February 2024 - GMSD is excited to announce the nominations for February’s Athlete of the Month! Athlete of the Month is presented by Alisha Dumas with State Farm. These nominations are based on athletic work ethic, attitude, and sportsmanship, but these student athletes are just that - students first, athletes second. They must have good academic standing, maintain a good attendance record, and have a positive outlook towards their education and their community. Receiving a nomination is an honor in itself!
Each month the community will get to vote on which athlete they would like to see become the GMSD Athlete of the Month. There is a High School category and a Middle School category. Voting for these categories will be kept separate, so each month there will be an Athlete of the Month from the High School and the Middle School. The winners will be announced towards the end of each month.
Here are the February High School nominees:
Colby Baltz - Senior, Wrestling
Colby Baltz has a long list of accomplishments including 3x Region 8 Champion, 3x TSSAA State placewinner, 1st freshman at Houston to place at State, current team captain, and an astounding overall high school record of 169-29. Colby helped lead Houston to their Region 8 team championship last season, and he continues to motivate his team both on and off the mat. During practice, he is constantly pushing his teammates and encouraging them to pursue their very best. He also plans events away from the sport to help the team keep their tight bond. Colby is proud of his accomplishments and self-discipline, and he pursues this high level of excellence in the classroom as well, as a National Merit Commended Scholar.
June Battles - Senior, Bowling
June Battles is a big sports fan, and she has been bowling since the early age of 6 years old. She got into bowling to spend time with friends, but her skills quickly grew! She is a very outgoing teammate, and her inspiring character has led to her being a very smart and vocal team leader. June’s competitive spirit drives her to be successful in her own competitions, as well as her teammates. She helps her teammates to keep their drive and motivation through her own positive attitude and adaptability.
Kinsley Crews - Senior, Basketball
Kinsley Crews has played both at Houston and with the Team Brandon Wright of Nashville. She made the Houston team as a freshman, but she has had to persevere through multiple injuries. She is now starting this year as her first full season as a Mustang. Through her dedication and love for the sport, she was named as one of the top centers in the state this past July. She has developed a grit that will guide her both on and off the court well beyond her high school years. She is an incredibly helpful teammate, and she continues to play the game unselfishly. Kinsely’s main focus throughout her career has always been what is best for the team. She is supportive and respectful to her teammates and shows empathy to everyone in the game. Kinsely has plans to pursue a political science/pre-law degree at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, and she plans to walk on to the rowing team.
Cole D’Entremont - Senior, Bowling
Cole D’Entremont is known for always striving to be his absolute best. He is always turning to his coaches and teammates hoping to gather different perspectives to see how he can continue to improve. He has been a member of the HHS bowling team for the past two years, and in both of these years the team has finished as District Runner-Up. As a varsity baseball player as well, Cole is always supporting his teammates. Whether he is cheering on his fellow teammates, or taking pictures of his classmates for 901 sports, he is known as a smiling face to encourage those around him. He is very competitive, and he is always working with an “all in” attitude, both academically and athletically. Cole is a huge community supporter and loves Houston. He is known to volunteer at a multitude of different places and is always looking for ways to give back to the community.
Jacob Geiser - Senior, Wrestling
Jacob Geiser is a co-captain, a State qualifier, and has been named to the Daily Memphian’s All-Metro team, as well as being awarded the Varsity Coaches’ Award twice. He is a natural leader, known for his encouragement to his teammates through a kind and positive attitude. He has an undeniable work ethic, and he has managed to be successful in 15 AP classes as well as volunteering. He is so grateful to Houston for the opportunities it has presented to him. Jacob has served as an SAT tutor, is a member of the Houston Honors Academy, the National Honor Society and an Executive Student Ambassador for GMSD. He has been awarded both Navy and Army ROTC National scholarships and was recently named a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship semifinalist. He is honored to have been offered an Appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point and has also been accepted early action to Princeton University where he would join the Army ROTC unit.
