GMSD is excited to announce the November nominations for Athlete of the Month, presented by Alisha Dumas with State Farm. These nominations are based on athletic work ethic, attitude, and sportsmanship, but these student athletes are just that - students first, athletes second. They must have good academic standing, maintain a good attendance record, and have a positive outlook towards their education and their community. Hear directly from their coaches about what makes them a great teammate, a hard worker, and a great athlete. Receiving a nomination is an honor in itself!
Each month the community will get to vote on which athlete they would like to see become the GMSD Athlete of the Month. There is a High School category and a Middle School category. Voting for these categories will be kept separate, so each month there will be an Athlete of the Month from the High School and the Middle School. The winners will be announced towards the end of each month.
Here are the November High School nominees:
Zoe Beard - Senior, Cheer
"Zoe is an exceptional student athlete. She entered her senior year with her goals clear and the fervor to accomplish every single one. Her ‘can do’ spirit, coachable attitude, and work ethic have all made her an incredible asset to the team. We are excited, and honored, to see all that she accomplishes in the future. The possibilities are endless.” - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
Natali Carrion - Senior, Swim
"Natali has been swimming since the 7th grade when she joined the Germantown Gators Swim Club. She continues to swim there in addition to this being her 4th year swimming at Houston High. Natali is truly a team player and is willing to do whatever her coach asks or the team needs in competition to be successful. Because of her positive attitude and dedication to her peers on the team, Natali was selected by her coaches to be a Team Captain her Senior year. In addition to all this, she works as a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor at the Germantown Athletic Club. Outside of the many hours she spends in the pool and on deck lifeguarding, she is both academically motivated and accomplished. She is a member of the National Honors Society, the Beta Club and was awarded the 2023 National Hispanic Recognition Award. Natali also volunteers in Houston’s peer math tutoring program. Natali enjoys attending the Houston High football games, and spending time with her friends - especially while enjoying an iced coffee drink!” - Coach Jonathon Pennington HHS Varsity Swim
Paige Cho - Freshman, Cheer
"As a freshman, Paige has quickly become one of the most consistent and reliable student athletes in the program. As a member of the 2023 National Champion and World Champion Houston Middle cheer team, she is no stranger to hard work, determination, and perseverance. She strives for success in academics, as well as athletics. We have watched, in amazement, as she has grown and progressed into the incredible athlete she has become. All while maintaining a straight A average throughout her years in the program. We are honored to be a small part of her big journey.” - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
Alec Fisher - Senior, Swim
"Alec has been swimming since age 3. He swam for Houston Middle since 6th grade and has been on the Houston High Swim Team since 9th grade. As a Senior, he was chosen by the coaches to be a Team Captain. He qualified for the State team last year and competed in the 100 Backstroke and swam on both the 200 Medley Relay and 200 Freestyle Relay teams. The team came in 5th place out of 122 schools in TN. He is a year round swimmer for the Germantown Swim Team. He qualified for Southeastern swimming where his relay team broke the GST boys relay record. His love for being in the water led him to get certified as a lifeguard, and he works as a lifeguard at the Germantown Athletic Club and teaches swim lessons there as well. Alec is a quiet and kind person. He encourages his teammates when it’s time to compete and when he sees they are frustrated. He exemplifies what a good leader should be. Additionally, Alec is a member of the National Honor Society, the trombone section leader in the Houston High Band, and is also a member of the Jazz band.” - Coach Jonathon Pennington HHS Varsity Swim
Garrett Hagan - Senior, Football
“As a senior Defensive Lineman, Garrett has been a force on the Defensive Line all season. He has been a BIG reason for the defense's late surge this season. He also earned a 4.0 GPA for the first quarter of the year.” - Coach James Thomas, HHS Varsity Football Head Coach
Donnell Yarbrough - Senior, Football
“Senior Linebacker Donnell has been another bright spot for the defense late in the season. He brings a great attitude and a smile each and every day. He also earned a 4.0 GPA for the first quarter of the year.” - Coach James Thomas, HHS Varsity Football Head Coach
Here are the November Middle School nominees:
Corbin Downen - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football
“Back to back division championship for the Houston Mustangs Football team. Corbin is a kid who gets it done. He leads by example, which is why he is our quarterback.” - Coach Al Farlow, Houston Middle School Football
Dominic Gomez - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football
"Back to back division championship for the Houston Mustangs Football team. Dominic is the kid who never gives up on a play. He wants to be a part of every play and is the voice on defense.” - Coach Al Farlow, Houston Middle School Football
Hayleigh Harkness - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cheer
“Hayleigh is a current 8th grader and in her 3rd year as an HMS cheerleader. She began cheering in the 5th grade for GFL and fell in love with the sport. She has continued with that same passion for four years now. Her team placed in the top 5 at Nationals the past 2 years and 2nd in Worlds this past February! She has continued to focus on improving her skills, starting out with a simple backhand spring to now working on her layout! She plans to continue her cheerleading career through high school and with the hope of cheering for Ole Miss in college! She loves her teammates, Houston Middle School and hopes to bring home the National Championship this year!” - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
Lacey Huisman - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Cheer
“Lacey is an incredible athlete on the HMS competitive cheer team. She has been on the team for the past two years and got 2nd at worlds this past year and 5th place both years at the NHSCC in Orlando, Florida. Lacey is a great leader and has 6 years of cheer behind her. She is very passionate about cheer and contributes her free time outside of practice to being at her cheer gym tumbling, stunting, and getting stronger. She has many accomplishments, including getting her running full this summer! She plans on trying out for the highschool team this April and will continue her cheerleading path at a D1 college and hopefully try out for team USA! Lacey is aiming to push her team to claim the national title this February at the NHSCC and will always pour her heart and soul into cheerleading.” - Coach Chris Crabtree, HHS Varsity Cheer
Dane Pierce - 8th Grade, Houston Middle School, Football
“Back to back division championship for the Houston Mustangs Football team. Dane will put this whole team on his back and get the win. He is hard-working and a very vocal leader on the team” - Coach Al Farlow, Houston Middle School Football
Makenzie Young - 7th Grade, Riverdale, Cheer
"Makenzie is one of two 7th graders on the Riverdale cheer team. She has taken on a strong leadership role this year for our team. She does a great job helping guide her younger teammates. We can look to her to model and lead at any point.” - Coach Melanie Shuster, Riverdale Cheer
Be sure to cast your vote! Voting is set to close Tuesday, November 26 at noon.