competes in 4×400 relay, 4×100 relay and triple jump in track and field … Student Council and Link Leadership member … Wants to play college football … “He doesn’t like fame and the limelight,” coach Jeremiah Smith said. “He just likes to go out and play.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Sept. 22-29

Annie Hatch

School: Mesa High

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 4.0 GPA … Co-captain and outside hitter … Leads 6A Conference and the Jackrabbits with 216 kills and third in state with most kills, as of Wednesday …  In the top 10 of 6A for most aces with 30 total, as of Wednesday … Named to all-tourney team for the Chandler House of Payne Tournament … Against Valley Vista on Sept. 20, Hatch had three aces and 15 kills, including the match-leading kill … Plays club volleyball with Aspire 15 Rox … Her goal for this season is to keep getting better and give 100 percent every night … Prioritizes focus on team before herself … Likes that her mom is also the coach because she talks to her more often … “She’s our go-to hitter,” coach and mom Amy Strawn said.

Male Athlete of the Week for Sept. 15-22

Brandon Brown

School: Surprise Paradise Honors

Class: Senior

Sport: Football

Has a 3.4 GPA … Running back and linebacker for the school’s varsity football team … Also plays guard in basketball … Had 20 carries for 156 yards, four touchdowns and 15 tackles, leading the PHHS Panthers to a 40-6 victory against Arizona Lutheran Academy on Sept. 1 … Played football since he was 8 years old … Averaging more than 100 rushing yards and more than 10 tackles per game … Dad and coach Duane Brown said his son has statistic goals, but his goal for Brandon is to grow as a young man and prepare for college … Brandon said he tries to do more than what’s expected of him each day … “He’s a very mature, independent young man,” Duane Brown said. “It’s been a privilege because he works so hard.”

Female Athlete of the Week for Sept. 15-22

Mary Shroll

School: Tempe Prep Academy

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Volleyball

Has a 3.5 GPA … Six-rotation outside hitter for the school’s varsity volleyball team … Plays East Valley Juniors club volleyball on national 15N1 team … Also competes in beach volleyball over the summer … Coach Lisa Barlow said she’s carrying the young team … Averaged 7.7 kills per set with a .299 hitting percentage during their match against Leading Edge Academy on Sept. 7 … Third in 2A Conference for top kills with 78 total, as of Wednesday … Wants to beat her personal record of 436 total kills from last season … Third sister from a family of volleyball players … Hopes to compete at a Division I college … “She has the best skill level on my team and out of anybody I’ve ever coached,” Barlow said.