Washington is stacked with elite playmakers, and we’re excited to team up with Gesa Credit Union to highlight amazing plays from WIAA student-athletes around the state. Coaches, student-athletes, fans and families are encouraged to submit videos for Top Plays consideration. Selections will be showcased for the WIAA’s social media and mobile app followers.

2024-25 TOP PLAYS

Fife’s Kaynen York made an amazing one-handed, over-the-shoulder interception sparking the Trojans to a comeback win over Steilacoom.

Walla Walla’s Sara Bowen made good on the free kick from just outside the center circle to put the Blue Devils up a goal against Hanford.

Mt. Spokane’s Riley Kincaid breaks the 2A/3A Slowpitch State Championship game wide-open with a grand slam in the bottom of the first.

Coupeville volleyball team puts together an incendiary rally, preserving the point with an elite kick-save.

Kentwood snatches the momentum with a 99-yard house call in the fourth quarter at French Field.

Curtis goes up 2-0 on a brilliant free kick from 25 yards back.

2023-24 TOP PLAYS

WEEK 16

#1

Franklin Pierce’s Preston Soeum scores an unbelievable bicycle kick goal from inside the penalty box.

#2

Mead softball delivers an unbelievable diving stop and putout at second base to keep the ball in the infield and prevent the run from scoring.

#3

This strike from well outside the box sends the ball over the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper and into a perfect pocket in the upper left corner of the net.

WEEK 15

#1

Down 5-1 with the bases juiced in the bottom of the third, Ava Marmon emptied the infield, helping Hanford take home the District Championship.

#2

Puyallup draws close on a beautiful free kick dagger into the opposite corner of the net.

#3

Peninsula’s pitcher cuts off the throw from center field and shovels it to home plate, preserving the lead and sending the Seahawks to the District Championship.

WEEK 14

#1

W.F. West goes yard the hard way on a three-run bomb to the opposite field corner.

#2

The T-Wolves swarm the box in a flurry of passes, capping off their attack with a quick goal from a nifty header assist.

#3

Finn Reynolds is giving FIFA ’23 on this volley goal to the cross post.

WEEK 13

#1

Grace Pinder shows no regard for human life, plucking home plate to put her team in position for the win.

#2

Trevor Stanton snipes a cross in stoppage time with a dazzling bicycle kick to win the game for Kingston.

#3

Jayden Boyles deletes a 15-meter deficit to take first in the 4×100 meter relay.

WEEK 12

#1

The Kittitas fastpitch softball team puts together a defensive gem, drawing the envy of Mariners fans everywhere.

#2

Marysville-Pilchuck took Grand Salami table service this past week at Grandma’s house, leaving absolutely no crumbs on the basepaths.

#3

Down 2-1 in the second half, Puyallup rallies back to win in stoppage time off the head of freshman Curran Caufield.

WEEK 11

#1

Sumner’s Ryder Peterson makes the game clinching save in extras that would make Scott Servais jealous.

#2

Okanogan’s Kelvin Gomez ties it up with 3 minutes to go from past mid-field

#3

Down 3-1 in the bottom of the 8th, Royal junior Lily DelaRosa launches a 3-run homer to win it

WEEK 10

#1

Columbia’s Quincy Scott ignites Spokane Arena with the put-back poster.

#2

Bullpup gets lost on the pass fake and Keirra Thompson nails the three.

#3

Asher West gets UP and sends this layup into the bleachers.

#3

The future Duck gets her FisOwn rebound mid-air and finishes the job for 2.

WEEK 9

#1

North Central’s Jacori Ervin gets the and-1 finish on a physical first-quarter flush.

#2

Lainey Kimball says uh-uh on an impressive close-out rejection.

#3

There were absolutely no crumbs to be seen after Harry Davies and Cade Orness ate at the Yakima Valley SunDome.

WEEK 8

#1

Kettle Falls’ Zane Johnson turns something out of nothing with this demoralizing full court bucket to send it into half time.

#2

Karl Liedtke drives to the rim and finishes with a silky-smooth up and under.

#3

Bailey Chapman gives vintage Mutombo and sends this layup back to Napavine.

WEEK 7

#1

Greyden Paz says “gimme that”, making a ridiculous grab in the backfield.

#2

On third and forever, Rex Larson heaves it to Rylin Lang who slices down Rosario Road to take it to the house.

#3

Royal’s Lance Allred throws a beautiful ball downfield to Jackson Larson who lays out to finish the job.

