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 August High School nominees:
Addison Causey - Senior, Cheer
“Addison embodies the term Student Athlete. Her hard work and dedication in the classroom and on the mat exceed any and all expectations.” - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
John Gavin - Senior, Golf
“John is just addicted to playing Golf, and he remains dedicated to improving each day. His dedication is very impressive and is a great motivator for others to strive towards.” - Coach Kevin Gaylord, HHS Varsity Golf
Ben Killebrew - Senior, Football
"Ben is a 3 year starter at Linebacker for the Mustangs. He is a playmaking machine for a Senior laden defense that looks to continue their domination of the opposition this fall. He aspires to be a rocket scientist after college.” - Coach James Thomas, HHS Varsity Football
Chase Manning - Senior, Football
"Chase is coming back after an injury that sidelined him for his entire Junior season. He has worked diligently to get back in the starting lineup and is in store to have a breakout Senior year for the Mustang Defense. Look for #22 to be making hits and big plays all year in the defensive secondary." - Coach James Thomas, HHS Varsity Football
Erin McDonald - Senior, Golf
“Erin went to State last year and performed very well. She is a very hard worker and is a mentor to the rest of the girls on the team. Her leadership skills are always on display.” - Coach Kevin Gaylord, HHS Varsity Golf
Ella Watkins - Senior, Cheer
“Ella consistently pushes herself to grow and improve. She does not accept anything less than greatness from herself." - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
Here are the August Middle School nominees:
Kaylee Faught - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Cheer
“Kaylee is an 8th grader at Riverdale and has been a Raider cheerleader since 6th Grade. She is an incredible example of what it means to be a leader. In addition to cheerleading, Kaylee participates in Raider TV, Student Council, and National Junior Honor Society. She consistently offers words of encouragement to others and is always ready to lend a hand to those who need it. As her teacher and co-cheer sponsor, I am so lucky to spend each day with her.” - Coach Melanie Shuster, Riverdale Cheer
Elli Hinton - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cheer
“Elli Hinton is in her third year on HMS cheer. She and her team have placed top 5 at Nationals both years, in addition to second place at Worlds last year! Elli is an amazing teammate, a natural leader and is always encouraging the younger girls on her team. This summer she made All American and because of her hard work and dedication in the gym she now has her standing back tuck and her full! Elli has spent K-8 at GMSD and loves cheering on her classmates. Her goals are to continue cheering through high school and eventually cheer at the collegiate level. She loves her school, is Mustang proud, and will do great things in and out of the classroom with her hard work ethic. Elli is working hard to represent HMS and bring home a National champion white jacket this year at Nationals.” - Coach Hillary Higginbotham, HMS Cheer
Kelsey Hughes - 8th Grade, Riverdale, Volleyball
"Kelsey loves to play volleyball! She is a great all-around player and will step up in a leadership role when needed." - Coach Jamikhan Wilson, Riverdale Volleyball
Chloe McKinley - 7th Grade, Riverdale, Cross Country
“Chloe is very welcoming to newcomers and helps motivate her teammates.” - Coach Felicity Bost, Riverdale Cross Country
Presley Swiggart - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Volleyball
“Presley has worked hard to improve her skills since the end of last season and will be a force at the net for the Mustangs this year. She is a fearless competitor who is not afraid to take a big swing or hit the floor in pursuit of the ball. She embraces our team first culture, supports her teammates, and cheers on their successes. We are looking forward to watching Presley and all of our talented student athletes on the volleyball team this season.” - Coach Kenny Gass, HMS Volleyball
Harrison Thweatt - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cross Country
"Harrison has provided leadership through the summer that has helped our team's pre-season conditioning activities tremendously." - Coach Scott McNeil, HMS Cross Country
Congratulations to all of these student athletes! Be sure to cast your vote. Voting is scheduled to close on August 29 at 12:00pm.