Congratulations 67th Annual Awards Recipients!
On June 13, The Better Sports Club of Arlington held its 67th annual award event. Forty Student-Athletes, coaches and mentors were given awards. Read more about their impressive accomplishments below and watch the slideshow at the bottom of this page.
High School Student-Athlete Awards
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Male High School Student-Athlete of the Year
The Merrill Hoover Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Optimist Club of Arlington Garrett Juergens Garrett participated in the Yorktown football program all four years of high school, starting at multiple positions on the offensive line. As a senior, he started all 12 games at center for an offense that led the Liberty District in rushing yards. He was selected as a team captain for multiple games as he provided a calm yet competitive presence while leading his team to a record of 8-4, including a first-round playoff victory over Langley. Garrett also competed in the shot put and discus events for multiple seasons in indoor and outdoor track and field. He consistently improved his skills by working on his technique and was the leading shot putter during the 2021-22 indoor track season. Garrett branched out of his comfort zone to compete in the 100-meter dash and 4x100 meter relay. When not on the football field or track, Garrett has been deeply involved in the Arlington community as an Eagle Scout. He also served as a role model to younger athletes by working as an umpire for Arlington Babe Ruth Baseball. The Better Sports Club is proud to recognize Garrett as our 2023 Male Athlete of the Year. This fall, Garrett will play football while serving us and his country at the United States Coast Guard Academy. |
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Baseball Sportsman of the Year
The George McQuinn Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Cal Ripken Babe Ruth, Arlington Little League, and Arlington Senior Babe Ruth Trevor McAndrews Trevor played varsity baseball at Yorktown for the past four years. As a junior in 2022, he was named second team all-district third baseman. Hitting a little white ball seems to come naturally to Trevor – he also played golf for the Patriots for four years, and earned all-state honors as a senior. Trevor’s baseball coach relayed, “Not only is Trevor an excellent baseball player, he is also the student that teachers love to have. He helps his fellow classmates and pushes them to be better.” When not in the classroom or on the diamond, Trevor has volunteered with the Lions Club and the Arlington Housing Corporation. Trevor will attend Emory University this fall and will play baseball. |
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Basketball Sportswoman of the Year
The Candice Brown Trophy Sponsored by: Fran Vitt Taylor Chase Throughout her four years on the Yorktown varsity, Taylor took initiative to help develop and mentor younger players on and off the court and has left an everlasting effect on her coaches and teammates. She has had quite an influence on the court as well, earning first team all-conference and honorable mention all-region honors this past season. As a junior in 2021-2022, Taylor was a starter on the first conference championship team in Yorktown girls’ basketball history. Taylor seems to like making history, as she was also a key player on the Patriots’ first ever Virginia state champion field hockey team. When not winning championships, Taylor was active in the Girls on the Run program and volunteered as a reading and writing tutor at Randolph Elementary School. Taylor will attend Virginia Tech this fall. |
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Basketball Sportsman of the Year
The John and Ed Hummer Trophy Sponsored by: Beyond the Hoop, Inc. Brian Weiser Brian was a three-year starter on the Washington-Liberty varsity basketball team. As a junior and again as a senior, he was named district defensive player of the year, first team all-district, and first team all-region. His junior year, he helped lead the Generals to their first district championship in more than two decades, culminating in an appearance in the state tournament quarter finals. An impressive basketball resume, but Coach Bobby Dobson emphasized that Brian contributed much more than just points and steals. Coach Dobson told us this, “Brian constantly kept an eye out for how his teammates were doing, and knew when to keep things loose, on and off the court. The way he treated his teammates was his greatest gift to the team.” Off the court, Brian was a member of the Best Buddies program and helped support the Washington-Liberty Special Olympics basketball team. Brian will attend Christopher Newport University this fall, and will play basketball for the reigning Division III national champions. |
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Cheer Sportswoman of the Year