WEEK 6

#1

Kamiakin executes a flawless double-reverse pass for the walk-off win and a trip to the State Semis.

#2

The Vikings were dishing out all-you-can-eat pancakes in the 4A State Tourney… and the Panthers were eating.

#3

Owen ‘Cristiano’ Hickok gives Upper Columbia Academy a 2-0 lead in the 1B/2B Boys Soccer Championship game.

WEEK 5

#1

King’s libero Reagan Cook kick-save on the big stage at State.

#2

Mercer Island’s Piper Enge breaks her own State Record in the 100-yd Breaststroke.

#3

Both teams storm the field after a big TD by Sammamish senior Matthias Molnar.

WEEK 4

#1

Abigail Dombrow drills a 25-yarder to give Hockinson the lead.

#2

Mount Vernon Christian’s Zane Dahlberg volleys the ball with a back kick that ends up a one-touch goal for Lucas Millenaar.

#3

Grant Wilson catches the screen from the 37-yard-line and takes it the distance for the Wahkiakum touchdown.

WEEK 3

#1

Puyallup’s Dani Brown says, “This is my house,” with a kill that could be heard clear out in Kent.

#2

Columbia River sophomore Savion McCoy runs the tip drill in his own end zone, taking the interception 102 yards the other way.

#3

Central Kitsap’s Rachael Remnet scores her third goal of the season as a goalkeeper from just outside of the 18-yard box.

WEEK 2

#1

Tumwater’s Kayla Pope bends a 15-yarder into the back of the net.

#2

Ellensburg’s Kacey Mayo keeps the rally alive with a kick save… and a beauty!

#3

Wacenske and Witkowski pull off a game-winner that would make Zabransky proud.

WEEK 1

#1

Bishop Blanchet’s Hans Hoerschelmann, with a cast on his left wrist, makes a one-handed twisting catch.

#2

Ridgeline and Gonzaga Prep hustle all over the court in a wild rally that lasts for over a minute.

#3

Richland’s Josh Woodard avoids pressure and finds Brody Bocek for a toe-tapping touchdown in the front corner of the end zone.

Each month throughout the remainder of the school year, the WIAA will recognize a varsity Team of the Month for each of the six classifications. Winning teams will be chosen based on performance, dedication in the classroom and service to the community.

Team of the Month winners will be selected based on nominations. To nominate a team for consideration, please fill out the Team of the Month Nomination Form. Both athletic and activity teams are eligible

2024-2025 WINNERS

OCTOBER

VALLEY CHRISTIAN BOYS CROSS COUNTRY (1B)

The Valley Christian boys cross country team has risen to the top this year. Coming off their 2023 State Championship Title, the boys have dominated many invitationals, such as the Can-Am Cross and Connell Invitationals, taking home first place in both meets. The boys took the 1B boys district championship title this season, with six runners placing in the top 10. Heading into the postseason, the boys are looking to secure a second State Championship. Westin Madden, a senior on the team, broke the school record with a time of 15:40.1 at the Battle for the 509 Invitational. These boys are not only victorious on the course, but also in their academics and character. Many of the boys hold a 4.0 GPA, and several are also on the VCS Knowledge Bowl team. Together as a team they lead each other and the younger kids well and set an example that strives for excellence and honor. Coach Drick has worked long and hard with these boys, developing them into strong runners and the wonderful people they are today. They run with such humility, yet they do not let their skills go to waste. The VCS boys cross country team is a team to watch as the 2024 cross country season comes to a close.

TONASKET VOLLEYBALL (2B)

Tonasket High School volleyball has been working extremely hard this year despite some of the obstacles that have fallen in their way throughout the season. The team is 15-4 overall and 8-2 in the month of October alone. They are currently second in the league and are playing in the league championship this weekend with the State Tournament waiting for them later this month. Coach Hawkins and crew have been working tirelessly for hours, watching film and hosting high-energy practices and events for the players — and it has paid off. Now, THS volleyball is heading to State for the first time since 2017. The Tigers also work hard in the classroom, boasting multiple 4.0 students, five running start students, and three ASB officers. They have contributed to their school community by volunteering as line judges for middle school volleyball games and working on a trunk-or-treat program for the elementary school students.

