MUSKEGON, MI – Last week, we asked readers of MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle to vote for the top senior athlete in the area for the 2025 spring sports season. Now, we want to know who the best of the best is from the junior class as we continue to highlight some of the top student-athletes from across the Muskegon area with our Spring Sports Stars project. We’ve put together a strong list of candidates from the 2026 class thanks to nominations from Muskegon-area coaches but we are counting on the readers of MLive and the Muskegon Chronicle to decide who the top choice is. Readers can vote from now until noon on Monday, May 5, for their top candidate and we’ll publish the winner later that day. The series will continue next week with the area’s top underclassmen spring sports athletes. To nominate a standout spring sports athlete for next week, you can email Josh VanDyke at jvandyke@mlive.com with an athlete’s stats and accomplishments. Below are the top nominated junior spring sports athletes from the Muskegon area for the 2025 season, presented in alphabetical order. Brody Anderson, Ravenna The baseball standout for the Bulldogs holds a .450 batting average with 18 hits, 20 runs scored, five RBI and 16 stolen bases so far this season. Walt Autrey, Ludington The boys track and field standout for the Orioles set the school record in the shot put with a throw of 54 feet, 9.5 inches and registered a new personal-best mark of 136-10 in the discus. Kate Beda, Whitehall The girls soccer standout for the Vikings was an all-state honorable mention performer last season with six goals and five assists from her defensive midfielder position. This season, she’s already logged three assists and helps anchor her team’s possession efforts. Payten Bird, White Cloud The girls track and field standout for the Indians has recorded personal-best marks in the discus (104-4) and shot put (27-2) so far this season. Ashley Bradley, Reeths-Puffer The girls soccer standout for the Rockets has recorded two assists so far this season from her midfielder position and has eight goals and 11 assists in her varsity career. Kristian Brown, Reeths-Puffer The boys golf standout for the Rockets is one of the top golfers in the Muskegon area this spring. He won the first O-K Green Conference jamboree of the season by carding an even-par 36 at Railside Golf Club and finished fourth overall at the GMAA city tournament last week. Makenna Carrier, Hart The softball standout for the Pirates holds a .625 batting average with 20 hits, including three doubles, one triple, nine walks, 25 runs scored and 13 stolen bases. She also has a .926 fielding percentage with six runners caught stealing from her catcher position. Owen Chesebro, Grant The baseball standout for the Tigers holds a .281 batting average with nine hits, five stolen bases and nine RBI. He has also recorded 21 strikeouts and holds a 0.38 ERA in 18.1 innings pitched. Shelbie Choponis, Hart The girls track and field standout for the Pirates has registered personal-best marks in the shot put (30-9.5) and discus (115-6). Chloe Clark, Newaygo The softball standout for the Lions holds a .469 batting average with 15 hits, including two doubles, one triple and one home run, with 16 RBI and 21 runs scored. She’s also 3-1 as a starting pitcher with 23 strikeouts in 27.1 innings of action. Gracie Clark, Fremont The softball standout for the Packers holds a .649 batting average with 24 hits, three triples, and two home runs. As the team’s starting catcher, Clark has also picked off four base runners and caught two base runners on steal attempts. Cullen Conrad, Mona Shores The boys lacrosse standout for the Sailors has recorded 21 goals, 12 assists and 30 ground balls so far this season. AJ Constantine, Spring Lake The boys volleyball standout for the Lakers has recorded eight aces, 28 digs, 62 assists, 22 kills and five blocks so far this season. Abbi Cook, Orchard View The softball standout for the Cardinals holds a .636 batting average with seven hits and three stolen bases and has recorded nine putouts on defense with a fielding percentage of 1.000. Emmy Creed, North Muskegon The girls