Vote for The Observer’s high school athlete of the week (Sept. 18)
Here are the nominees for The Observer’s high school athlete of the week for the week of Sept. 12. . Nominees come from games played from Sept. 7-12.
Read more Vote for The Observer’s high school football defensive player of the week
The poll will close at noon Friday.
Bryce Baranowski, Butler cross-country: The sophomore improved his personal best by 40 seconds at the Trojan Invitational in Rock Hill, SC, last week, running a time of 18 minutes, 47 seconds. His previous best was 19:17.
Shola Bey, West Charlotte girls’ tennis: A junior, Bey plays No. 1 singles for the Lions. Last week she was 4-0 in singles and 4-0 in doubles in Meck Power Six 7A/8A conference wins over Butler and Mallard Creek. Bey is the top-ranked player in the conference.
Jayana Brown, JM Robinson flag football: Brown had eight flag pulls and three sacks in two shutout wins last week.
Tianna Chiriga, Mooresville volleyball: A senior outside hitter committed to Livingstone, Chiriga played in three matches last week and had 33 kills, a .310 hitting percentage plus eight aces, 26 digs and four blocks. She led her team to 3-0 shutout wins over South Iredell, Hickory Ridge and Lake Norman. Through 17 matches, Chiriga has 165 kills, 150 kills, 27 aces, 12 blocks and eight assists for the Blue Devils (11-6).
Colt Celetti, Concord soccer: In the opening week of South Piedmont conference play, Celetti had four goals — one against South Rowan and then a hat trick against East Rowan. Celetti has seven goals for the Spiders (4-3-1) this season.
Audrey Herring, Myers Park flag football: In a 13-6 win over Independence, Herring had four flag pulls, three sacks, plus one flag pull for a loss.
Tucker Kotis, Davidson Day soccer: The senior goalie had two shutouts last week against Carolina Day and Charlotte Christian. Against Carolina Day, he saved a penalty kick and he scored the game-winning penalty kick moments after his big save. In six games, Kotis has three shutouts.
Read more Not ‘a dig at all.’ Carolina Panthers coach on viral exchange with Caleb Williams
Natasha Price, Lake Norman volleyball: In three games last week with Patton, Statesville and Mooresville, Price had 37 kills, 29 digs, three blocks and four aces while serving 92%. For the season, Price has 139 kills, 145 digs, 12 aces and 16 blocks.
Madie Rand, Covenant Day cross-country: A junior, Rand won the Knights Crossing Invitational in Salem, VA, running a 17:55 in the Black division.
Victoria Simons, Marvin Ridge volleyball: In two wins last week over Porter Ridge and Charlotte Catholic, Simons had 24 kills on 38 attempts and 27 digs.
Elliott Stafford, Providence flag football: The sophomore quarterback had six touchdown passes in a 60-0 win over Union Academy. In a 34-6 win over North Mecklenburg, Stafford threw four touchdown passes and ran for another.
Halo Stapleton, Charlotte Latin volleyball: The junior setter had 34 assists last week, 11.3 per set, to go with three aces and two digs. For the season, Stapleton has 475 assists, 30 aces and 113 digs for Latin (17-0).
To vote in the poll, you must type “yes” into the box below BEFORE the poll will show. After you type yes and hit return, the poll will appear. To vote again, simply refresh the page. You may vote as often as you like.
If you cannot see the box on mobile, click here
This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM with the headline “Vote for The Observer’s high school athlete of the week (Sept. 18).”
Read more Tetairoa McMillan is Carolina’s No. 1 receiver. Jalen Coker is playing like one
