This year, the AV Athletic Boosters started a new tradition: Athlete of the Month. The Boosters created this award to highlight exceptionally hard-working athletes.
“Our goal was to create a recognition program that looks beyond just the scoreboard. We wanted to specifically honor student-athletes who excel in character and leadership. The award is designed to highlight those who serve as positive role models and contribute significantly as an athlete to their team and broader AVHS community,” said AV Booster’s Director of Communications Michelle Zuanich.
How it works
This new award was surprisng to the first to be chosen. However, they all received the recognition with warmth and gratitude.
“I was shocked, because I didn’t know they were going to do that to anybody. So, when they did it to me, I was shocked that they’d said my name so I was a little confused at first, but I was really happy and then they told me what happened and how I got it,” said Ellary Allen (‘27).
The process begins each month by sending a form to all Amador sports coaches, who then nominate someone. Coaches also include a detailed deescription of why their nominee deserves the award.
“The process begins each month when an Amador Athletic Coach submits a nomination for a varsity student-athlete in their current season. They complete a detailed form highlighting how the athlete has met our criteria over the past month,” said Zuanich.
Traits and qualifications
The Boosters work diligently to make sure they pick athletes most deserving of the award. There are specific requirements that athletes can work towards monthly.
“The Committee evaluates candidates based on three components and looks for distinguished student-athletes who made a positive impact in the last month and considers the following criteria” said Zuanich.
The three main elements are athletic performance, leadership and teamwork, and sportsmanship and career.
“I’m a setter, which means you kind of have to lead the team. And I felt that I just tried to help and cheer everyone up and get everyone moving and playing,” said Oct./Nov. Athlete of the Month Louisa Malakhova (‘27).
The support system
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Leadership presented Lousia Malakhova (’27) and the other recipients their award during fourth period.
With Volleyball having new coaches the team has been grateful for all of the help that they have received from this.
“I’m really grateful to [my coach] for doing it this year, especially because we had such a hard time finding a coach. I’m just really glad she decided to coach this year,” said Malakhova (‘27).
Sports are all about community and supporting each other. All of the coaches and teammates are crucial in the success of these Athletes of the Month.
“My coaches are really supportive and they connect with us on a personal level. We can always talk to them about personal things and they help us out whenever,” said Allen (‘27).