soccer standout for the Norse has recorded 13 goals and seven assists so far this spring. Mason Darke, Reeths-Puffer The boys track and field standout for the Rockets recorded a new school record in the 300 hurdles (38.85) and set new personal-best marks in the 110 hurdles (14.87), as well as the 100 dash (11.50), 200 dash (23.52) and 400 run (50.15). Drew Dewey, Spring Lake The boys volleyball standout for the Lakers has recorded 41 kills, 12 blocks, 16 aces, 49 assists and 47 digs so far this season. George Duggins, Mona Shores The boys lacrosse standout for the Sailors has recorded 49 ground balls, caused 23 turnovers and one assist so far this season. Jourdan Ealom-Yff, North Muskegon The boys track and field standout for the Norsemen has recorded personal-best times in the long jump (19-6) and the 100 dash (11.95). Alayna Edmondson, Manistee The girls soccer standout for the Mariners has recorded six goals and nine assists so far this season. Olivia Emery, Ravenna The girls soccer standout for the Bulldogs is a starting defender for her squad and helps anchor a unit that has recorded two shutouts this season. Zeke Erler, Ravenna The baseball standout for the Bulldogs holds a .361 batting average with 17 hits and 16 RBI from the plate. He has also recorded 38 strikeouts in 19 innings with an ERA of 1.47 and a record of 3-0 as his team’s starting pitcher. Grace Evans, Fremont The girls soccer standout for the Packers has helped anchor her team’s defensive efforts this spring to the tune of four shutouts from her center back position. Graysen Evans, Spring Lake The boys volleyball standout for the Lakers has recorded 44 digs, 24 kills and 18 aces so far this season. Max Feltner, Spring Lake The baseball standout for the Lakers holds a .513 batting average with 20 hits, 17 RBI and 14 runs scored. Lyric Fielder, Hart The boys track and field standout for the Pirates posted a personal-best time in the 300 hurdles (41.35) and is also a member of the 800 relay team that broke the school record with a time of 1:33.96 earlier this spring. Rory Fish, Grant The baseball standout for the Tigers holds a .286 batting average with 10 hits, including one triple, and has recorded 21 strikeouts with an ERA of 3.86 in 12.1 innings pitched. Ella Francis, Grand Haven The girls lacrosse standout for the Buccaneers has recorded 32 goals and 18 assists so far this season and is 50 percent on draw control opportunities. Aron Gal, Grand Haven The boys track and field standout for the Buccaneers has recorded personal-best times in the 800 (1:59.34), 1,600 (4:25.29), 3,200 (9:50.07) and is a member of the 3,200 relay (8:00.92) team that is currently ranked No. 1 in the Muskegon area and fourth in the state in Division 1. DayDay Garcia, Shelby The baseball standout for the Tigers is currently hitting .363 from the plate and holds a 2-1 record as a starting pitcher. Lindsey Gardner, Manistee The girls soccer standout for the Mariners has recorded three goals and five assists so far this season. Meghan Guczwa, Spring Lake The girls track standout for the Lakers has recorded personal-best times in the 800 run (2:26.73) and the 200 dash (26.88) and a season-best mark in the 400 run (58.88). He also holds school records as a member of the 1,600 and 3,200 relay teams. Chloie Hernandez, Newaygo The softball standout for the Lions holds a .412 batting average with seven hits, six runs scored and six walks. Addison Herrmann, Grant The softball standout for the Tigers has recorded 22 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched with an ERA of 3.50 and a fielding percentage of .929. She also holds a .250 batting average and has drawn 12 walks so far this season. Abby Hill, Reeths-Puffer The girls soccer standout for the Rockets has recorded two goals and three assists so far this season from her midfielder position and has 13 goals and 10 assists in her varsity career. Laynee Hoffman, Kent City The softball standout for the Eagles holds a .611 batting average with 22 hits, 19 runs scored and 28 stolen bases in just 11 games. She also has a .946 fielding percentage on defense. Riley Homoly, Ravenna The softball standout for the Bulldogs holds