CHELAN VOLLEYBALL (1A)

The Chelan Lady Goats have had an impressive season to date. They are currently undefeated, rank No. 1 in 1A RPI, and have continued to be successful when facing larger schools, such as Ellensburg, Ephrata, and Selah. The Goats have not dropped a set in any matches against 1A schools, including Cashmere, Nooksack Valley, and Meridian. The Goats also participated in the Linda Sheridan Classic, competing against some of the most talented schools in the state, and finished in the top four out of 64 in that tournament. The Goats have recently won their league, putting them in a good position to have the top seed going into the district tournament. Throughout the season, Chelan has maintained a team GPA of 3.73.

KINGSTON GIRLS SOCCER (2A)

The Kingston High School girls soccer program has had difficulty in league play in recent years, placing in the bottom third of their division for the past 11 years. This year the ladies have put in significant work to improve to 11-4-1, sitting at third place in the Olympic League, scoring 47 goals while only giving up 16 for the 2024 season. Kingston also partners with the local Grocery Outlet to recognize the Sportsmanship Athlete of the Week, and girls soccer has had an athlete recognized 15 times this season. Not only has the team put in the work on the field, they have also put in the work off the field, leading multiple campus cleaning events, supporting local businesses with back-to-school events, and supporting the community children during a Halloween community event. They are truly leaders in the community, classroom, and campus.

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE FOOTBALL (3A)

Throughout this season, the Mountlake Terrace High School football team has demonstrated exceptional teamwork and skill, finishing the regular season in second place in the WESCO 3A South League with an overall record of 6-2. For the first time in school history, the MTHS football team defeated both the Shoreline School District varsity football teams as well as all three of the Edmonds School District varsity football teams. The commitment to excellence this football team has shown, both in the classroom and on the field, has not only made them a source of pride in our school and community, but also a formidable opponent. Beyond their athletic achievements, MTHS exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Each player has consistently supported one another, demonstrating respect for each other, their coaches, and the officials, as well as rival teams. This team’s hard work, resilience, and positivity has inspired so many students in the school as well as in the community. Additionally, the entire football program made a significant impact off the field by participating in the 2024 Buddy Walk on Sunday, October 13, at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle. This is the fourth year in a row the program has celebrated and supported folks with Down syndrome and their families in the community.

AUBURN RIVERSIDE BOYS TENNIS (4A)

The Auburn Riverside boys tennis team has had an outstanding season, finishing with a perfect 17-0 record. Their accomplishments this month include winning the Invitational Tournament at Thomas Jefferson High School, where they claimed the trophy. Additionally, the team secured the 4A NPSL League Tournament Championship, positioning themselves favorably for the upcoming district competition. Notably, players Xin Yi Yang, Evan Ly, Giuseppe Battista, and Caleb Choi were recognized as First Team All-League, showcasing their exceptional skill and dedication. The league also acknowledged the team’s success by awarding coach Tyler Parsons and his outstanding staff with Coach of the Year honors. Beyond their impressive performance on the court, the team maintains an exceptional academic standing, boasting a collective GPA of 3.9, with six players achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA. This remarkable combination of athletic excellence and academic commitment truly highlights the team’s dedication and success.

SEPTEMBER

SOUND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY FOOTBALL (1B)

The Sound Christian Lions football team has struggled over the past couple of years, usually winning one game per season. The Lions coaching staff is now in its second year at the helm. They made the playoffs in their first season, only to have an early exit at the hands of Neah Bay. Our coaches spent the offseason planning out a new strategy for the team, revolving around a few key players and some new ones that were joining the team at the start of the season. This season, Sound Christian, as of September 30, has matched their win total over the past two seasons combined, currently outscoring their opponents 106-64 in three games. The Lions have had two shutout victories, one against a larger 1A school in Vashon Island. The Lions are above the national average in completion percentage, yards per completion, passing yards per game, completions per game, passing long, and quarterback rating. In the ground game, the Lions are above the national average in yards per carry, rushing yards per game, rushing long, and rushing touchdowns. The Lions are currently averaging 485 all-purpose yards per game, which amounts to 170.8 yards per game higher than the national average. The Lions football team also had the honor of being ranked in the WIAA RPI Top-10 for the first time in five-plus years.