Jordan Myles - Freshman, Basketball
Jordan Myles has had an incredible basketball career. This past summer he participated in the U.S. Open Basketball event, with over 200 college coaches in attendance. Jordan was also named to the Hoopfest all tournament team in December 2023. Jordan’s goal is to win a state championship and to continue his education as well as his basketball career by receiving a college scholarship. Jordan is known for having positive communication with his teammates, and he is encouraging and uplifting both on and off the court. His athletic success is driven by his determination to be the best player and teammate that he can be, and in the classroom, he strives to continue his success by wanting to learn each and every day in the hopes of achieving an athletic scholarship.
Here are the February Middle School nominees:
Kiara Anderson - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Pom
Kiara Anderson began her dance career at just 5 years old. She has done dance, pom, cheer, soccer, and hockey. She has been on the pom team at HMS for the past 3 years, and although she has tried many sports, dance is her true passion. In her 6th grade year, Kiara was awarded the Rookie to Watch Award, and she won the Step Up to the Plate Award in her 7th grade year. She has also won the Extra Mile Award, and at Summer Camp, she was named All-American. Kiara leads by example. With everything from make-up to overall encouragement, she is there to make sure her teammates are ready to compete. Her dream is to one day be on the University of Memphis dance team and compete at Nationals!
Rylan Askins - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Basketball
Rylan Askins has played basketball at Riverdale for two years, and this season, she has started every game. She recently helped her team place 2nd in the Brandon Henson Memorial Classic Tournament. Rylan also participates on the Riverdale track team where she runs the 400m and does long-jump. She is known as an encourager for each and every one of her teammates. She is kind and compassionate in everything she does. She brings the same level of perseverance and hard work to her academics as well, as a member of the Junior Honors Academy.
Annie Beasy - 6th Grade, Houston Middle School, Pom
Annie Beasy joined the HMS Pom team last year, and she has gained skills in her performance, confidence, and trust in her teammates throughout her time on the team. She is looking forward to continuing her dance career with HMS, and then pursuing the sport at Houston High School as well, with the ultimate goal of being on a pom team in college. Annie is always cheering on and encouraging her teammates. She tries to bring a smile to everyone and is always focused on the positive. Overall, Annie loves to learn, whether on the dance floor or in the classroom, and she is thankful to her teachers, coaches, and teammates for building her up! She is proud to be a Mustang!
Brody Cowan - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Basketball
Brody Cowan has played basketball for Riverdale from 5th grade up through his 8th grade year. He is a huge asset to the team with incredible speed and defensive skills. He started his journey with the sport at age four, and basketball is his favorite sport although he is also currently on Riverdale’s track and golf teams and has also played soccer and football. Brody maintains a positive attitude and influence both on and off the court. He takes pride in doing his very best and having a strong, driven personality. He works hard to do well both athletically and academically.
Helen Donlon - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Basketball
Helen Donlon began playing on the HMS varsity basketball team her 6th grade year, but she has loved the game since she was 5 years old. She is a multi-sport athlete between basketball and soccer. Last year, she was the Mid-South Middle School All Star Game MVP for 6th grade, but beyond those accolades, she is known as just an all around great teammate. She works to encourage her team to achieve greatness together. Helen is very competitive, and she pushes herself to be the best she can be.
Kolby Shaw - 7th Grade, Houston Middle School, Basketball
Kolby Shaw began playing for Dream Faces in the AAU Circuit when he was just 5 years old. He has multiple MVP recognitions, and he was a starter as a 6th grader for his previous team before joining HMS. Kolby is a vocal and active leader, always wanting to lead by example. He loves the game, but he loves getting to be with his teammates and coaches more! He works hard to please those around him, and he encourages his teammates to follow this same path of determination. He also pursues excellence in the classroom. Last year, he was inducted into the National Jr. Beta Club.
Click here to cast your vote! Voting is set to close Monday, February 26 at noon.