The Ray Michael Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Dan Kain Trophies Paris Thorpe The Yorktown cheer coaches described Paris as a hard-working dedicated athlete. She is not one that seeks the spotlight, but she is a kind and thoughtful young woman who pulls her teammates together so they are ready for the spotlight. When it comes time for her to shine, Paris never backs down. She has earned first team all-district and second team all-region honors each of the past three years. Additionally, she has been nominated to, tried out for, and made the National Cheerleaders Association All American team for the past two years. When not cheering, Paris plays recreation league volleyball and volunteers each week in the nursery at her church. Paris will study nursing at James Madison University this fall. |
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Crew Sportswoman of the Year
The William and Frank Havens Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Rebecca Estevao Rebecca’s coaches at Washington-Liberty described her as a reliable, mature team member that they trust to do all the things they want a team captain to do: encourage and assist team members, lead and participate in strenuous workouts and organize fun team events. Basically, she makes the coaches’ jobs a lot easier. Rebecca also excels on the water, and has been in the first varsity boat almost her entire high school career. Rebecca earned Washington Post all-met honorable mention honors in 2022. When not on the water, she volunteers at the Arlington Food Assistance Center and wrote post cards for Reclaim Our Vote, encouraging the public to vote by providing early voting locations and times, voter registration deadlines, and information on free rides to the polls. Rebecca will attend Georgetown University this fall. |
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Crew Sportsman of the Year
The Charlie Butt Jr., Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Lt Gen Bruce Wright, USAF, Ret. Eddie Murray Eddie is an accomplished rower, leading the Yorktown men's JV 8 to a second place finish at the Virginia State Championship Regatta in 2021. In 2022, his boat won the Charlie Butt Regatta in the men's varsity 8 and placed fourth at the Virginia State Championship Regatta. He was primed for even better results in 2023, but had to take on a reduced role as he missed much of the winter recovering from a knee injury. Eddie did not let his disappointment spill over to the team. Instead, he embraced his new role as a leader of the second boat with humility and energy – eager not only to improve himself, but also to support and offer advice to his younger teammates. In the summer, Eddie works as a manager at Overlee Pool. His duties include teaching elementary and preschool-aged kids to swim. Eddie will attend Xavier University this fall. |
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Cross Country Sportswoman of the Year
The Anne Viviani Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Lily Kuzdzal Washington-Liberty Coach Rigali described Lily as a respected leader of the Generals’ cross country team who builds community among her peers. She leads by example and mentors her teammates. Last year, Lily was injured, but despite her walking boot and orders from her doctor not to run, she attended every event to support the team. In 2022, Lilly was healthy again, qualified for regionals, and received the Generals Way team award for sportsmanship and leadership. She served as Student Body President and Vice President of Best Buddies. In 2020, Lily volunteered with the Arlington County Office of Voter Registration and Elections. Lily will attend the University of Miami this fall. |
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Cross Country Sportsman of the Year
The Michael A. Wardian Trophy Sponsored by: Glebe Radio and Appliances Anthony Lenzini Anthony has been a member of the O’Connell varsity cross country team for four years. He was the cross country state champion in the Virginia Catholic School meet and finished fifth in the WCAC Cross-Country Championship against very strong competition. Coach Jim Connor had this to say, “Anthony is friendly and very well respected by other distance runners on our team. He leads by example. His hard work is noticed by all, and our younger runners strive to imitate him.” Anthony is president of the Italian American Club at O’Connell and also hosts a YouTube channel that has documented the majority of his team's cross country and track events to build enthusiasm for the sport. This spring, he won the 1600-meter race at the Arlington County meet, won the 3200-meter race at the Draper Invitational, and placed second in the 3200-meter race at the WCAC Track & Field Championship. Anthony will attend the University of San Diego in the fall, running on their cross country and track team. |
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Dance Sportsperson of the Year
