Voting for Athlete of the Year is now open

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

Winners will be announced 5 p.m. June 2 at Federal Way High School during the Athlete of the Year ceremony. Voting will close May 23 at 11:45 p.m. Click here to vote now.

Female nominees

Amyah Johnson, Decatur High School

Year in school: Junior

Varsity sports: Girls Swim and Dive, Gymnastics, Girls Tennis

Bio: A dynamic two-sport athlete, Amyah has qualified for the WIAA State Dive and Gymnastics meets two years in a row. In diving, she placed 14th at the 4A State Meet and narrowly missed the top eight in the 3A competition this fall. In gymnastics, she represented her team at State in Vault, Bars, and Floor. Off the mat and board, Amyah is a standout leader—serving as ASB Vice President and incoming President—while maintaining a 3.392 GPA and completing three AP courses.

Madelyn Mitchell, Decatur High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Girls Cross Country, Girls Track and Field

Bio: A relentless competitor, Madelyn “Maddie” Mitchell has earned eight varsity letters in Cross Country and Track and Field throughout her high school career. A two-time WIAA State Cross Country qualifier and two-time 800m West Central District competitor, Maddie was named the 2024 Federal Way Mirror Athlete of the Year. Also a standout musician, she represented her school at State in Band Solo Ensemble. Ranked 10th in her class with a 3.985 GPA, Maddie will continue her academic and athletic career at Pacific Lutheran University.

Meeghan Meagher, Federal Way High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Soccer, Basketball, Fastpitch

Bio: A rare three-sport varsity athlete, Meeghan Meagher has earned 12 varsity letters in softball, basketball, and soccer—serving as team captain in all three. In softball, she boasts a .571 career batting average, 1.035 slugging percentage, and eight home runs, earning 2nd Team All-League honors in 2024. A steady leader on the court and field, she’s a four-year letter winner in all three sports, earning multiple team awards. A strong student and AVID leader, Meeghan is a model of dedication and character. She will attend Lewis and Clark University to play softball in the fall.

Marina Velasco-Bono, Federal Way High School

Year in school: Junior

Varsity sports: Soccer, Wrestling, and Track

Bio: A fierce competitor and three-sport varsity athlete, Marina Velasco Bono has earned state qualifications in wrestling, soccer, and track. A captain in both wrestling and soccer, she holds a 90-32 career wrestling record and placed 7th at state as a sophomore. After a severe injury nearly ended her junior season, she defied the odds with a 23-5 comeback and another state berth. Balancing AICE courses, ASB leadership, and a Seattle Children’s internship, Marina is the definition of resilience and excellence.

Annette Sagale, Todd Beamer High School

Year in school: Junior

Varsity sports: Volleyball, Flag Football, Fastpitch

Bio: A three-sport standout, Annette Sagale brings intensity, leadership, and grit to every field she steps on. A three-year varsity letter winner in volleyball, she earned 2nd Team All-NPSL honors as a libero this season. She shined on the inaugural Flag Football squad as both quarterback and safety, earning nominations for both offensive and defensive player of the year. She continues to be a clutch utility player on the softball field. Annette’s all-heart, all-hustle attitude makes her the kind of athlete every team wants and every opponent dreads.

Sydney Wells, Todd Beamer High School

Year in school: Sophomore

Varsity sports: Cross Country and Track and Field

Bio: Blazing her way into TBHS history, Sydney Wells has dominated Cross Country and Track since day one. She’s #3 all-time in school XC history, a multi-time All-City champion, and a Top-12 finisher at the West Central District Championships. On the track, Sydney owns the #4 fastest 1600m and #2 fastest 3200m ever at Beamer—currently ranked 4th in the NPSL in the 1600m and 3rd in the 3200m. With a 4.0 GPA to match her elite pace, Sydney is the total student-athlete package.

Emily Kropp, Thomas Jefferson High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Cross-country, Bowling and Fastpitch

Bio: Emily Kropp is the embodiment of perseverance, leadership, and excellence. Earning 12 varsity letters, leading her team to a state bowling title, and competing at nationals, she balances athletic grit with academic success (3.97 GPA). Despite losing two beloved coaches, Emily’s strength, grace, and compassion never wavered. Her resilience uplifts everyone around her. She’ll continue inspiring others as she heads to Boise State University to pursue her next chapter.

