Player of the Year – Fall Edition Polls

We’re excited to roll out this year’s Fall Season Player of the Year — a full-season showcase celebrating the outstanding athletes who made this year unforgettable. This highlights the passion, performance, and commitment of athletes across every sport we cover.

Your energy, your engagement, and your support are what drive CatchMark SportsNet forward. Our fans and SportsNuts continue to elevate everything we do, and we couldn’t be more appreciative.

We’re also proud to have CatchMark Technologies as our presenting sponsor for this Fall 2025 edition. Their continued investment in local sports and community storytelling helps us bring this comprehensive season recap to life.

To our SportsNuts… you remain the heartbeat of CatchMark SportsNet. Thank you to Brent and Kara Raeth, Noah Raeth, Paul Young, Jay Courtland, Luke Westerlund, Jim Thommen, Bill and Erin O’Connell, Melissa King, Mia Milner, and Sarah Evans, Tammy McGee, Cody Liverance, Owen Raeth, Molli Schultz, and CJ VanWieren. Your dedication, time, and passion make all of this possible — and we see you.

This Fall 2025 Player of the Year Edition showcases athletes selected through a panel evaluation based on team success, statistics, leadership qualities, and overall impact throughout the season. Three finalists have been chosen for each sport, and winners will be determined through:

How Selection Works

• Panel Voting & Ranking:
  • Panel ranks finalists (1st = 3 points, 2nd = 2 points, 3rd = 1 point).
• Public Voting:
  • For every 1,000 public votes, an athlete earns 1 point.
  • Final scores combine both methods. If there’s a tie, the panel makes the final call.
• Formula:
  • (Panel Rank Points) + (Public Vote Total / 1,000) = Final Score

Now, with all that covered, let’s jump into the heart of this season-long feature — dive into the polls below and make your voice heard! Polls will be open from Tuesday 11/25 to Monday 12/1.

FOOTBALL

Tomarion Steward – Mona Shores

Mona Shores senior running back and defensive end Tomarion Steward (6’0”, 220 lbs) delivered one of the most commanding football seasons in West Michigan in 2025, firmly establishing himself as a top Player of the Year candidate. He burst onto the scene in Week 1 with 174 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries against Grand Blanc, setting an early tone for his dominant campaign. Steward followed that performance with an explosive outing against Reeths-Puffer, piling up 148 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries, highlighted by a spectacular 53-yard scoring run that showcased his blend of power and breakaway speed. Across his first four games alone, Steward amassed 508 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging over six yards per carry and proving himself one of the most unstoppable forces in the region.

Recarder Kitchen – Muskegon

Muskegon’s standout junior Recarder Kitchen (6’6″, 235 lbs) has emerged as one of the most dominant two-way players in West Michigan, making a powerful case for Player of the Year consideration. His rare combination of size, athleticism, and versatility at both defensive end and tight end has made him a cornerstone of the Big Reds’ success. Throughout the 2025 season, Kitchen consistently delivered impact performances — including six tackles against Grand Rapids Union and a strong defensive showing with eight tackles versus Traverse City Central. But his defining moment came in the postseason, when he made the game-saving play against Mona Shores by reaching out to bat down a late-game pitch and diving on the fumble to secure a thrilling 39–34 playoff victory. With disruptive defensive production, clutch playmaking, and a physical presence that changes games, Kitchen has proven himself one of the region’s most influential players, fully justifying his nomination for Player of the Year.

Cameron Gunsell – Ludington

Standing at 6’2″ and 180 pounds, Cameron Gunsell delivered a 2025 senior season that makes a dominant case for Player of the Year. In only six games, he produced a staggering 2,182 total yards, averaging 363.7 yards per game, while completing 77% of his passes for 1,397 yards and 14 touchdowns. His impact on the ground was just as explosive, rushing for 785 yards on 104 carries—an elite 7.5 yards per carry—and scoring 22 touchdowns, giving him 22 total TDs for the year and 29 points per game, the highest scoring pace in the region. Beyond his offensive excellence, Gunsell played both ways, recording 41 solo tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception on defense, proving himself indispensable on every snap. His combination of production, efficiency, leadership, and true two-way value makes him not only the most dynamic athlete on the field, but the clear and deserving choice for Player of the Year.