The Emily Carnes Trophy Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Riley Chenard Riley is an H-B Woodlawn student who tried out for and joined the Yorktown Dance Team her sophomore year, which happened to be the COVID year. Everything was a little strange, everyone was masked, and the team started outside, learning material on the baseball field and the track. As a student spending her days at another school, Riley had even more obstacles to overcome. Riley worked hard to integrate herself into the team. As a senior, she helped the team to place fourth in the nation in the Medium Varsity Game Day division. Riley was nominated and selected to the National Dance Alliance All-American team. When not dancing, Riley was president of Hippie High Notes, the H-B Woodlawn acapella club, and volunteers weekly at Lost Dog and Cat Rescue. Riley will attend James Madison University in the fall. |
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Field Hockey Sportswoman of the Year
The J. Elwood Clements Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Emily Stafford Emily helped lead the Yorktown field hockey team to their first ever Virginia State championship in 2021, as well as back-to-back district and regional championships in 2021 and 2022. She has been selected district, regional, state, and Washington Post all-met player of the year multiple times. Beyond her high school field hockey recognition, Emily has been selected as a member of the USA Field Hockey U18 National Team for the past two years. Even with all these impressive accomplishments, the first thing Coach Olivia Shipley said about Emily, “Despite all her recognition and talent, Emily’s level of humility and grace while on the field is what is so greatly respected by her peers and coaches.” Off the field, Emily has been a member of the National Honor Society and the Patriots Against Cancer club for the past two years. Emily will attend college and play field hockey at the University of Pennsylvania this fall. |
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Football Sportsman of the Year
The Eric Sievers Trophy Sponsored by: Blankingship & Keith, P.C. Elijah Hughes Washington-Liberty football coach Josh Shapiro had this to say about Elijah, “Elijah is truly a role model for all. He handled his recruitment by multiple colleges with humility and maturity. Elijah was respectful and polite to each college coach that came to visit and never compromised his drive to succeed academically.” Those college coaches had good reasons to visit – Elijah was voted first team all-state and Regional Defensive Player of the Year in 2022. He recorded 33 tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback sacks, and 2 defensive touchdowns, all while being double or triple-teamed. With Elijah playing guard on offense, the Generals rushed for 1,200 yards and made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Elijah also was an all-region selection in basketball this season and threw the shot put and discus for the Generals’ track team. In addition to his very busy sports schedule, Elijah participated in the Wheels to Africa program, collecting bicycles for needy communities in Africa. As for the visiting coach who is thrilled he made the trip to Arlington? Elijah will attend college and play football at the University of Southern California this fall. |
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Golf Sportswoman of the Year
The Shelley Savage Trophy Sponsored by: Washington Golf & Country Club Women’s Golf Association Madison Simon As captain of the Yorktown girls golf team this past season, Maddie was a great mentor for the younger players, showing them the ropes on the golf course and helping them navigate high school life. Girls golf is considered a club sport by the Virginia High School League. Maddie has been an early pioneer in trying to make girls golf an official varsity sport. As a golfer, Maddie has gone from just happy to be on the team as a freshman to dropping 15 strokes from her score and becoming a consistent scorer in match play by her senior year. Off the golf course, she is member of Yorktown’s Best Buddies Club and a class delegate in the Student Government Association. Maddie will attend Penn State University this fall. |
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Golf Sportsman of the Year
The Henry Kerfoot Trophy Sponsored by: Buck and Associates Benjamin Newfield Benjamin became the first Yorktown golfer to win the Virginia 6A State Championship as an individual, but was surprisingly bummed after winning. He said it would have been better if his teammates were there also. From that point on he pushed his teammates to get better. Benjamin's efforts paid off as the Patriots qualified for the state championship tournament the past three seasons. Last year the Goodwin House, a local retirement condo complex, created new recreational areas. One of those areas happened to be a putting green. Benjamin jumped at the chance to offer putting lessons at the grand opening and now volunteers weekly. He also volunteers a few times a month at a local food bank. Benjamin will continue his education and golfing career at Davidson College this fall. |
