Athletes of the week

Malaina Vincent LAKE CATHOLIC>>GIRLS LACROSSE SENIOR>>ATTACK

On the field: Scored four goals in an 11-9 win over NDCL.

Off the field: Mentor resident also goes by “Mal” and “Malbear.” Will study nursing at the University of Dayton and plans on playing club lacrosse. Has been playing lacrosse for 10years. Has two brothers and a Dalmatian. “My favorite lacrosse memory is hitting my 100th career goal, playing with some of my favorite people, creating forever friendships and getting involved in this sport in third grade. One big takeaway from this sport is no matter how loud my family was cheering for me, I never took a game for granted and always left 110% on the field. I will cherish these memories and my time on the lacrosse field, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Nick Garcia-Whitko

HAWKEN>>BOYS TRACK AND FIELD JUNIOR>>800, 1,600

On the track: During the Optimist Meet, won 1,600 with a school-record 4:20.58 and was 10th in 800 with a PR of 1:59.06.

Off the track: Chagrin Falls resident says his favorite sports memories are running the 2021 cross country state meet with his team for the first time and participating in the New Balance national indoor and outdoor meets. When he isn’t training, loves eating great food, hanging out with friends and teammates, playing Fortnite, skiing and traveling with his family.

Jadyn Tarantino CHARDON>>SOFTBALL JUNIOR>>SHORTSTOP

On the field: In three games, hit .750 (9-for-12) with two home runs, five RBI and nine runs.

Off the field: Nicknames include “Jay” and, occasionally by teammates, “JayBae.” Favorite sports memory is from last weekend, when the Hilltoppers defeated South in eight innings to win the WRC. “I’ve played softball with some of these girls since I was about 6 years old, and to finish with this conference championship means a lot.”

Kristin Dems MENTOR>>SOFTBALL SENIOR>>PITCHER

On the diamond: Went 3-0 in the circle with a 0.82ERA, allowing 11hits and two walks and striking out 14, as the Cardinals clinched the GCC title.

Off the diamond: “Demi” will play softball at John Carroll. Favorite sports memory is winning the GCC with her teammates this year. Likes to work out, play with her siblings and go to concerts. Favorite subject is statistics. Favorite food is tacos. Favorite team is the Browns, and her favorite word to say is, “NOPE!”

Sadie Poudevigne KENSTON>>GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD SOPHOMORE>>JUMPS, SPRINTS

At the track: During the Tom Iwan Invitational at Solon, cleared a 2023 News-Herald coverage area-best and meet-record 5-4 in high jump, which also ties for the second-best high jump in school history. Also won long jump (15-101/2), anchored 4×100 (52.10) and had a 64.5 split on 4×400.

Off the track: Also plays club and school volleyball as an outside hitter. Enjoys creative writing and English. Hobbies include reading, journaling and vinyl collecting. Loves music, including Radiohead, Brent Faiyaz and Stevie Wonder.

Amy Weybrecht GILMOUR>>GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD JUNIOR>>1,600, 800

On the track: During the Rod Russell Invitational at Mason, ran in the Angela Bizzarri Mile and broke the all-time NewsHerald coverage area 1,600 record with an officially converted time of 4:52.57. Off the track: Highland Heights resident plans on running in college. Favorite sports memory is winning the 2022track and field state championship with her team.

Brett Stephens RIVERSIDE>>BOYS TRACK AND FIELD SENIOR>>THROWS

At the track: During the Euclid Relays, had the second-best shot put (53-4 1/2) and discus (155-5) throws, teaming with Carter Rudler to capture both relay events.

Off the track: Plans on walking on the track and field team at Kent State. Enjoys hanging out with friends and family, golfing and jumping on his trampoline. Some of his unique talents are limbo skating, juggling and walking in slow motion. Favorite team is the Browns.

Lexie Simon NDCL>>SOFTBALL SOPHOMORE>>RIGHT FIELDER

On the diamond: Hit .857 (6-for-7) with a double, two over-the-fence home runs, six RBI and five runs. Also had a 1.000 fielding percentage.

Off the diamond: “Lex” is a Willoughby Hills resident. “My favorite softball memories are school spring break trips for softball, staying in hotels with the team, and getting to play with my older sister for her last two years of high school softball.” Favorite subjects are math and, of course, gym. Loves any sort of pasta, especially with Mom’s homemade Alfredo. Favorite show is “Chicago Med,” and she loves scary movies.

Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.