Federal Way Mirror Athlete of the Year Voting is now open

Published 1:30 am Thursday, May 14, 2026

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

Winners will be announced at 5 p.m. June 1 at Thomas Jefferson during the Athlete of the Year ceremony. Voting will close May 22 at 11:45 p.m. Click here to vote now.

Here are this year’s nominees and a short bio provided by their athletic directors:

Boys:

Ethan Flavel —- Swim, Baseball (Decatur) Grade: 11 —— A leader for the Decatur baseball team, Ethan Flavel has helped power an undefeated league season, with the Gators ranked in the top five all year and currently No. 1 in WIAA 3A. He leads the team in multiple offensive categories while contributing defensively at several positions, including pitching. A three-year starter earning his third varsity letter, Ethan is also an exemplary scholar-athlete in a rigorous college prep program.

Viliami Puaauli —— Football, Track and Field (Decatur) Grade: 11 —— A top field athlete, Viliami Puaauli is currently ranked No. 1 in the NPSL and West Central District 3A in shot put, with a personal-best throw of 51’1”. He also ranks 3rd in the NPSL in discus (137’7”) and is aiming for a return to the WIAA 3A State Meet after placing 11th in shot put in 2025. A two-year varsity football letter winner, Viliami is also a full-time Running Start student at Highline College, working toward his associate degree and diploma.

Zamarie Tellez —- Football, Track (Federal Way) Grade: 12 —- Zamarie Tellez is one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Federal Way history. A 3.5 GPA student, 4-year varsity football starter, and 3-year captain, he led the Eagles to two state appearances and signed with Eastern Washington. A multi-time All-State selection, he was NPSL Defensive Player of the Year (2026) and DB of the Year (2025), and holds school records for interceptions (15) and turnovers (20). In track, he’s a 3-time state participant, part of a top-2 ranked 4×100 relay, and currently #4 in the state in the 100m.

Kaimani Baker —- Football, Wrestling, Track (Federal Way) Grade: 10 —— Kaimani Baker is a standout three-sport athlete in football, wrestling, and track & field with a strong GPA. A two-time WIAA state wrestling participant, he has proven himself at the highest level. Known for his toughness, consistency, and versatility, Kaimani is a trusted contributor across all programs. He is highly coachable, one of the hardest workers in the program, and leads through effort and humility, making him a respected teammate and a strong Athlete of the Year candidate.

Dominic Flugstad —- Football (Todd Beamer) Grade: 12 —— Dominic Flugstad is a cornerstone of excellence at Beamer. This 4-year varsity football leader sets the standard with relentless work ethic, positive leadership, and year-round dedication to training. A team captain, 4x All-League 1st Team selection, and All-City First Team honoree, Dom inspires athletes at Beamer with his encouragement, discipline, and commitment to greatness. His drive and impact reach far beyond the field, building a culture of pride and toughness, which he’ll bring to his next stop at George Fox University.

Austin Messer —- Cross Country, Track & Field (Todd Beamer) Grade: 11 —- Blazing trails for Todd Beamer High School, Austin Messer is a WIAA distinguished scholar with a 4.0 GPA, who dominates Cross Country and Track &Field with unmatched grit, speed, and discipline. He is an All-City and NPSL Champion in Cross Country 5000m (15:45PR). As a state-level competitor, he shattered Beamer’s school record in the 800m while leading the NPSL in the 800m, 1600m, and 3200m. A rare blend of endurance and explosiveness, he continues to set the pace as a Nationals qualifier in both the 800m and 1500m.

Caden Barclay —- Cross Country, Wrestling, Track & Field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11 —- Caden Barclay is a three-sport state-level athlete in cross country, wrestling, and track. He competed at State in cross country, placed 8th at Mat Classic, and broke the school pole vault record (15’), ranking #1 in NPSL and District 3. A student leader, IB student, and aerospace engineering participant, Caden maintains a 3.85 GPA and exemplifies dedication, versatility, and excellence.

DJ Smith —- Football, Track & Field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11 —— DJ Smith is a two-sport athlete and full IB student at Thomas Jefferson. A 1st Team All-League wide receiver, he leads by example with consistency and effort. In track, he ranks #1 in the NPSL in triple and long jump, with top 10 state rankings in all three. DJ holds a 3.8 GPA while managing a rigorous IB courseload, demonstrating elite balance, discipline, and commitment.