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Gymnastics Sportswoman of the Year
The Joe D’Emidio Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Aerials Parents Association Nathalia Colque Nathalia is dedicated to improving herself, both inside and outside the gym. At practices, she went above and beyond to try to perfect existing skills or incorporate more difficult skills into her routine. While working hard to improve her own scores, Nathalia always put the Yorktown team first. At one meet when she was having a rare off-day, she stepped down from competing in an event, giving the opportunity to a teammate. This selflessness and willingness to do what was best for the team made Nathalia an exceptional leader. Her guidance and vault performances helped lead the Patriots to a District Championship and a second place finish at regionals. When not vaulting through the air, Nathalia volunteered at a Spanish immersion preschool. Nathalia will attend James Madison University this fall. |
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Ice Hockey Sportsman of the Year
The Tom Newman Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Brian Hannigan Graham Wiggins Graham is a senior at Wakefield and a four-year member of the Alexandria City Titans Hockey Club. The Club is comprised of players from Alexandria City and Wakefield High School. Graham has been a solid team contributor since his freshman year and has grown into the Titans’ most reliable player and a team leader. He was a four-year varsity defenseman and was named a Capital Scholastic Hockey League All-Star his junior and senior seasons. As a senior, he was selected to represent the CSHL in the Second Annual Hockey Night in the NOVA All-Star Classic and also named to the All-CSHL second team. Off the ice, Graham and his father created a hockey stick recycling project to keep broken sticks out of the waste stream. Instead, broken sticks are upcycled into novelty items, such as grill tools and snow brushes. Graham will attend the University of Virginia this fall. |
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Lacrosse Sportswoman of the Year
The Jamie Reynolds Trophy Sponsored by: Columbia Gardens Cemetery Gillian Doherty Gillian is a goalie, so she had a big leadership role to fill on the field. Gillian worked tirelessly to make herself and her Washington-Liberty teammates better. Her positive outlook on life, leadership and dedication, especially the amount of herself she dedicates to everything she does, made her someone that her teammates respected and admired. Gillian did whatever was needed to help her team be successful – even scoring as a goalie. In the community, Gillian has volunteered with the Affordable Housing Coalition every Monday for the past two years. At Washington-Liberty, she was National Honor Society President and a member of the Film and Girls Who Code Clubs. Gillian will attend Virginia Tech this fall. |
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Lacrosse Sportsman of the Year
The Jon Reynolds Trophy Sponsored by: Judge George Varoutsos Jack Martinez Jack was a three-year starter at midfield on the Yorktown lacrosse team. As a sophomore he was voted second team all-district for his play on the Patriots 2021 state championship team. As a junior in 2022, Jack earned first team all-district, first team all-region, and first team all-state honors. As of April, he had scored 58 goals along with 20 assists during his Yorktown career. Coach Greg Beer and his coaching staff relied on Jack to help promote a healthy team culture that has allowed the Patriots to thrive the past three years. When not on the lacrosse field, Jack is a youth group leader at St Mary’s Episcopal Church and volunteered for an Appalachian service project in 2019. Jack will attend college this fall at Lindenwood University, in St Charles, Missouri where he will play lacrosse for the Lions. |
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Rifle Sportsperson of the Year
The Charlie Viars Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Sgt. Dorothy M. Doyle American Legion Post 139 Cameron Young Cameron was the top scoring athlete on the Yorktown rifle team for the past three seasons, and helped lead the Patriots to undefeated conference titles in 2022 and 2023. He was the top performer out of all three Arlington high school varsity rifle teams in the Potomac High School Rifle League the past two seasons. His overall performance earned him all-metro honorable mention honors. On top of all those accomplishments, Yorktown Rifle Coach Steven Tinter said Cameron is one of the most respectful young athletes he has had the pleasure of coaching. Cameron also is a very involved member of the Yorktown Marching Band. He will attend the Florida Institute of Technology this fall. |
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Soccer Sportswoman of the Year
