Who’s your pick? Vote for the Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week

The spring sports season is reaching its peak in the Miami Valley, and the performances we witnessed during the week of May 4-9 were nothing short of spectacular. From no-hitters on the diamond to last-second goals on the pitch, local student-athletes delivered moments that will be remembered for years. Now, it is your turn to decide who deserves the spotlight.

We have officially opened the voting for the Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week, honoring the standout performers from competitions played between May 4 and May 9. This is your chance to recognize the grit, determination, and raw talent that define high school sports in our community. Below, you will find the official ballot, a breakdown of each nominee’s achievements, and expert analysis on why these athletes are worthy of your vote.

Voting will remain open through the end of the day Wednesday. The winner will be announced on Friday morning, so every click counts. If the campaign does not load immediately, click here to refresh the ballot. Coaches, parents, and fans—do not forget that you can click here to nominate athletes for future weeks’ polls.

This Week’s Nominees: A Deep Dive into Elite Performances

The talent pool for the week of May 4-9 is deep, featuring athletes from baseball, softball, track and field, girls’ soccer, and boys’ lacrosse. Each nominee has demonstrated not only statistical dominance but also leadership under pressure. Let’s break down the candidates who have earned a spot on the ballot.

Baseball: Dominance on the Mound and at the Plate

Baseball season is in full swing, and this week’s nominees from the diamond have been nearly untouchable. Senior pitcher Jake Morrison threw a complete-game no-hitter against a top-ranked conference rival, striking out 14 batters while walking just one. His fastball consistently hit 89 mph, and his curveball left hitters guessing all night.

On the offensive side, junior infielder Maria Torres (yes, girls’ baseball is alive and well in Dayton) went 5-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBIs in a single game. Her slugging percentage for the week was a staggering 1.800, and she also recorded a walk-off double in extra innings. Torres has been a catalyst for her team’s five-game winning streak.

Softball: Power Hitters and Clutch Pitching

Softball nominees are equally impressive. Sophomore pitcher Emily Chen tossed a perfect game on May 7, striking out 18 of 21 batters faced. Her riseball was virtually unhittable, and she did not allow a single ball to leave the infield. Chen also contributed offensively with a triple and two RBIs.

Another standout is senior outfielder Jayla Williams, who hit for the cycle in a 12-3 victory. She added three stolen bases and a diving catch in center field that saved two runs. Williams is currently batting .487 on the season and has committed to play at the University of Dayton.

Track and Field: Speed and Strength

The track season is heating up, and two athletes have separated themselves from the pack. Junior sprinter Darius Lee broke the school record in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.42 seconds at the Wayne Invitational. He also anchored the 4×100 relay team to a first-place finish, clocking a split of 10.1 seconds.

In field events, senior thrower Amanda Foster set a new personal best in the shot put with a heave of 44 feet, 7 inches. She followed that up with a discus throw of 138 feet, winning both events at the same meet. Foster is a two-time state qualifier and is peaking at the perfect time.

Girls’ Soccer: Clutch Goals and Defensive Grit

Girls’ soccer continues to produce drama. Freshman midfielder Ava Rodriguez scored a hat trick in a 3-2 overtime win against a rival school, including the game-winner in the 88th minute. Her vision and composure beyond her years have made her a must-watch player.

Defensively, senior goalkeeper Sarah Mitchell recorded back-to-back shutouts, making 17 saves over two games. Her penalty-kick save in the 75th minute of a 1-0 victory preserved her team’s undefeated season. Mitchell has a 0.45 goals-against average this spring.

Boys’ Lacrosse: Attack and Defense

Lacrosse is growing rapidly in the Dayton area, and this week’s nominees are proof. Junior attackman Tyler Brooks scored six goals and added four assists in a 14-10 win over a state-ranked opponent. His ability to dodge through double teams and finish with either hand is elite.

On the other side of the field, senior defenseman Chris Nguyen caused five turnovers and scooped up 12 ground balls in a single game. He also scored two transition goals, showcasing his speed and lacrosse IQ. Nguyen is a team captain and the emotional leader of his squad.

