Vote! Who should be Maps Credit Union girls Athlete of the Week?

The spring air in the Willamette Valley is electric. We are officially in the home stretch of the OSAA spring sports season, and Salem-area girls athletes are hitting their peak performances at the perfect time. Softball teams are jockeying for playoff seeding, tennis players are eyeing district titles, and golfers are fine-tuning their swings for the final push. But nowhere is the intensity more palpable than on the track, where every second and every inch matters as athletes chase state-qualifying marks.

Every week, you—the fans, the families, and the community—get to decide who takes home the prestigious Maps Credit Union Athlete of the Week honor. This week, the ballot features two standout track and field athletes who have absolutely dominated their events. The choice is tough, but that is what makes this vote so compelling.

Let’s break down the nominees, analyze their recent performances, and give you the expert insight you need to cast your ballot. The polls are open, and your vote determines the winner.

Nominee 1: Liv Curry – Delphian Track and Field – The Versatile Juggernaut

If you have not yet heard the name Liv Curry from Delphian School, you will soon. This athlete is not just a specialist; she is a multi-event force who has been rewriting the Dragons’ record books in 2025. In a season where the postseason pressure is mounting, Curry has delivered performances that scream “state contender.”

What makes Curry so dangerous? It is her ability to score points across a spectrum of disciplines. In recent meets, she has posted eye-opening marks in the sprints, jumps, and relays. She is the kind of athlete who can anchor a 4×100 relay, then turn around and crush a long jump personal best, and still have gas left for the 200 meters. This versatility is rare at the 2A level, and it makes her an invaluable asset for Delphian’s postseason hopes.

Her technical efficiency in the long jump has been a particular highlight. Coaches have noted her improved approach speed and a cleaner takeoff, resulting in leaps that have consistently pushed her into the top tier of 2A competitors. On the track, her acceleration phase in the 100m and 200m is textbook—she stays low, drives her arms, and transitions smoothly into top-end speed.

Expert Analysis: Curry’s path to a state podium finish is wide open. The 2A classification is deep in the sprints, but her ability to double or even triple up events gives Delphian a massive strategic advantage at district meets. If she can maintain this momentum, she is a lock for a top-five finish in at least two individual events. Her most impressive trait? Composure. She doesn’t get rattled by competition or weather. That mental toughness, combined with raw talent, makes her a legitimate Athlete of the Week candidate.

Nominee 2: Lily Griffin – West Salem Track and Field – The Distance Dominator

On the other side of the ballot, we have Lily Griffin from West Salem High School. While Curry lights up the sprints and jumps, Griffin is the queen of endurance. In the grueling world of distance running, Griffin has established herself as one of the premier talents in the entire Salem area, and her recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular.

Griffin specializes in the 800-meter and 1,500-meter runs, events that require a brutal combination of speed, stamina, and tactical intelligence. In her most recent outings, she has been dropping times that not only win races but also announce her as a serious threat for the 6A state championships. Her kick in the final 200 meters is a weapon. She has the rare ability to run a smart, conservative race for three laps, then unleash a finishing surge that leaves her opponents scrambling.

What sets Griffin apart is her pace awareness. She rarely goes out too fast, which is the common mistake of young distance runners. Instead, she executes a race plan with surgical precision. Her stride is efficient, her breathing is controlled, and she has the strength to close hard even when fatigued. West Salem’s coaching staff has praised her work ethic, noting that her summer mileage and winter base training are now paying dividends on the track.

Expert Analysis: Griffin is peaking at the right time. In the 6A classification, the 1,500m is stacked with talent from Portland-area powerhouses, but Griffin has the leg speed to hang with anyone. Her 800m time is even more impressive—she is flirting with automatic state qualifying marks. If she can shave just one more second off her 800, she will be a serious medal contender. Her biggest challenge will be the tactical nature of championship racing, where positioning is everything. But based on her recent form, she has the tools to navigate that chaos.

Head-to-Head: Comparing Two Elite Performers

This week’s vote boils down to a classic debate: Versatility vs. Specialization. Both Curry and Griffin are elite, but they represent different paths to excellence.

• Liv Curry (Delphian): A multi-event threat. She can score for her team in the 100m, 200m, long jump, and possibly the 4×100 relay. Her value is in her breadth. She is the kind of athlete who can single-handedly swing a team score at a district meet.
• Lily Griffin (West Salem): A pure distance star. She focuses on the 800m and 1,500m, and she is elite at both. Her value is in her depth. She can dominate her specific events and is a proven winner in high-pressure races.

Which performance is more impressive? That depends on what you value. If you appreciate an athlete who can do a little bit of everything and do it all well, Curry is your pick. If you admire the grit and tactical brilliance of a distance runner who can grind down the competition, Griffin is the obvious choice.

Let’s look at the competition level. Griffin competes in 6A, the largest classification in Oregon. The depth of talent is immense, and every race is a battle. Curry competes in 2A, where the field is smaller but the top-tier talent is just as fierce. Both athletes face unique challenges, but Griffin’s 6A competition gives her a slight edge in terms of strength of schedule.

However, Curry’s versatility factor cannot be ignored. It is incredibly difficult to excel in multiple events simultaneously. The technical demands of jumping are completely different from the explosive power needed for sprinting. The fact that Curry is performing at a high level across these disciplines is a testament to her athleticism and dedication.

Prediction: Who Has the Edge for the Postseason?

As we gear up for the OSAA state championships, both athletes are trending upward. But if I had to predict who makes the biggest splash in the next few weeks, I am leaning slightly toward Lily Griffin.

Here is why: Distance runners often have a longer runway for improvement. Griffin is still refining her race tactics, and as she gains more experience in high-stakes 6A meets, her times will continue to drop. The 1,500m is an event where mental maturity matters as much as physical fitness, and Griffin has that maturity in spades. She understands when to push and when to conserve energy. That is a recipe for postseason success.

That said, Liv Curry is the wildcard. If she can clean up her relay handoffs and find an extra inch in the long jump, she could be a multi-event state champion. Her ceiling is incredibly high, and she has the potential to surprise a lot of people at the state meet. Do not sleep on the Dragon.

How to Vote and Why Your Voice Matters

This is where you come in. The Maps Credit Union Athlete of the Week award is not just about stats—it is about community recognition. These athletes train in the rain, sacrifice weekends, and push their bodies to the limit. A vote is a simple but powerful way to say, “We see you. We appreciate you.”

Voting is easy. Head to the Statesman Journal website and find the Athlete of the Week poll. You can vote once per hour, so rally your friends, family, and teammates. Every vote counts, and the winner will be featured in next week’s edition.

Cast your ballot now for Liv Curry or Lily Griffin. The polls close Thursday at noon. This is your chance to make your voice heard and celebrate the incredible talent we have right here in the Salem area.

Final Verdict: The Athlete of the Week Pick

After reviewing the performances, analyzing the competition, and considering the stakes, I am giving the slight edge to Lily Griffin for this week’s honor. Her recent time drops in the 800m and 1,500m are objectively impressive, and her ability to perform under pressure in the 6A classification is undeniable. She is a proven winner who is peaking at the perfect moment.

But make no mistake—Liv Curry is a phenomenal athlete who deserves just as much recognition. If the vote were based purely on versatility and potential, she would be a runaway winner. This is a true toss-up, and the final decision belongs to you, the voters.

So, who gets your vote? The versatile sprinter-jumper from Delphian, or the distance dominator from West Salem? The clock is ticking. Vote now and let your voice be heard. The postseason is coming, and these athletes are ready to shine. Let’s make sure they know we are watching.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.