2026 Federal Way Mirror Athlete of the Year results
Published 4:05 pm Tuesday, June 2, 2026
The Federal Way Mirror’s 2026 Athletes of the Year were announced June 1.
The winners were selected by a community vote, and all 16 candidates were honored during a ceremony at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Thomas Jefferson’s Callie Moore and Decatur’s Ethan Flavel were named this year’s athletes of the year.
Both juniors, Flavel and Moore will have an opportunity to repeat as athletes of the year next year and can show their plaques to schoolmates all summer before returning in the fall.
“I am going through a lot of emotions right now, but I am generally very happy about the whole thing,” Callie Moore said following the ceremony.
Moore plays soccer and tennis for the Raiders, while Flavel swims and plays baseball for Decatur.
It was a surprise being named athlete of the year for Moore because no Thomas Jefferson athlete has won the award since Hailey Still back in 2019.
“I try to keep my hopes down because I didn’t want to get my hopes up about it. But it meant a lot to be seen for all the stuff I put into my athletics. Especially with soccer and tennis and doing that outside of school constantly,” Moore said.
Moore was a captain of this year’s Raider soccer team that was one game away from the state tournament. On the court, her doubles pairing with Avery Buchan took fifth at the 2026 state tournament at the Vancouver Tennis Center on May 22-23.
In terms of candidates, Moore had a unique connection to Todd Beamer’s Myla Felizardo. The two are cousins and Moore has had a front row seat to Felizardo’s excellence. “I didn’t know she was nominated til I saw the ballot go out. But I remember going to her gymnastics meets when I was younger, so it was cool to be able to do it alongside her,” Moore said.
Flavel’s reaction was similar to Moore’s, a bit of a shock to see his name be announced.
“I’m surprised and thankful obviously. It’s been a journey my whole career,” Flavel said.
Flavel on the other hand joined the Decatur swim team on a bit of a dare.
“It was a winter thing to lose some pounds and get toned. But it was a dare from my friends and I joined and had fun. I loved it,” Flavel said.
But what came from that dare was another way to stay in shape and really prepare for the baseball season. He ended up swimming at the district tournament as part of a relay team, but a passion for swim developed.
“It was very laid back, more than I am used to. It was a good change. The community there is different, but still very welcoming and loving. I loved it,” Flavel said.
On the baseball diamond, Flavel is a stalwart bat in the middle of the lineup. He finished the season with a .408 batting average and a 1.325 OPS at the plate. On the mound, he tallied the second most innings on a final four team. Flavel struck out 51 batters across 32.2 innings and rocked a 2.14 ERA.
2026 NOMINEES
• 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 pitcher. 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 feet, 1 inch. He also ranks third in the NPSL in discus at 137 feet, 7 inches 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 and field (Federal Way) Grade: 12. Zamarie Tellez is one of the most accomplished student athletes in Federal Way history. A 3.5 GPA student, four year varsity football starter and three year captain, he led the Eagles to two state appearances and signed with Eastern Washington. A multiple time all state selection, he was NPSL Defensive Player of the Year in 2026 and Defensive Back of the Year in 2025 and holds school records for interceptions with 15 and turnovers with 20. In track and field, he is a three time state participant, part of a top two ranked 4×100 relay team and currently ranked No. 4 in the state in the 100 meters.
• Kaimani Baker: Football, wrestling, track and field (Federal Way) Grade: 10. Kaimani Baker is a standout three sport athlete in football, wrestling and track and 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 four year varsity football leader sets the standard with relentless work ethic, positive leadership and year round dedication to training. A team captain, four time first team all league selection and all city first team honoree, Dominic 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 that he will bring to George Fox University.
• Austin Messer: Cross country, track and 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 and field with unmatched grit, speed and discipline. He is an all city and NPSL champion in the 5,000 meters with a personal record of 15:45. As a state level competitor, he shattered Beamer’s school record in the 800 meters while leading the NPSL in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters. A rare blend of endurance and explosiveness, he continues to set the pace as a national qualifier in both the 800 and 1,500 meters.
• Caden Barclay: Cross country, wrestling, track and field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11. Caden Barclay is a three sport state level athlete in cross country, wrestling and track and field. He competed at state in cross country, placed eighth at Mat Classic and broke the school pole vault record at 15 feet, ranking No. 1 in the 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 and field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11. DJ Smith is a two sport athlete and full IB student at Thomas Jefferson. A first team all league wide receiver, he leads by example with consistency and effort. In track and field, he ranks No. 1 in the NPSL in the triple jump and long jump, with top 10 state rankings in both events. DJ holds a 3.8 GPA while managing a rigorous IB course load, demonstrating elite balance, discipline and commitment.
• Amaya Simmons: Swim and dive, gymnastics, track and field (Decatur) Grade: 12. A versatile and accomplished athlete, Amaya Simmons has earned 12 varsity letters across diving, gymnastics and track and field. A WIAA 3A state qualifier in both diving and gymnastics, she currently ranks sixth in the NPSL as the anchor of the 4×400 relay and seventh in the 100 meter 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 and 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 and field (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 and field and wrestling, she compiled a 120-39 career record with 96 pins. She is a two time state placer, finishing seventh in 2024 and second in 2026, as well as a league champion and multiple tournament winner. A team captain and Wrestler of the Year in 2024 and 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 and field (Federal Way) Grade: 12. Abigail Collier is one of the top distance athletes in Federal Way history. A standout in cross country and track and field with a 3.965 GPA, she holds school records in the 5K and 3,200 meters. A multiple 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 and field (Todd Beamer) Grade: 11. Darlene “Don” Kuedituka is a game changer for Todd Beamer High School, excelling on the field and in competition. A three year varsity standout in girls flag football and cheer, she earned first team all league honors on both offense and defense while leading the Titans in the state flag football qualifier. A standout member of a 3A WIAA state cheer championship team in stomp and a two time NCA/UCA All American cheerleader, Don brings unmatched energy, precision and passion every time she competes. In addition to excelling academically, 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 with a 4.0 GPA who shines in the classroom, gym and golf course. A consistent contributor in golf and a dominant force in gymnastics, she led the Titans as the point leader in golf. She won NPSL championships in floor, vault and beam. Myla earned West Central District second place honors in beam and vault, then finished eighth in floor at state with fearless tumbling and near flawless performances. She is headed to nationals before continuing her academic and athletic career at Seattle University.
• Callie Moore: Soccer, tennis (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 11. Callie Moore is a two sport athlete excelling in soccer and tennis. A second team all league soccer player, she helped lead her team near state qualification. In tennis, she is undefeated in league play and is the No. 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 and field (Thomas Jefferson) Grade: 12. Divinity Adrian is a three sport athlete in volleyball, bowling and track and field. She helped the bowling team place sixth at state and excels in shot put with a throw of 38 feet, 8 inches, ranking among the 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 the school community.
