Prospect Ridge Academy Athletics would like to congratulate our eight Athletes of the Month winners for the month of October!
Each student-athlete was nominated by their respective fall sports head coaches. October’s winners include:
Kelsey Bump, Middle School Cheerleading
Bump was named the middle school cheer team’s Athlete of the Month after demonstrating outstanding leadership skills in practice and performing on the sidelines of events.
She was nominated by coaches Noel Steiner and Kristina Pringle, who said of Kelsey:
“Kelsey is always looking for new and engaging ways to encourage her teammates and support us as coaches. She has grown tremendously in her role as Captain.”
Joseph Campbell, High School Boys Soccer
A senior captain of the Miners’ varsity squad, Campbell has earned the October Athlete of the Month after finishing his senior season with 10 shots, three goals and 112 steals serving as the Miners’ starting center back.
Joseph was nominated by head coach Michael Ungacta, who said of his captain:
“Joey is a great leader. He always has a calm mindset and a level head. He is always willing to give it his all for the team and pushes himself if it means it'll help his teammates. He works hard on and off the field as he is an outstanding student.”
Kaden Rohman, High School Cross Country
PRA freshman Kaden Rohman earned the Athlete of the Month for the boys’ cross country team after helping the Miners to a 2nd place finish at the Class 3A Region 3 Championships. He was a top-5 runner all season long for PRA, which qualified as a team to compete in the Class 3A State Championship the first weekend of November.
He was nominated by head coach Mary Marr, who said of Kaden:
“Kaden is extremely coachable, always attentive and eager to learn. He takes important subjects like nutrition, sleep, and recovery very seriously, consistently looking for ways to improve himself. His dedication, work ethic all year round, and commitment to growth will serve him incredibly well in the future. The future is very bright for this young athlete!”
McKenna Cook, High School Cross Country
Senior leader McKenna Cook has earned Athlete of the Month for the girls’ cross country program, coming on strong at the end of the season to serve as the Miners’ No. 2 runner this past fall at the Class 3A Region 3 and Class 3A State Championship meets.
She was nominated by head coach Mary Marr, who said of McKenna:
“McKenna has been a strong leader, consistently supporting and mentoring our younger athletes. Her performances have been steady and dependable—we always know we can rely on her in important races. She’s worked extremely hard this season, and everything is starting to come together. I’m excited to see how she performs at Nike Regionals and during track season this spring!”
Julia Tolitsky, High School Cheerleading
PRA junior Julia Tolitsky has been named the PRA High School cheerleading team’s Athlete of the Month for October, helping make an immediate impact for the Miners during her first year on the team.
The defending Class 3A state champions have already added to their trophy case, winning the fall Frontier/Metro League Competition. Tolitsky was nominated by head coach Nicolette Griffith, who said of Julia:
“Julia is the newest member to the team however putting in work as if she has been on the team for three years. She comes in with a positive attitude and a willingness to work and help wherever she can. Julia pushes herself to be better and others on the team to be the very best version of themselves.”
Ayden Nguyen, High School Boys Tennis
A senior captain for the Miners, Ayden Nguyen has been named the October Athlete of the Month for the boys’ tennis team after a record-setting fall for the program.
Nguyen served as the Miners’ No. 2 singles player and ended his season with two major come-back wins at the Class 4A Region 2 Tournament. He was nominated by head coach Ari Finkelstein, who said of Ayden:
“Ayden won this year's "Miner Award" for Boys Tennis for good reason -- he is a natural leader, bringing his signature charisma and sense of humor to practices and matches. The younger players really look up to him, and Ayden has shown a lot of growth in his mental game as well as his tennis technique this season, winning some close, challenging matches through sheer willpower and hustle. He's been a pleasure to coach.”
Brook Luhmann, High School Volleyball
Luhmann has been a senior leader for the PRA High School volleyball team, and one of the best hitters in the Metro League, this fall season en route to the Miners entering postseason play with a 17-4 overall record.
She earns Athlete of the Month honors after posting 2.8 kills per set and 48 aces for PRA during the regular season. Luhmann currently ranks eighth in the league in hitting percentage and seventh in total kills with 186. She was nominated by head coach Sarah Sparling, who said of Brook:
"Brook is so deserving of the Athlete of the Month honor for her final month in the PRA volleyball program. She has embodied the PRA Way consistently throughout the last four years, setting an incredible example for her teammates and the entire program. As a captain, Brook has been a phenomenal leader both on and off the court. She always comes prepared—whether it’s for practice, matches, or film sessions—and is constantly looking for ways to improve her game. Brook is one of the most respectful players I have ever coached. She consistently values and applies feedback from coaches and treats her teammates with the utmost respect in everything she does. Her accountability, work ethic, and leadership have had a lasting impact on the program and those around her. We’re so proud to recognize Brook for her dedication, integrity, and leadership as she closes out her PRA volleyball career."
Toby Barnett, High School Football
Toby Barnett has been named the PRA High School football team's Athlete of the Month for October after he capped his prep career in style in the Miners' road season finale against Flatirons.
Barnett finished his final game with 15 total tackles and two forced fumbles. He was nominated by head coach Michael Storer, who said of Toby:
"Toby is a model student athlete, who is always eager to get in the action and play for his team mates."