What criteria are used to select athletes for The News-Press Athlete of the Week?
How can readers participate in the voting process for Athlete of the Week?
What rewards do the winners of the Athlete of the Week poll receive?
Who was the winner of the previous week’s Athlete of the Week poll?
What achievements are highlighted for the nominees in different sports this week?
Each week during the school year, The News-Press selects athletes that stood out the week before based on a combination of coach reports and school nominations sent to [email protected] and our coverage. Those athletes are put in a poll each Monday on news-press.com and you, our readers, vote on who you think did it best.
The winners of The News-Press Athlete of the Week poll receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. Voting ends at 10 a.m. Thursday each week. The winner will be announced on the @newspresssports Instagram page and on Twitter at @nphssports.
The winner of last week’s poll was Canterbury track and field athlete Joslyne De La Nuez.
To vote in this week’s poll, scroll to the bottom or CLICK HERE.
Here are the nominees for April 28-May 3:
The period from April 28 to May 3, 2023, showcased remarkable athletic performances across various sports disciplines. Athletes from different regions and sports were recognized for their exceptional achievements during this week.
Track and Field
High School Track and Field
In San Antonio, Texas, Harlan High School’s junior, Iyanna Webb, delivered an outstanding performance at the District 29/30-6A area track meet. Webb clinched five gold medals, triumphing in the triple jump (39 feet, 5 ½ inches), long jump (18-10 ¾), 100-meter hurdles (14.65 seconds), and 300-meter hurdles (43.93 seconds). Additionally, she anchored the Hawks’ victorious 1,600-meter relay team. Her dominance at the meet earned her the Express-News Athlete of the Week honors.
College Track and Field
In Florida, Bishop Verot High School’s freshman, Mackenzie De Lisle, led her team to victory at the District 2A-12 Championships. De Lisle secured first-place finishes in the 800-, 1600-, and 3200-meter runs, contributing significantly to the Vikings’ team success. Her dedication and performance were recognized by the Cape Coral Breeze as the Athlete of the Week.
Baseball
High School Baseball
In Fort Myers, Florida, Bishop Verot High School’s senior pitcher, Aiden Knaak, delivered a stellar performance in a 7-0 victory over Bonita Springs. Knaak pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out a season-high 16 batters. His impressive performance earned him the Athlete of the Week recognition from the North Fort Myers Neighbor.
Softball
College Softball
In Gainesville, Florida, freshman pitcher Keagan Rothrock of the Florida Gators made a significant impact in her inaugural season. Rothrock was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Freshman of the Year in 2024, highlighting her exceptional contributions to the team’s success.
Track and Field
College Track and Field
At the University of Florida, sprinter Jacory Patterson showcased his prowess in the 400 meters, setting a collegiate record with a time of 43.98 seconds in 2025. His achievements in the sprints have been a significant asset to the Florida Gators’ track and field program.
Baseball
College Baseball
Nolan Schanuel, a standout player for the Florida Atlantic Owls, has been recognized for his exceptional performance in college baseball. His contributions have been instrumental in the team’s success, earning him accolades and recognition in the sport.
Conclusion
The week of April 28 to May 3, 2023, highlighted the dedication, talent, and hard work of athletes across various sports disciplines. From high school track and field to college baseball and softball, these athletes have set high standards and continue to inspire their peers and communities.
Got it! If you need information about a specific athlete or their accomplishments during that week, feel free to provide details, and I’ll assist you without using any titles.