Athletes of the Week for September 14, 2026

The Citizen is proud to feature exceptional student-athletes from across our community each week. Whether they’re leading their teams to victory, showing strong character on and off the field, or making steady progress in their sport, these athletes represent the very best of local youth. We celebrate their hard work, dedication, and leadership in schools, leagues, and clubs throughout Fayette and Coweta counties.

For the week of September 14, we’re proud to feature these athletes:

Fayette County High School

Scarlett Cervalli

Cross Country

Scarlett started joining us for summer practice and has shown great determination and motivation to improve her time. She has already seen a decrease in her time in the first couple of races and I am sure she will continue this trend as she keeps pushing herself. She has been a wonderful addition to the team and we are looking forward to watching her progress.

McIntosh High School

Lilly Bracco

Volleyball

Lilly is one of the most talented athletes in our program. She is competitive, tenacious, and hard working. She is a great teammate and leader. – Coach Hayes

Starrs Mill High School

Nolan Blackwell

Football
Nolan is a true student-athlete. He excels in the classroom and on the field. He outworks everyone even when no one is looking!

Trinity School

Kennedie Callen

Softball
Kennedie is a KEY player for us and brings such a great attitude no matter what! She shows up, works hard, and lifts everyone around her. Batting .588 on the season and making wonderful plays in the outfield! We are so proud of you!

Whitewater High School

Joshua Taylor

Cross Country
Whitewater High School is proud to announce Joshua Taylor as the Male Cross Country Athlete of the Week following an exceptional performance on the course.

Taylor has been working all summer to prepare himself for these races like the Konos Invitational. Competing against a highly competitive field, he showcased his elite speed and strategic execution, breaking away from the lead pack in the first part of the race to secure a spectacular finish. He crossed the finish line with a blistering time of 18:35.90, not a personal-best on that course but close.

Beyond his individual accolades, Taylor’s brilliant performance served as the catalyst for the entire team, anchoring the squad and driving them toward a stellar overall finish. His work ethic, relentless dedication during training, and quiet leadership on and off the course continue to raise the bar for the entire program.

With the championship season rapidly approaching, Taylor is peaking at the perfect moment and proving himself to be one of the most formidable runners in the region. Congratulations to Joshua on a well-deserved honor, and we look forward to watching him carry this incredible momentum into the next meet!

Special mention to additional Athlete of the Week of August 31:

Whitewater High School

Alaina Alberts

Volleyball
Senior Captain Alaina Alberts earns Athlete of the Week for her incredible growth in serve receive and back-row defense! Her coachability, mental toughness, and high-level court vision have transformed her into a complete all-around player. Off the court, Alaina sets the gold standard for our team, holding the highest GPA on the team.

Special mention to additional Athlete of the week of September 7:

Whitewater High School

Grace Hoofnagle

Softball
Grace Hoofnagle is currently serving in her second year as team captain and exemplifies the qualities of an exceptional whitewater softball player, demonstrating pride, passion, and purpose in all that she does. Grace continually goes above and beyond to serve her teammates, lead those around her, and excel both in the classroom and on the softball field.