The Warrior Athlete of the Month (WAM) recognizes student-athletes who exemplify the four core pillars of a Warrior Athlete: Focus, Perseverance, Leadership, and Connection. Each month, four student-athletes and one exemplary coach are recognized. These qualities reflect not only strong athletic performance, but also a character that strengthens our school community. We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their dedication, effort, and desire to honor Christ both in competition and throughout the school day.
Thank you to the coaches who submitted nominations. Nominations are open year-round for all middle school and high school athletes, regardless of whether they are in-season or out of season. Coaches can nominate a student-athlete HERE. Players and families can nominate coach of the month HERE.
Congratulations to last month’s honorees!
FOCUS: Colton Hoskinson
Boys Soccer | Senior
Nominated by Coach Cody Thomas
“Colton spent about four weeks away from competition for health-related reasons. For four weeks, he still showed up every day; he was fully engaged; he was assisting coaches; he was helping his teammates; and he was staying as dialed in and focused as possible, doing all he could to support his teammates and give his best. Colton pushed through those four weeks mentally, taking care of himself physically, but focusing on what was bigger than him and honoring Christ in all he did. Colton is a key playmaker, a captain, and a leader for this team that the boys all trust. He has shown us all how to focus on the Lord, trust in Him, and always give and do your best regardless of the situation and any limitations.”
PERSEVERE: Logan Thompson
Football | Senior
Nominated by Coach Andy Johnson
“Logan has persevered all season through an injury. It’s been an ongoing weekly battle to maintain him and get him ready to play on Fridays. Additionally, he has recently been playing through additional injuries. He doesn’t complain, but regularly does his rehab and work to get prepared to play. He’s been a great example of persevering through trials and keeping his eyes and focus on what he can control and what’s ahead of him!”
LEAD: Matthew Kirkley
Boys Basketball | Senior
Nominated by Coach Storey
“Matthew is an incredibly hard worker who is consistently training, competing, and looking for ways to improve. He is present at every basketball event and has shown tremendous growth not only as a player, but also as a leader. Matthew has become one of the first athletes this offseason to step up and use his words in a positive and encouraging way. He is intentionally seeking more opportunities to lead and to positively impact the people around him. While Matthew has tremendous basketball talent and athletic ability, what stands out even more is his desire to be coached. He wants to become the best player and teammate he can be. Matthew is also one of our best athletes at responding and communicating through SportsYou. That may seem like a small thing, but it demonstrates his commitment, responsibility, and investment in our program and his teammates. I have been incredibly proud of Matthew’s growth and, even more importantly, his continued desire to improve. He is setting himself up not only for a great senior year, but also for a great future beyond Worthington Christian. Matthew is developing the character, leadership, work ethic, and faith that will allow him to serve the Lord and make an impact both on and off the court.”
CONNECT: Shayden Testa
Football | Senior
Nominated by Coach Johnson
“He has done a really good job this year on the football team of connecting with teammates in different ways. From helping guys on the field to making sure guys have rides home from practice to making sure all the linemen are included and invited to their linemen dinners, Shayden is always thinking about others and how they can be connected to and included in the bigger group. Shayden has done a great job of connecting with people in and outside our football team this year to help grow the program! He consistently looks for opportunities to help the younger guys with drills and technique at practice. Shayden also has made intentional efforts to get our football guys out to support the Volleyball team and others. When I think of someone who connects well with teammates and works to grow our program, I think of Shayden!”
COACH: Derek Stone
High School Tennis
“Derek is not only a great tennis coach, but an incredible example of what a coach and leader should be. He has such a calm, steady presence and genuinely cares about helping the girls grow—not just as players, but as people and in their faith. What stands out most about Derek is how he lives out his faith. He consistently points the girls toward the Lord, but more importantly, leads by example through his humility, patience, character, and the way he treats others. His influence extends to us as fellow coaches as well. He brings a thoughtful, godly perspective to situations, asks insightful questions, and regularly shares articles, videos, and ideas that help us become better coaches and leaders. Derek truly lives what he teaches, and we’re incredibly grateful for the impact he has on our entire tennis program.“