The John “Mac” McLaughlin Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Soccer Association Sophie Viscovich Sophie was named Captain of the Bishop O’Connell varsity soccer team her junior and senior years. She was the team’s top scorer in 2021 and 2022, leading the Lady Knights to back-to-back Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association championships. Sophie received first team All-WCAC honors both years and was named second team all-met by The Washington Post. Off the pitch, Sophie was involved in numerous school activities, including Best Buddies and History Honor Society. She also served on the board of the National Charity League as a Vice President of Philanthropy with more than 250 service hours over the past four years. Sophie will attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall. |
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Soccer Sportsman of the Year
The George Towner, Jr. Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Soccer Association John Matlock John joined the Washington-Liberty soccer program as a junior. From the very first practice, his coaches could see John had talent. His fortitude and resilience made for a seamless adjustment to his new school and his new soccer team. This season John was named a team captain by his peers because of his leadership skills and the respect he earned as a junior, scoring four goals and recording six assists. One of those assists set up the winning goal against Yorktown in the Liberty District championship game. John is an Eagle Scout; his Eagle Scout service project was dedicated to education enrichment of youth in El Paso, Texas. Locally, John has volunteered for the City of Alexandria’s Spring and Fall Clean Up Days. John will continue his education and soccer career this fall at George Washington University. |
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Softball Sportswomen of the Year
The Kristy Burch Bergmann Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Girls Softball Association Meijin Patil Meijin, or MJ as she is known in the softball world, has been an integral part of the Wakefield varsity softball program for all four years of high school. A human highlight reel in centerfield, she was a strong hitter and a terror on the bases. MJ was voted first team all-district the past two seasons. Coach Rebekah Hoisl likes MJ the softball player, but is even more impressed by MJ the person, saying that day in and day out MJ is an example of what it means to be a good teammate and a good human being. MJ is a member of the United Minority Girls Club at Wakefield, a winner of the Virginia State PTA Reflections photography contest, and a karate instructor. MJ will attend the University of Toronto this fall. |
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Softball Sportswomen of the Year
The Kristy Burch Bergmann Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Girls Softball Association Katie Kutz Bishop O’Connell’s softball program has produced many great pitchers. The Better Sports Club even named its softball trophy after one of those pitchers – Kristy Burch Bergman. Katie Kutz may be the best of them all. During her high school softball career, Katie compiled a record of 44 wins with no losses, and posted a 0.35 earned run average. This past season, she had a 19-0 record, struck out an average of 17 batters per game, and led the Lady Knights to yet another Division I private-school state championship. Katie can hit too; she is batting .500 for her career with 25 home runs and 109 RBIs. Among the many awards she has earned, Katie was chosen as the 2023 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year and the 2022 Washington Post all-met softball player of the year. Katie was always more concerned about her team’s performance than her individual accomplishments telling Dave Facinoli from the Gazette Leader, “When the team does well, I’m always satisfied.” Katie also works hard off the dirt, visiting senior citizens at Sunrise Assisted Living in Falls Church and volunteering at the Capital Area Food Bank. Katie will attend college and play softball at Oklahoma State University this fall. |
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Swim & Dive Sportswomen of the Year
The Shelley Mann Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Mary Schade Lauren Fatouros Lauren has been a centerpiece of the Yorktown girls swim and dive team for four of the most successful seasons in school history. Through two state championships and two state runner-up finishes, her commitment and leadership cemented the team’s culture for success. As a role player in her earlier years, as a captain her senior year, and as a state-level scoring contributor throughout, Lauren continued to demonstrate a team-first approach to her involvement. When not in the pool, Lauren was s a member of the National Honor Society and a photographer for the Yorktown Sentry. She and a few friends also staffed and managed the youth umpiring program for the Arlington Girls Softball Association. Lauren will attend The College of William & Mary this fall. |
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Swim & Dive Sportswomen of the Year
