It's that time of the week again, sports fans! The polls are officially open for The News Leader's Athlete of the Week, covering an action-packed stretch from May 4-9. This week, we've got a stellar lineup of five athletes from five different schools, spanning three sports. Who will take home the crown? That's up to you!
Here's how it works: Our staff, along with input from coaches and fans, nominate standout performers. Then, every Monday, we open the voting, and you—the readers—get to decide who shined brightest in The News Leader coverage area. The polls stay open through Friday at 5 p.m., and we'll announce the winner on Saturday. Got a future star to nominate? Shoot an email to phite@newsleader.com by Sunday at 9 p.m.
Now, let's meet this week's contenders:
Ethan Wright, Grace Christian (Baseball) — This guy was on fire! Over three games, Wright racked up eight hits, scored nine runs, and drove in five RBIs, helping his team snag a VACA state championship. He smashed two doubles and a home run, and on the mound, he fanned 11 batters to pick up a win. Talk about a complete performance!
Ellie Weatherholtz, Stuarts Draft (Girls Soccer) — Weatherholtz was a goal-scoring machine, netting six goals and adding two assists in two wins. She kicked things off with a hat trick and both assists in a 9-1 blowout of Rockbridge County, then followed it up with three more goals in a 7-1 victory over Alleghany. Defenders, beware!
Tripp Hanger, Fort Defiance (Baseball) — After missing time since the season opener due to an eye injury, senior Tripp Hanger made a triumphant return. In two games, he collected three hits, three RBIs, and scored five runs—including two home runs, one in each game. That's a comeback story worth celebrating!
Charleigh Phillips, Buffalo Gap (Softball) — Phillips delivered a clutch moment, homering to tie Rockbridge County in the bottom of the fifth inning, sparking a 2-1 win on May 7. She finished the week with two hits, two runs scored, and an RBI, helping the Bison hold onto first place in the Shenandoah District. Power hitter alert!
Addy Flesher, Wilson Memorial (Softball) — Sometimes, the biggest plays come from the smallest moments. Flesher laid down a sacrifice bunt on May 8 that scored Bradley Young with the winning run in an 8-6 comeback victory over Fort Defiance. That run capped a rally from a 5-0 deficit, keeping the Hornets undefeated in district play. Clutch doesn't even begin to cover it!
So, who gets your vote? Cast it now, and stay tuned for the winner this Saturday!