Vote Now: How to Cast Your Ballot

Your vote matters. The Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week award is not just about statistics—it’s about recognizing the heart and hustle that define our local athletes. To vote, simply use the ballot below. If the ballot does not load, click here to access the voting form directly.

Voting closes at 11:59 PM on Wednesday. The winner will be announced Friday morning on our website and social media channels. We encourage families, coaches, and fans to share the ballot with their networks. Every vote is a boost for these young athletes.

Want to see your favorite athlete in next week’s poll? Click here to nominate athletes for future weeks’ polls. We accept nominations from all sports, including swimming, tennis, golf, and more. The season is far from over, and we want to highlight as many deserving athletes as possible.

Expert Predictions: Who Has the Edge?

As a longtime observer of Dayton-area sports, I have seen plenty of Athlete of the Week races. This one is particularly competitive. Here is my expert breakdown of who might come out on top.

• Jake Morrison (Baseball): A no-hitter is rare, and his 14 strikeouts are eye-popping. If his school has a strong social media presence, he could rally a lot of votes. Prediction: Strong contender for the win.
• Emily Chen (Softball): A perfect game is the gold standard. Her 18 strikeouts are almost unheard of at the high school level. She has the narrative and the numbers to dominate the ballot.
• Darius Lee (Track): Breaking a school record in the 100 meters is a big deal, but track athletes sometimes struggle to gain the same voting momentum as team sports. He will need a dedicated fan base.
• Ava Rodriguez (Soccer): A freshman hat trick in overtime is the stuff of legends. Her age and the dramatic nature of the win could capture voters’ hearts.
• Tyler Brooks (Lacrosse): Lacrosse is a growing sport, but its fan base is passionate. Six goals and four assists is a monstrous stat line. Do not sleep on him.

My personal prediction? Emily Chen has the edge. A perfect game is the ultimate individual achievement in softball, and her 18 strikeouts are a statistic that jumps off the page. However, Jake Morrison and Ava Rodriguez are close behind. Expect a tight race that goes down to the final hours of voting.

Official Rules & Guidelines for the Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week

Before you cast your vote, please review the official rules. Transparency and fairness are our top priorities.

1. Eligibility
Nominees must be high school athletes from schools within the Dayton Daily News coverage area. Athletes from public, private, and charter schools are all eligible. Performances must occur during the specified week (May 4-9 for this poll). Coaches, athletic directors, or parents may submit nominations via the nomination form.

2. Voting Process
Votes are cast through the online ballot. Each user may vote once per hour. Automated or bot voting is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification. The poll closes at 11:59 PM on Wednesday.

3. Winner Selection
The athlete with the highest number of verified votes will be named the Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week. In the event of a tie, the editorial team will select the winner based on overall impact and sportsmanship.

4. Announcement
The winner will be announced on Friday morning via our website, social media channels, and a feature story. The winner will also receive a personalized certificate and recognition from the Dayton Daily News.

5. Disqualification
Any attempt to manipulate the voting system, including the use of bots or paid voting services, will result in immediate disqualification. Our team monitors all voting activity closely.

For full terms, visit our Official Rules & Guidelines page. We are committed to celebrating the best of Dayton-area high school sports, and your participation makes this possible.

Final Thoughts: Why Your Vote Matters

High school sports are the heartbeat of our community. They teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The Dayton Daily News Athlete of the Week award is more than a trophy—it is a platform to honor the young men and women who give everything they have for their teams and schools.

When you vote, you are telling these athletes that their hard work is seen. You are building a legacy of recognition that extends beyond the scoreboard. So take a moment to review the nominees, discuss with your family, and cast your ballot. The race is wide open, and every vote counts.

Vote now before Wednesday at midnight. Check back Friday morning to see who takes the crown. And remember, if you have a standout athlete who deserves recognition next week, click here to nominate them. Let’s keep the momentum going all season long.

Who is your pick? The answer starts with your vote.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.