Madison Burt, Thomas Jefferson High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Swimming, Gymnastics and Track and Field

Bio: Madison Burt, a 3-sport athlete (swim, gymnastics, track), earned NPSL 1st Team honors in all gymnastics events and represented Federal Way nationally. With a 3.97 GPA, she’s a National Honor Society member, Running Start student at Highline College, and has been accepted into UW’s Engineering program in the fall. A Drum Major, mentor, and volunteer, Madison leads with passion, service, and heart — excelling in athletics, academics, and community impact.

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Male nominees

Nehemiah Washington, Decatur High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Boys Wrestling, Boys Track & Field

Bio: A powerhouse multi-sport athlete, Nehemiah has earned varsity letters in football, wrestling, and track & field. Despite an injury this fall, he returned to lead his team in the WIAA State Playoff game, capping a four-year varsity football career. On the mat, he’s a three-time WIAA State Wrestling placer—finishing 5th in 2023, 3rd in 2024, and 2nd in 2025. Nehemiah balances athletic excellence with academic rigor, holding a 3.793 GPA, and will continue competing at Utah State University.

Spencer Holloway, Decatur High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Baseball

Bio: A two-sport standout, Spencer has earned four varsity letters in both football and baseball. This fall, he was named North Puget Sound League Player of the Year and led the Gators in their WIAA State Playoff game. On the diamond, he’s a key offensive and defensive force for a team ranked No. 1 in WIAA 3A Baseball. A leader on and off the field, Spencer holds a 3.211 GPA while balancing college prep and career-focused courses, and plans to continue both sports after graduation.

Austin May, Federal Way High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Track

Bio: A dynamic multi-sport athlete and leader, Austin May has been a force at Federal Way High School. In his senior football season, he racked up over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns, earning 1st Team All-State WR, NPSL Offensive Player of the Year, and FWHS Offensive MVP honors. A track standout as well, he anchored the 4×100 relay team to four straight state finals and helped capture the 2023 State Championship. A team captain and Senior Class Representative with a 3.7 GPA, Austin is a standout on and off the field.

Zamarie Tellez, Federal Way High School

Year in school: Junior

Varsity sports: Football and Track

Bio: A dominant multi-sport athlete, Zamarie Tellez has earned All-State, All-Area, and multiple 1st Team NPSL honors as both a defensive back and wide receiver—making him one of the region’s most complete football players. On the track, his elite speed shows with times of 11.02 in the 100m, 22.64 in the 200m, and a 4.49 40-yard dash. A quiet, focused leader, Zamarie excels in the classroom and leads with humility, discipline, and character—embodying what it means to be Athlete of the Year.

Gavin Cook, Todd Beamer High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Wrestling and Baseball

Bio: A true Ironman athlete, Gavin Cook has lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball every year of his high school career. On the gridiron, he did it all—offense, defense, and special teams—and led as a senior captain. On the mat, Gavin was a 3-time district placer, 2-time regional placer, and finished his senior season leading the team in both escapes (22) and falls (11). On the diamond, he’s been a three-year starter and captain, helping rebuild the baseball program with leadership and grit.

Keith Rogers Jr., Todd Beamer High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Basketball and Track and Field

Bio: A three-sport powerhouse, Keith Rogers Jr. has dominated on the gridiron, the court, and the track. A four-year varsity letterman in track & field, he currently ranks #1 in the NPSL in the 100m and 300m hurdles, and sits #3 in Washington state in the 300 hurdles—shattering the school record with a blazing 36.96. Add in All-League honors in football and two seasons of varsity basketball, and it’s clear: Keith is the definition of a quiet leader with explosive results.

Kort Baker, Thomas Jefferson High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Boys swimming, Baseball

Bio: Kort Baker has been a cornerstone of Thomas Jefferson baseball, earning varsity letters and breaking the school record for most hits in a career. His success is even more remarkable after the heartbreaking loss of his coach. Through this, Kort demonstrated resilience, channeling grief into determination. A multi-sport athlete and exceptional student with a perfect 4.0 GPA, Kort will continue his baseball career at Pacific Lutheran University, bringing his talent, leadership, and heart to the next chapter.

Makai Drungo, Thomas Jefferson High School

Year in school: Senior

Varsity sports: Football, Wrestling and Track and Field

Bio: Makai Drungo is the kind of young man who leaves a lasting mark—through quiet strength, compassion, and relentless dedication. A standout three-sport athlete and leader, he balances IB academics with grace, earning All-League honors in football and the admiration of peers, coaches, and students alike. Makai inspires by example, uplifts others, and embodies integrity. His legacy of kindness and purpose will be felt long after he graduates.