VOLLEYBALL

Olivia Peterson – North Muskegon

There has been no athlete in the area matched her combination of production, versatility, and impact on winning during the 2025 season. As a setter who also led her team in kills on multiple nights, she consistently filled every column of the stat sheet—routinely posting performances of 18–22 kills and 17–32 assists, all while anchoring the serve-receive and defensive systems with double-digit digs. She delivered her biggest numbers in the conference’s biggest matches, helping North Muskegon clinch the WMC Rivers title with undefeated league play. Her 2025 season reflects a rare, elite player who not only excels individually but elevates everyone around her. In every measurable way—leadership, versatility, consistency, and clutch performance—Peterson embodies what a Player of the Year should be.

Taylor DeKuiper – Fremont

During the 2025 volleyball season, Fremont junior Taylor DeKuiper emerged as one of the Packers’ most reliable offensive weapons and a consistent difference-maker in big matches. She opened the year with a standout performance at the Saranac Pink Out tournament, leading Fremont with 23 kills, 5 aces, and a block as the team finished runner-up. Throughout conference play she continued to pace the offense, posting 9 kills and 5 aces in a win over Orchard View and following that with 7 kills, an ace, and a block against Whitehall. As Fremont pushed deeper into the postseason, DeKuiper delivered again with 4 kills and 4 aces in the state quarterfinals and 9 kills and 2 blocks in the Division 2 semifinal. Her ability to generate offense, pressure opponents at the service line, and contribute defensively at the net made her one of Fremont’s most impactful players throughout the 2025 campaign.

Gentry Knop – Montague

During the 2025 volleyball season, Montague libero Gentry Knop established herself as one of West Michigan’s premier defensive players, delivering elite-level consistency in the back row. She opened the year with strong all-around performances, including 14 digs and 3 aces against North Muskegon and an impressive 8 aces and 14 digs in a sweep of Orchard View. As conference play intensified, Knop continued to anchor Montague’s defense with standout numbers such as 22 digs against Manistee and a massive 34-dig effort in a late-season five-set thriller versus Oakridge. Her postseason began with a milestone performance—36 digs in the district opener, a match in which she surpassed the 1,000-career-digs mark. By late October, Knop had accumulated 76 aces on the season and ranked among the state’s defensive leaders with 720 digs, averaging 6.5 digs per set. Her combination of relentless defensive range, serve-receive reliability, and high-pressure aces made her one of the most impactful back-row players in the area throughout the 2025 campaign.

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Bobby Jazwinski – Whitehall

Bobby Jazwinski has established himself as one of the premier cross-country runners in the region this season. His phenomenal 15:05.48 performance at the GMAA Championships not only secured an outright victory but also set one of the fastest times recorded by any athlete in West Michigan this year. Bobby combines exceptional speed with consistency, competitiveness, and poise under pressure—traits that have made him the clear leader of a dominant Whitehall squad.

Rex Pumford – Whitehall

Rex Pumford has delivered an outstanding season for Whitehall’s cross-country team, anchored by a standout performance of 16:16.7 at the GMAA Championships. His consistency, grit, and ability to deliver when it counts have made him a vital force in one of the region’s strongest programs.

Owen Adams – Spring Lake

Owen Adams has delivered an exceptional season for Spring Lake High School, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and elite performers in Division 2 boys cross country. Across the 2025 campaign, Adams recorded multiple sub-16 performances and steadily improved throughout the year, highlighted by a breakthrough personal-record 15:51.9 at the MHSAA Region 10-2 meet, where he placed third. He followed that with a strong 15:58.1 at the Division 2 State Finals. Adams demonstrated top-tier competitiveness at every level of competition.