The Shelley Mann Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Ellie Joyce Over the past three years, Ellie won three Liberty District and two regional dive championships for Washington-Liberty. She was the Virginia state champion in 2022 and finished a very close second in 2023. Ellie was named an All-American diver each of the past three years. She continuously modeled sportsmanship and humility during meets and cheered for all divers at any competition. On dry land, Ellie has been a member of her church play, and joined a mission trip in 2019. She has been a coach at Dominion Hills pool the past three summers, acting as a mentor for a new generation of divers. Ellie will attend the University of North Carolina this fall. |
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Swim & Dive Sportsman of the Year
The Tom Dolan Trophy Sponsored by: Cardinal Construction & Management Luke Aslaksen Luke has been a member of the Yorktown boys swim and dive team for four years, helping the program achieve at a level it had never previously reached. Luke was selected as a team captain his senior season by his fellow teammates, and led a relatively young team to a district championship over the eventual region and state champion Langley team. Luke has assumed an expanded role each of his four years to help his team wherever he was needed. He became the Patriots go-to sprinter his last two seasons, earning crucial points that helped the team win back-to-back third place finishes at states. Out of his lane in the pool, Luke was selected to be a featured artist in Marymount University’s Visions 2022 Juried High School Art Exhibition. He also volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Luke will attend Occidental College this fall. |
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Tennis Sportswoman of the Year
The Donna Floyd Fales Trophy Sponsored by: Bill Walsh Micayla Horwitz During her four seasons on the Washington-Liberty varsity tennis team, Micayla rarely missed practice and was always ready to play on match day. She was adaptable and willingly played in different positions and with different doubles partners. Micayla showed great improvement between her junior and senior seasons, rising up the singles ladder to the #4 rank. She became a better doubles player by improving her skills at the net. She battled some tough opponents this season and won several challenging matches for the Generals. When not on the court, she volunteered with a voter registration program prior to the 2020 Presidential election, and has taken multiple biology classes studying the science behind birds and their habitats at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Micayla will attend the University of Washington this fall. |
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Tennis Sportsman of the Year
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Track and Field Sportswoman of the Year
The John Randolph Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Chayse Raymond Chayse is a natural leader. When O’Connell’s coach was unable to attend practice for a week, she took over the job. Chayse is the Virginia Independent School Athletic Association state champion in the 55-meter dash. This past winter, she won the 60-meter dash at the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Indoor Championship meet. The O’Connell track team also relied on her speed on its very successful 4x100 meter and 4x200 meter relays. As Coach Jim Connor so succinctly put it, “When Chayse gets the baton, our team’s position improves.” When not running down competitors on the track, Chayse was the charismatic and hilariously funny star of O’Connell’s morning video announcements. She also played an important role in the African American History Month assembly and is a member of numerous honor societies. Chayse will attend college and run track at Dartmouth College this fall. |
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Track and Field Sportsman of the Year
The Peter Weilenmann Trophy Sponsored by: Stuart Shelton Ian Naff Ian was a strong and influential team captain on the Washington-Liberty track team. He was always striving to improve his times and encouraged others to do the same. Ian finished first at the Adidas National Indoor Track Meet in the Elite division 400-meter event. He was second in the state 500-meter race, and first in the region and district with record times. He was selected as team MVP for the indoor season. Ian has set numerous school records in individual and team relays, and was named honorable mention all-met by The Washington Post. When not on the track, Ian plays recreational basketball and soccer and enjoys reading, biking, and travel. He is also passionate about addressing climate change. Ian will be attending the U.S. Coast Academy this fall. |
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Ultimate Disc Sportsperson of the Year