LA SALLE FOOTBALL (2B)

Coach Lamb and the rest of the La Salle coaching staff have the Lightning football team off to a good start at 4-0; however, Coach Lamb’s primary focus is on helping the boys become good men. His tireless effort to plan, coordinate, and execute a good program sets an example for all the boys, parents, and staff. One of the main hallmarks of his program is holding a team dinner on Thursday evenings, followed by team mass. Many of the parents are involved in this, and former parents of players often say they look back on these dinners as their fondest memories at La Salle. Sportsmanship is a major part of the team’s philosophy. Coach Lamb manages his personnel and strategy to ensure his entire team is getting better and their opponents are respected. Coach Lamb cares about the development of his staff as well. He ensures tasks are divided to give each coach a focus and purpose. He has recruited and signed on a couple of young coaches to begin forming them into the next generation of qualified and character-driven leaders. The budget is low, but Coach Lamb works hard to raise funds to ensure helmets are reconditioned and the weight room is safe. The team did a fundraiser event, a lift-a-thon, and raised nearly $10K. The team donated 10% of the funds to the YWCA to support victims of domestic violence in the Yakima Valley. This program is top-notch!

SETON CATHOLIC GIRLS SOCCER (1A)

The Seton Catholic girls soccer team finished the month of September with a 6-0 record, scoring 38 goals, 32 of which came off of assists, while only allowing just three goals against. Ten different Cougar players have scored, three players have had “hat tricks,” and five players have had multiple goals in a game. The goals-to-assists ratio demonstrates the “team-first” mentality that this squad has embraced. The Seton Catholic Girls soccer team has a team GPA of over 3.9 and has already donated numerous hours of their time serving as ambassadors during community functions. The program is an excellent example of the amazing student-athletes here in Washington participating in WIAA athletics.

FRANKLIN PIERCE BOYS CROSS COUNTRY (2A)

As a Title 1 school, Franklin Pierce has some struggles with academics and involvement. However, the boys cross country team has consistently demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in the classroom and on the course. The senior boys this season make up four of the top five varsity spots on our team. They are all four-year varsity lettermen in cross country and have broken countless records while at Franklin Pierce. However, their involvement doesn’t stop on the course. Two of the four are also completing their associate’s degrees while in high school and will be graduating in the spring with their high school diplomas and associate’s degrees from Pierce College. Another senior is a four-year leadership student, current senior class president, and has held various other leadership and involvement roles throughout his time in high school. The fourth senior varsity boy has a high school cumulative GPA of 3.93 and received offers from top schools to continue his academic and athletic accomplishments after graduation. These four seniors set the bar for being exemplary student athletes with their work ethic, dedication to academic excellence, and athletic prowess. The varsity squad is completed by a sophomore in the fifth spot who set the team record for personal records in a season with seven and was voted Rookie of the Year as a freshman by his teammates. The sixth and seventh varsity spots are held by two freshmen coming from the local middle school. They are as dedicated as the current seniors were as freshmen and will continue the strong academic and athletic performances in the coming years.

HERMISTON VOLLEYBALL (3A)

For the first time since joining the WIAA and Mid-Columbia Conference, Hermiston is in first place in a conference that consists of 4A powerhouses, Kamiakin, Richland, and Chiawana, and currently sit at 5-1, ahead of Kamiakin and Kennewick. A 3A team has not claimed the conference title during Hermiston’s existence in the MCC, and Hermiston is in contention this year. Hermiston is led by All-Conference libero Camryn Hagel, who eclipsed her 1000th dig earlier this year. She already has over 200 digs on the season. Offensively, sophomore Brooklin Bacon, junior Carolyn Follett, and senior Piper Roberts have been very efficient attacking the ball and scoring on nearly 40% of their attempts. Junior setter Lucie Nguyen has been outstanding behind the service line, serving 98% with 16 aces on the year so far. Other milestones include their first varsity victories over Kamiakin and Chiawana, with Richland being the only other team they have not defeated since moving to Mid-Columbia conference in 2018-19. They get that opportunity next week. Academically, the varsity has not had a student on study tables for the first time in the past fouryears. The program also helps coach every Monday and Wednesday with the Youth Volleyball league during their practices.

WENATCHEE VOLLEYBALL (4A)

These extraordinary young women are spectacular on and off the court. They are undefeated in league play and have not even dropped a set. The only blemish on their perfect record is a second-place finish at the SunDome Volleyball Festival in Yakima. In the more recent Linda Sheridan Tournament, they finished first — and didn’t lose a set during the entire tournament. What makes these girls extra special, however, is that they are just as remarkable off the court as on. They support other athletes at their games and meets. They participate in ASB, school clubs, and community organizations. Two are editors on the high school newspaper. Many of them are enrolled in college-level courses and nine have all As and A-minuses. They are recognized leaders at Wenatchee High School.

wiaa

wiaa content

FALL

WINTER

SPRING