BAY CITY, MI -- Each week through the 2025 high school spring sports season, we spotlight athletes from baseball, softball, girls soccer, boys lacrosse, boys golf, girls tennis and boys and girls track and field with our MLive Bay City Athlete of the Week project. We recognize athletes for a job well done and give readers a chance to decide the weekly honor. Cast your vote as often as you’d like until the poll closes at 12:01 a.m. Friday, May 16. KARTER BOX, JOHN GLENN It became quite clear quite early that Box was taking his game to new heights this season for the John Glenn boys track and field team. Just a sophomore, he was blown last year’s PR of 9 feet in the pole vault out of the water, clearing 11 feet, 6 inches. “Karter Box is an awesome kid who works so hard at his craft,” coach Matt Bolles said. “It is really cool to see him, Annabelle Werner and his dad, Coach Box, everyday training the way they do. It is very apparent that what they are doing is working.” Box matched his season-best at the Tri-Valley Conference Red Championship to win the crown. TRACE COLLINS, STANDISH-STERLING Collins stands at the heart of Standish-Sterling’s roll to a 22-1 record and a No. 4 state ranking. The junior plays vital roles as a gap-covering center fielder and as a pesky leadoff hitter. “Trace set a very good table for us this week,” coach Ryan Raymond said. “He does a great job in the outfield and always has good at-bats.” Collins posted a .681 on-base percentage last week, constantly giving his team scoring opportunities. He transitioned to a run producer at the right time, lacing a game-winning single in a walkoff victory over Petoskey. GALILEA COSTILLA, ALL SAINTS Whether it’s at the plate or in the field, Costilla has a knack for making something electric happen for the All Saints softball team. The junior is a ground-covering center fielder with rare anticipation skills. And when the Cougars need a big hit, she comes through. “Gali has played with a new level of commitment and dedication this season and it’s showing up in all parts of her game,” coach Jason Proctor said. “She makes things happen with her bat and looks to take an extra base at every opportunity.” Costilla batted .600 last week with two doubles, six RBIs and seven runs scored as the Cougars enjoyed a 3-1 record. CARLI JOHNSON, JOHN GLENN The junior has long been an athletic and skilled player, but she has elevated her game to new heights this season for the John Glenn girls soccer team. “She plays all over and plays with intensity for 80 minutes,” coach Matt Kraft said. “She has given us more than a scoring threat. She helps frustrate defenses, refuses to allow the ball to be cleared once we are in the attacking third and must be paid attention to, allowing other players more room to work.” Johnson came through with seven goals and five assists last week, leading Glenn to two league wins as well as the Bad Axe Hatchet Invitational title. MATT MELLENDORF, CASS CITY Cass City soared into the high school baseball state rankings this season, and Mellendorf is a pivotal part of his team’s success. The senior is a multi-faceted talent, bringing a solid glove to shortstop or first base, a reliable bat to the top of the order and a strong arm to the pitching mound. “Matt Mellendorf is a very smart and tactful player with a savvy baseball IQ,” coach Morgan Erla said. Mellendorf loomed large in a sweep of Reese. The Alma College commit came in to close out the first game with a scoreless seventh then returned in Game 2 to fire four innings of shutout ball, allowing just two hits in a 2-1 thriller. BRENNAN PEASE, ALL SAINTS The Bay City All Saints baseball team is on a roll, and Pease has emerged as an integral part of the equation. The sophomore not only gives the Cougars a reliable glove at shortstop but he’s been on point as a pitcher. “When Brennan is locked in on the mound, there’s not a lot that other teams can do,” coach Brian Good said. “He really knows how to take control of the game and keep opposing hitters guessing with his offspeed. He has definitely earned a huge role with us as a guy I can count on to get the job done.” Pease showed his value as a reliever while leading the Cougars to the Sand Lake Invitational title, striking out an eye-popping 16 batters in 6.2 innings. ETHAN PETT, ESSEXVILLE GARBER Everything the Essexville Garber baseball team looks for in a catcher, Pett provides. He brings a strong baseball IQ to the field and isn’t afraid to get dirty. “He’s a tough and determined catcher,” coach Eric Debo said. “He works extremely hard on his game and holds himself to a very high standard.” Pett is also one of the top hitters for the Dukes and has given his team some gritty pitching performances, posting a 1.94 ERA. JOSIE WIELAND, PINCONNING The Pinconning girls soccer team has a rock-solid defensive player in Wieland. But she also doubles as a surprise attack, often reversing the field with her powerful leg. “Josie, as a defender, has the ability to read passes well and has the speed to catch some of the other teams’ faster players,” coach Kaylee Meissner said. “She possesses not only the defensive skills needed but the ability to attack offensively through our defense as well.” Wieland is vital on free kicks and long throw-ins. She has also contributed two huge goals on penalty kicks, sparking the Spartans to wins over Beaverton and Clare. TYLER ZAHERNIAK, AU GRES Zaherniak can run like the wind and packs a wallop with his bat, making him a dual threat for the Au Gres baseball team. A senior shortstop and pitcher, he achieved a personal milestone by blasting his first career home run last week against Posen. “Tyler’s a big, strong kid with a powerful arm and he’s been getting it done in the field and at the plate,” coach Chad Zeien said. “Tyler’s the overall package. Not only can he hit with power and get on base, but when he does, he doesn’t stay on one base very long.” Zaherniak is batting .467 with 26 RBIs and 19 stolen bases on the year. GRACE ZWETZIG, ESSEXVILLE GARBER The Essexville Garber softball team has a tone-setter and a table-setter at the top of the lineup in Zwetzig. The senior plays with fire, often igniting crucial rallies with her potent bat and assertive baserunning. “She brings power and speed to the field and plays the game the way it should be played, with enthusiasm and aggressiveness,” coach Chris Kokaly said. “She continues to have her best games against the best teams. As a coach, players like that are wonderful to have.” The Delta College commit has stepped forward as a team leader this season. She came through in Garber’s 14-9 win over No. 1-ranked USA, drilling a home run in her four-hit, two-RBI effort at the plate. MLive player polls are non-scientific ventures, designed to promote fun, fandom and discussion. The winners receive no prize and the results have no bearing on postseason awards. Use of any form of automated voting is contrary to the intent and is not allowed. Votes are not always tabulated immediately. If you receive a “Thank you for voting” message, your vote will be counted. There is no voting by email! 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