Ballard track star Brooklyn Shoen and Nevada tennis ace Connery Varsa have been named the Ames Tribune's Athletes of the Week for May 3–9, showcasing the kind of standout performances that inspire athletes everywhere.

Shoen dominated the female vote with 63%, thanks to a record-breaking performance at the Raccoon River Conference track and field meet on May 6. She anchored the Ballard Bombers' 4x400 relay team to a school-record time of 4:06.54, securing a conference title in the process. Not content with just that, she also placed fifth in the 400-meter hurdles with a strong 4:05.64 showing—proof that versatility and determination go hand in hand.

On the boys' side, Varsa earned 43% of the vote after leading the Nevada tennis team to its third straight North Central Conference championship on May 5 in Webster City. Competing in the No. 1 singles slot, he delivered a flawless performance, defeating Webster City's Nathan Wardell and Iowa Falls-Alden's Carter Zollar in straight sets—both matches ending with a pair of 6-0 shutouts. That kind of precision and control is what championship tennis is all about.

Whether you're breaking records on the track or dominating the court, these athletes remind us that hard work and focus can lead to unforgettable moments. For fans of sports and performance gear, stories like these are a great reminder to gear up for your own best game.