Girl Matching Division The Jenny Fey Trophy Sponsored by: Youth Ultimate League of Arlington Abigail Freund Abby was a dynamic ultimate player who gave her all on offense and defense, selflessly playing whatever role her team needed. Her coach, Abigail Austin said, “Abby is one of the most all around great frisbee leaders that I have come across.” Over the past two years, Abby has served as team captain for the WACCTOWN club team. On the field, she was an impact player who led the team in assists. On the sideline, she was an empathetic captain who always put the growth of the team and the needs of her teammates above her own. In addition to her high school team, Abby played for five summers on DC Regional all-star teams that represented the area nationally at the Youth Club Championships. She was one of 100 players across the country invited to try out for USA Ultimate’s under-20 national team. Off the field, Abby worked as a camp counselor, tutor, and bakery manager. She was president of the Yorktown chapter of the National Honor Society and Vice President of the school’s Best Buddies chapter. Abby will attend The College of William & Mary this fall. |
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Ultimate Disc Sportsperson of the Year
Open Division The Bernie Kirchner Trophy Sponsored by: Youth Ultimate League of Arlington Benjamin Tnaib Ben has been a dedicated player in the Arlington Ultimate community for the past seven years. He has served as captain of the H-B Woodlawn Open team for the past two years. During the 2022 season, he helped H-B win a regional tournament, secure a national ranking, and earn a spot in the highly regarded National High School Invitational tournament. Ben also has been selected to play on elite Washington area travel teams his entire high school career, representing the area in Youth Club Championship series each summer. Coach Zach Norrbom noted that Ben was a truly great teammate who exemplified the spirit of the game and was a strong ambassador for the sport of ultimate. Ben is a member of the National Honor Society. He has mentored middle school players as a volunteer coach and recruited youth players across the county to help with the middle school program. He will attend the University of Virginia in the fall. |
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Volleyball Sportswoman of the Year
The Bill Finney Trophy Sponsored by: The Meiburger Law Firm, P.C. Grace Maria When coaches write about the character traits of the student-athletes they are nominating, they usually provide information such as how the student is the first to arrive and last to leave at practice, or how they always thank the referees at the end of a game. O’Connell Coach Mehdi El Alaoui relayed a different story. One winter night, Grace went to see what her dog was barking at and saw flames coming out of the back of her elderly neighbors’ house. She rushed out in her bare feet to alert them, then grabbed a hose and doused the flames, likely saving the house and possibly her neighbors’ lives. In addition to this volleyball award, we are also nominating Grace for a good neighbor award. Grace is an outstanding volleyball player, having led O’Connell to back-to-back conference titles. She was named first team all-met by The Washington Post and first team all-state by the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association. When not playing volleyball or putting out fires, Grace is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers at a shelter for women and children. Grace will attend the University of Connecticut this fall. |
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Wrestling Sportsman of the Year
The Matthew T. Cluff Memorial Trophy Sponsored by: Arlington Tigers Wrestling Club Liam Gil-Swiger Liam's impact on the Yorktown wrestling program was immediate, as the team won the Arlington County meet for the first time in eight years during his freshman year. Since then, they have remained champions, a testament to Liam's leadership and dedication. During his junior year, Liam won the Liberty District Championship, finished second at regionals, and placed fourth at states. Liam peaked as a senior, claiming the district and regional championships and Yorktown’s first state championship in 32 years. As an Eagle Scout, he committed countless hours to community service. For his final project, Liam designed and built a puppet theater and wooden stepping stools for the Gulf Branch Nature Center. Liam will be studying mechanical engineering at Lehigh University this fall. |
Adult Awards
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Arlington Outstanding Coach
