It's time to lace up your cleats and cast your vote for The News Tribune's Soccer Athlete of the Week! We're honoring the top performances from April 27 to May 2, and the competition is fierce. Voting is open until noon Thursday, so don't miss your chance to support your favorite player.
Check out the poll below to see all the standout athletes who made their mark on the pitch this week. From game-winning goals to crafty assists, these players brought their A-game. If the poll doesn't appear, try opening this page in a different browser like Chrome or Safari—emailed votes won't count.
Want to nominate a South Sound high school star for next week? Reach out to reporters Jon Manley (jon.manley@thenewstribune.com) or Tyler Wicke (twicke@thenewstribune.com), or send a direct message on Twitter/X (@manley_tnt or @WickeTyler). Be sure to include the athlete's name, school, year, position, and stats from the past week. Nominations must be in by 5 p.m. Sunday.
Here are this week's candidates, each bringing their own spark to the field:
Abraham Cooper, Stadium – This junior striker was a dual threat, notching a goal and an assist in Friday's 4-3 win over Auburn Riverside, then adding two more assists in Tuesday's 2-0 victory against Mount Rainier.
Jesus Cruz, Clover Park – The junior forward lit up the scoreboard with two goals and an assist in Monday's 4-2 triumph over Eatonville.
Tanner Fricke, Capital – A senior forward with a nose for the net, Fricke scored twice and added two assists in Thursday's 6-2 win over Peninsula, then chipped in Capital's only goal in a 4-1 loss to Silas.
Eli Hodson, Curtis – This sophomore forward made his presence felt with a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 4-1 victory over Graham-Kapowsin.
Fisher Jarzynka, Stadium – Another junior forward from Stadium, Jarzynka found the back of the net twice in Friday's 4-3 win over Auburn Riverside.
Alex Leyva, Curtis – The junior midfielder was a key playmaker, tallying a goal and an assist in Tuesday's 4-1 win over Graham-Kapowsin.
Kameron McClaskey, Kennedy Catholic – McClaskey showed consistency with a goal and assist in a 3-0 win against Auburn Riverside, then scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Kentridge.
Nery Ruiz, Enumclaw – This junior forward had a monster week, scoring four goals with an assist in Tuesday's 7-1 win over Thomas Jefferson, then adding two more goals in Wednesday's 3-0 shutout of Kentlake.
Zane Wirkkala, Enumclaw – The senior midfielder was a steady force, scoring two goals in Tuesday's win over Thomas Jefferson and adding another in Wednesday's victory over Kentlake.
Ready to make your pick? Scroll down to the poll and vote now—every vote counts in determining who takes home the title of Soccer Athlete of the Week!