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Annabelle Lowman – Ludington

Annabelle Lowman has established herself as one of the premier distance runners in the region, and her season-best 18:00.2 solidifies her as a top contender for Girls Cross Country Player of the Year. Her blend of speed, durability, and racing intelligence consistently puts her at the front of competitive fields, and she thrives in pressure situations where championships are decided.

Linnea Paige – Fremont

Senior standout Linnea Paige has capped her high school cross country career with the determination and excellence that define a true leader. Her impressive 19:21 performance showcases both her physical strength and her competitive mindset, as she consistently delivered top finishes against some of the strongest runners in the conference.

Jersi Bilek – Reeths Puffer

Jersi Bilek has emerged as one of the most impressive runners in the Muskegon area this season, showcasing the speed and competitiveness that make her a standout for Reeths-Puffer. Her season-best 19:20.8 places her among the fastest girls in the region, and she has consistently proven that she can rise to the level of elite competition. Jersi races with confidence and maturity, using strong pacing and smart tactical awareness to position herself at the front of major meets.

BOYS SOCCER

Deagan Klimek – Fremont

Deagan Klimek delivered one of the most dominant seasons in West Michigan soccer history. The senior forward surpassed the 100-career-goal milestone, cementing himself among the elite scorers in the state. Klimek led Fremont to an undefeated season and a Division 3 regional championship, powering the offense with multi-goal games, high-pressure finishes, and consistent attacking excellence. His production, leadership, and historic achievements make him one of the year’s most undeniable Player of the Year candidates.

Jorge Burgos-Yack – Fruitport

Jorge Burgos-Yack proved to be one of the area’s most dangerous attacking threats, combining elite technical ability with clutch scoring in big games. He recorded multiple multi-goal and multi-assist performances, including match-winners against state-ranked opponents. Already a First-Team All-State selection as a junior, Burgos-Yack elevated Fruitport’s offense all season and established himself as the central playmaker in the Trojans’ success. His blend of creativity, power, and consistency places him firmly in the Player of the Year discussion.

Owen Ritsema – Reeths-Puffer

A true all-around impact player, Owen Ritsema showcased exceptional versatility as both a scorer and facilitator. The senior forward delivered key goals and assists in major matchups, including overtime performances and strong finishes to the regular season. Ritsema’s ability to dictate the attack made him Reeths-Puffer’s offensive leader, earning him significant recognition as the program’s top returning talent. His combination of production, leadership, and big-moment composure positions him as one of the most complete nominees in the field.

GIRLS GOLF

Sophia McCollum – Reeths Puffer

Reeths-Puffer standout Sophia McCollum put together one of the most dominant seasons in West Michigan girls golf. She fired a 1-under-par 71, the best score of any golfer in the area this year, while consistently placing at the top of OK-Green events and major invitationals. McCollum delivered clutch postseason performances, finishing among the state’s elite in Division 2 and reaffirming her status as one of the top golfers in Michigan. Her combination of low scoring, championship-level consistency, and poise under pressure makes her a leading contender for Girls Golf Player of the Year.

Cadence Fox – Montague

Montague’s Cadence Fox elevated her game to a new level this season, cementing herself as one of the premier golfers in the region. She tied a Montague school record with a round of 75, captured the West Michigan Conference scoring title, and earned All-State honors. Fox was a force all year for the Wildcats, helping lead one of the most competitive Division 4 programs in Michigan with consistent top finishes, strong postseason showings, and a reliable scoring presence that kept Montague among the area’s best teams.

Riley Shafer – Whitehall

Riley Shafer delivered a standout 2025 season for Whitehall girls golf, establishing herself as one of the region’s most consistent and competitive young athletes. As a sophomore, Riley played a pivotal role in Whitehall’s conference title defense, earning WMC All-Conference honors and consistently posting top-tier scores. Her season included a runner-up finish at a key WMC jamboree and a fifth-place individual finish at the Division 3 regional, where she qualified for the state finals as an individual. Riley capped her year by tying for 15th at the Division 3 State Championship, showcasing poise and maturity beyond her age. Her steady improvement, competitive drive, and ability to elevate her team in big moments make her an exceptional candidate for Player of the Year.

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