The John Youngblood Memorial Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Greg Beer In 2019, after 13 seasons as Yorktown’s head coach for boys’ lacrosse, Coach Beer challenged himself to reinvent himself and his coaching. Specifically, he reimagined off-season workouts, reflected on how to best offer opportunities for his players to participate in off-season leagues, and empowered alumni coaches to lead the offense and defense. In so doing, he inspired the Patriots’ already successful teams to aim for the next level. His efforts were not in vain, as Yorktown and its fast paced offense won the Virginia state championship in 2021 and a regional championship in 2022. As a result of Coach Beer’s commitment to continual improvement and his belief in his assistant coaches and players, Yorktown now is not only a team loaded with talent, but a perennial contender. More important than on-field success, Coach Beer is unfailingly respectful to officials, fellow coaches, players, parents, and colleagues. For example, after a hard-fought, close loss to Madison in this year’s regional championship game, in a classy show of respect, Coach Beer and his players stood at midfield and applauded as each Madison player received his championship award. Coach Beer’s behavior on the field is indicative of who he is as a person and a visible model of sportsmanship to his players. The Better Sports Club is proud to recognize Coach Beer for all his efforts to help prepare our student-athletes for future success. |
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Arlington Outstanding Coach
The John Glover Memorial Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Bobby Dobson Bobby Dobson has been the head coach of boys’ basketball at Washington-Liberty for 29 years. During that time, the Generals have won more than 300 games, 5 district championships, and twice qualified for states. Those are numbers to be proud of, but Coach Dobson’s impact on his players and the Washington-Liberty community goes far beyond numbers. Coach Dobson makes sure his players do what is expected in the classroom, and requires them to volunteer in the community. Perhaps Coach Dobson’s greatest strength is his ability to build unique, personal relationships with every one of his players. He rosters 15 players on his team every year, sometimes more. He finds a way to relate with each one of them so they all feel like an important part of the team. This past season was undoubtedly the toughest of Coach Dobson’s career. In November, after a tragic car accident took the life of Washington-Liberty student and basketball player Braylon Meade, Coach Dobson spearheaded an effort to recognize Braylon’s family, helping his players and the community begin to heal. The Better Sports Club is proud to recognize Coach Dobson for all he has done to support his players and his school community over the past 29 years. Sportsperson of the Year
The David J. Morgan Award Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Jim Smith Jim Smith has been an Arlingtonian for most of his life and has beenan enthusiast and supporter of the Arlington Sports community. He is a member of the Better Sports Club, past President of the Better Sports Club, and, notably, since 2016, he has served as the President of the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame(ASHOF). When Jim joined the ASHOF, one of his first questions was, as he tells it,“Where is the actual Hall of Fame?”Alas, at that point in time, the Hall of Fame existed only on a simple website; the Hall of Fame did not exist outside of the internet. However, with Jim’s guidance, in 2019, the Arlington Sports Hall of Fame debuted the physical Hall of Fame–a collection of portable banners with pictures and information on each Honored Member. The physical Hall of Fame has been displayed at Arlington high schools and other prominent locations in Arlington, including today’s Better Sports Club Annual Awards Event. Additionally, under Jim’s leadership, the number of Honored Members in the Hall of Fame has nearly doubled because of significant outreach to identify worthy candidates for induction. Prior to Jim’s tenure as President, the Hall of Fame only inducted afew, if any, Honored Members annually. However, in recent years,the Hall of Fame has inducted numerous deserving Honored Members each year,with a celebratory banquet dinner that attracts hundreds of guests. The Arlington SportsHall of Fame is a great reminder of Arlington’s rich sports history and continues to inspire Arlingtonians young and old. The recent growth of the Hall of Fame only furthers that cause. Jim’s leadership and vision havebeen vital to the growth and continued success of the Hall of Fame. Undoubtedly, because of his help documenting the history of Arlington’s most accomplished athletes,Jim himself,has made great contributions to the Arlington Sports community. The Better Sports Club of Arlington is proud to name Jim Smith as its 2023 Sportsperson of the Year. |
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The President’s Award
Awarded to the Outstanding Club Member Sponsored by: The Better Sports Club Mike Grebb Mike has served on the Board of The Better Sports Club for more than a decade. He is eager and always willing to help the Club, mostly by helping connect the Club with other local leaders and organizations. And, he has creative ideas to help drive sponsorship efforts to allow the Club to operate. The Better Sports Club is grateful for Mike’s service |
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