Girls :

Amaya Simmons Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Track & Field (Decatur) Grade: 12 ———- A versatile and accomplished athlete, Amaya Simmons has earned 12 varsity letters across diving, gymnastics, and track & field. A WIAA 3A State qualifier in both diving and gymnastics, she currently ranks 6th in the NPSL as the anchor of the 4×400 relay and 7th in the 100m hurdles. A dedicated scholar-athlete, Amaya is a full-time Running Start student at Highline College and is on track to graduate with both her high school diploma and associate degree.

Amyah Johnson —- Swim & Dive, Gymnastics, Tennis (Decatur) Grade: 12 ———— A standout multi-sport athlete, Amyah Johnson has earned 10 varsity letters in gymnastics, tennis, and diving. A three-time WIAA State Gymnastics qualifier, she placed 12th on balance beam in 2026, and is a two-time placer at the WIAA 3A State Dive Meet. A respected leader, she was elected ASB President for the 2025–26 school year. Amyah also excels in the classroom, completing a rigorous schedule that includes seven AP courses.

Marina Velasco-Bono —- Soccer, Wrestling, Track (Federal Way) Grade: 12 ——— Marina Velasco-Bono is one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Federal Way history. A three-sport leader in soccer, track & field, and wrestling, she compiled a 120-39 career record with 96 pins. She is a 2-time state placer (7th in 2024, 2nd in 2026), league champion, and multi-time tournament winner. A team captain and Wrestler of the Year (2024, 2026), she also earned multiple team honors. An AVID student in AICE classes, Marina exemplifies excellence, toughness, and leadership on and off the mat.

Abigail Collier —- Cross Country and Track (Federal Way) Grade: 12 ————- Abigail Collier is one of the top distance athletes in Federal Way history. A standout in Cross Country and Track & Field with a 3.965 GPA, she holds school records in the 5K and 3200 meters. A multi-time state placer, Abigail has consistently competed at an elite level in Washington. Her toughness, consistency, and academic excellence make her a true scholar-athlete and one of the most accomplished and respected athletes in the program.

Darlene “Don” Kuedituka —— Girls Flag Football, Cheer, Track & Field (Todd Beamer) Grade: 11 ————— The ultimate game-changer for Todd Beamer High School, Darlene “Don” Kuedituka is a powerhouse on the field and in the spotlight. A 3-year varsity standout in Girls Flag Football and Cheer, she dominated as NPSL 1st Team All-League on both Offense and Defense while leading the TITANS in the State Flag Football Qualifier. A standout as a 3A WIAA State Cheer Champion in Stomp, and two-time NCA/UCA All-American Cheerleader, Don brings unmatched energy, precision, and passion every time she competes. In addition to soaring as a scholar, she will graduate high school as a licensed Dental Assistant.

Myla Felizardo —— Gymnastics, Golf (Todd Beamer) Grade: 12 ———— A true scholar-athlete standout at Beamer in two sports, Myla Felizardo is an outstanding WIAA scholar (4.0 GPA) who shines brightly in the classroom, gym, and course. A consistent 1st year competitor in Golf and a dominant force in Gymnastics, she led the Titans as a point leader in Golf. She triumphed as the NPSL Champion in Floor, Vault, and Beam – a true triple threat! Myla earned WCD 2nd honors in Beam and Vault, then soared to an 8th-place finish in Floor at State, dazzling with fearless tumbling and near-flawless performances. She’s off to Nationals now, then to Seattle U.

Callie Moore —- Soccer, Tennis (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11 ————- Callie Moore is a two-sport athlete excelling in soccer and tennis. A 2nd Team All-League soccer player, she helped lead her team near state qualification. In tennis, she is undefeated in league play and the #1 doubles seed. Callie is also the elected Student Body President and maintains a 4.0 GPA in a full IB schedule, showcasing elite leadership, discipline, and performance.

Divinity Adrian —— Volleyball, Bowling and Track & Field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 12 ———- Divinity Adrian is a three-sport athlete in volleyball, bowling, and track. She helped bowling place 6th at state and excels in shot put, throwing 38’8” and ranking top 10 in 3A. Known for her positivity and leadership, she supports teammates and contributes to the yearbook. Divinity’s character, energy, and commitment make her a standout in both athletics and her school community.