Athlete of the Year voting is now open

Voting for the Kent Reporter’s Athlete of the Year is now open. Here are this year’s nominees with comments from coaches.

Winners will be announced 6 p.m. June 3 at the Kent-Meridian East Wing Auditorium during the Athlete of the Year ceremony. Voting will close May 29 at 11:45 p.m. Click here to vote now.

Female Nominees

Ayla Johnson-Souza, Senior (Kentridge) Track and Field

Ayla is the most versatile, reliable, and all-around athlete that we have had on our team in quite some time. She runs the hurdles, 100H and 300H, the 4 x 1, 4 x 4, and has competed in a heptathlon. She has been a captain of the hurdlers for three years. Ayla is well liked by her peers and a true leader with the new athletes on the team, helping with teaching warm-up drills and hurdle skills. She is at practice every day and is an example for everyone with her work ethic and commitment to the team — excellent student/athlete.

Genesis Miller, Senior (Kentridge) Volleyball, Flag Football, Fastpitch

Genesis is an outstanding athlete and a leader on the Kentridge flag football team. She leads by example and is very courteous to her teammates. Within just a few moments of being around her, it’s easy to see how her infectious and upbeat personality boosts the team’s morale. During the Kent Flag Football Jamboree, Genesis demonstrated why she is a strong candidate for Athlete of the Year. She scored two long touchdown runs, threw a touchdown pass, and made multiple interceptions on defense, which also resulted in scores.

Claire Eaton, Senior (Kent-Meridian) Swimming, Flag Football, Track and Field

Claire is an incredible athlete, but an even more incredible person. She is a leader on the team, guiding her teammates to win 100% every day in practice and in the classroom. Claire is dedicated to working hard in the pool or on the field and in the classroom. She is easy to coach and is always working to improve her skills. She is an asset to our team.

Riley Gardner, Senior (Kent-Meridian) Volleyball, Flag Football, Fastpitch

Riley is an amazing person and athlete. She is a team leader and is always willing to do whatever is asked to better the team. Early in her senior year, Riley hurt her knee. She made the choice (with medical clearance) to continue playing during her senior season. She has dealt with her limitations by showing perseverance, determination, and intelligence. Any college, business or program will be lucky to have her as she moves on to bigger things next year.

Kaia Bott, Senior (Kentlake) Cheer

As a dedicated team member for four years and captain for two years, Kaia embodies the spirit, teamwork, and determination that makes our team great. From leading the crowd on the sidelines and competition mat, to supporting each team member behind the scenes, Kaia consistently brings her passion and positivity to everything she does. These incredible qualities helped her lead the team to their first state title in 2024. Her commitment to academics, athletics and her job, shows her excellent time management and work ethic. We are so proud to celebrate Kaia and her accomplishments and recommend her for Athlete of the Year.

Jordyn Keith, Senior (Kentlake) Volleyball, Basketball, Fastpitch

Jordyn Keith has established herself as a standout player in the Kentlake girls’ basketball program, earning recognition as a senior and a 2nd Team NPSL 3A selection for the 2023-24 season. Jordyn’s continued improvement each season showcases her commitment to the game and her desire to elevate her performance. Additionally, her excellent leadership skills have made her a role model for her teammates, further solidifying her legacy within the Falcon program. Facing double and triple teams in every game highlights not only her talent, but also the respect she has garnered from opponents. As she wraps up her high school career, Jordyn Keith leaves a lasting impact on Kentlake basketball, inspiring future generations of players.

Dayna Vi, Junior (Kentwood) Volleyball, Wrestling

Dayna has emerged as a true leader on the Kentwood girls wrestling team. She has a never-quit attitude and pushes herself to extremes every day in practice to prepare herself for competition. This last weekend it paid dividends — at Orting’s Takedowns and Tiaras wrestling tournament on Saturday, she pinned a 2024 state placer in the finals to become the 190-pound champion.

