Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kent-Meridian
Published 11:35 am Friday, April 24, 2026
The Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week for April 24 are from Kent-Meridian High School: Joey Villanueva (senior), soccer, and Anzhelinka Skarbenchuk (junior), tennis.
What do you value in your sport or about your team?
Skarbenchuk: What I value about my team is how we support each other and cheer for each other no matter what.
Villanueva: Everyone’s commitment to the team and how we hold each other accountable.
What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?
Skarbenchuk: I learned how to work together with a partner and to have good communication when we are sharing a tennis court in two (pairs).
Villanueva: Succeeding happens through effort and discipline.
What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?
Skarbenchuk: When I’m not motivated it helps me to become motivated when I see the result of my work and become better than before.
Villanueva: Staying true to my faith in God.
Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?
Skarbenchuk: I think my favorite pregame meal would be a protein bar or stuff like that.
Villanueva: Avocado Toast.
What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?
Skarbenchuk: Advice I would give to a teammate is to enjoy the game even though you are losing.
Villanueva: Stay focused on the present not your past and stay dedicated.
From the sidelines
Skarbenchuk: Anzhelika is passionate about tennis and helping KM tennis be the best team we can be. She is first to help in practice and works hard to improve her skills to become a better player every day.
Villanueva: Goalies are often overlooked workhorses on a soccer team. They don’t do all the running around but when you need them, they have to perform at the highest level imaginable. Keepers must also be consummate leaders. They see the whole field. They direct players. They set the tone of the entire team. Joey has performed at extremely high levels while leading his team admirably this year. KM has recorded 3 shutouts thanks to Joey’s efforts, which ties the shutout total from the entire 2025 season. He has played every minute in every game.