Hannah Sakai, Senior (Kentwood) Flag Football, Track and Field

Hannah has been a dedicated partner for our Kentwood Unified program, stepping up as a partner for our track team and acting as a bridge between our school’s Student Leadership and our growing Unified Leadership program. Her commitment to inclusion is evident in her role as a Kentwood representative on the Kent School District’s SALT (Student Athlete Leadership Team), where she provides a voice for inclusive programming across the district and throughout our community. As the program manager for Conk TV, our school’s broadcast station, Hannah ensures inclusive participation by highlighting and including Unified Athletes in the episodes. Her goal is to make sure all students are seen and know that they matter at Kentwood High School. Hannah’s efforts have made a significant impact on our school community, fostering a culture of acceptance and respect.

Male Nominees

Jaxon Love, Junior (Kentridge) Wrestling, Judo

He has started his season off strong. He rose to the top earning a first-place medal at the Auburn Bob Jones Memorial Invitational and finished strong with a second-place finish at Puyallup High School’s Wilfong Classic. Jaxon not only does a tremendous job on the mat (taking 8th in the 2023-24 state championship), but he also demonstrates remarkable leadership in the wrestling room mentoring teammates. As one our team captains for the 2024-25 season, his positive attitude and dedication to the sport and his team are invaluable. Excited to see his progression and success over the course of the next few months.

Giovanni Moimoi, Junior (Kentridge) Football, Basketball

Gio has started the season on a high note averaging 20 PPG, 8 RPG, 2 APG, and 2 BPG through our first 2 games, but it has been his leadership that is helping shape the Chargers to reach our full potential. He is a kid that wants to be challenged and held accountable because he knows it will only make him a better player and person. I am very proud of his development on and off the court these last two years of coaching him.

Adonai Garza, Junior (Kent-Meridian) Football, Wrestling, Track and Field

Adonai reached the 100 wins milestone midway this season. He is a hard-working wrestler, and he is a running-start student athlete. Adonai is a captain of the wrestling team at Kent-Meridian and he is a very respectful young man. His leadership at Kent-Meridian is very noticeable across the campus as a student athlete. He has placed 2nd & 3rd already at the State Tournament with one more season to go.

Sam Doma, Junior (Kent-Meridian) Football, Track and Field

Sam is a tireless worker, who has been putting in the work all year to be one of the best pole-vaulters in the state. Sam is a leader on the track team along with being a great student. Same is a student of the pole vault and sport of track and field. He has pushed himself in the off season both in the weight room and on the runway. His efforts are starting to pay dividends. He aspires to be a collegiate track & field athlete.

Yacouba Diawara, Junior (Kentlake) Football, Wrestling

Cuba is a multiple sport athlete and takes part in multiple clubs at Kentlake and he takes great pride in being a Falcon. Cuba is a young man that is a leader on the football field, on the wrestling mat, and in the classroom. His personality shines bright, and you can always count on Cuba to bring the energy. He is a mentor to younger students, and we are lucky to have him in our program.

Morris Schriever, Senior (Kentlake) Cross Country, Swimming, Judo

Morris is the only senior on the team thus far. He shows up early every day to practice. He is a quick learner that trains hard and has shown great character. He did judo in middle school and decided to return to the sport. The KL Coed Judo Team is grateful to have him. We are happy that he has taken the challenge.

Brandon Tagle, Junior (Kentwood) Football, Basketball

Brandon has led us to a strong start to the regular season while averaging 17.8 ppg, 6.3 asts, 3.8 stls, and 3.3 rebs.

Zach Hernandez, Senior (Kentwood) Football, Baseball

Zach is a four-year starter who has played a critical role on this year’s team as the starting center fielder and lead-off hitter. He is batting .315 with an on base average of .458, 3 triples, and 16 stolen bases. His performance the last week include being named player of the game, pushing through a major outfield collision, and as always, being the team’s spark plug on offense.