a .457 batting average this year and starts for her team at second base. Alex Johnson, North Muskegon The girls soccer standout for the Norse has recorded four goals and two assists so far this season. Maddux Kipling, Spring Lake The baseball standout for the Lakers is 5-0 as his team’s starting pitcher and holds a 0.28 ERA with 29 strikeouts and only one earned run allowed. Lexi Kotkowicz, Spring Lake The girls track standout for the Lakers has recorded personal-best times in the 800 run (2:38.10), 1,600 (5:41.92) and the 3,200 (12:27.15). Avery Lambers, Fruitport The baseball standout for the Trojans holds a .583 batting average with four doubles, two home runs and 16 RBI. Lylah Larson, Kent City The softball standout for the Eagles has recorded 39 strikeouts, including 14 against North Muskegon, with an ERA of 3.90 in 52.2 innings pitched. She also has a fielding percentage of .917. Amaya Lathrop, Newaygo The softball standout for the Lions holds a .457 batting average with 16 hits, including one double, two triples, 13 RBI, eight walks and 15 runs scored. Kendall Lee, Fruitport The softball standout for the Trojans holds a .426 batting average with four doubles and has a .909 fielding percentage as an outfielder. Chance Lorenz, Hart The boys track and field standout for the Pirates has broken school records in the 100 dash (11.20), 200 dash (22.33) and a personal-best time of 50.22 in the 400 run. He is also a member of the 800 relay team that broke the school record with a time of 1:33.96 earlier this spring. Taryn Marsman, Ravenna The girls soccer standout for the Bulldogs is a starting defender for her squad and helps anchor a unit that has recorded two shutouts this season. She has also registered three goals and two assists on the attack. Maddie Mater, Fremont The girls soccer standout for the Packers has recorded seven goals and eight assists so far this season from her center midfielder position. Last year, Mater set the school record for assists in a single season with 18. Dylan May, Ravenna The baseball standout for the Bulldogs has recorded 46 strikeouts in 21.2 innings, holds a 0.97 ERA and is 4-1 as his team’s starting pitcher so far this season. Lainey McDaniel, Reeths-Puffer The softball standout for the Rockets holds a .467 batting average with 10 singles, two doubles, two triples, eight RBI and 13 runs scored. She has also registered 53 strikeouts with an ERA 1.85 and a 5-0 record as her team’s starting pitcher. Ayden Mendoza, Whitehall The boys track and field standout for the Vikings broke the school record in the high jump by clearing 6 feet, 10 inches at the GVSU Laker Challenge in March. Mallorie Messer, Reeths-Puffer The girls soccer standout was an all-district defender last season and has recorded one goal and one assist on the attack so far this season while anchoring her team’s defensive unit. Grace Michelli, Mona Shores The softball standout for the Sailors holds a .368 batting average and a fielding percentage of .798 at second base. Marvin Moore, Reeths-Puffer The boys track and field standout for the Rockets has posted season-best times in the 200 dash (22.89 seconds) and 400 run (52.23). Elle Moran, Montague The girls soccer standout for the Wildcats is the cornerstone of her team’s defense, consistently shutting down opponent attacks. Her resilience and skill on the field are unmatched, making her an invaluable asset. Collin Munford, Grand Haven The boys track and field standout for the Buccaneers has recorded season-best marks in the long jump (21-7.75) and the high jump (6-0). Eli Nail, Spring Lake The boys volleyball standout for the Lakers has recorded 42 kills, 16 blocks, 10 digs and four assists so far this season. Rae Olsen, Mona Shores The softball standout for the Sailors holds a .308 batting average and a fielding percentage of .974 at third base. Eli Petersen, Montague The baseball standout for the Wildcats has recorded 32 strikeouts and only three walks and four earned runs allowed in 19.1 innings pitched with a 3-0 record and an ERA of 1.40. Miah Peterson, Orchard View The softball standout for the Cardinals holds a 0.87 ERA with 14 strikeouts and has allowed just four hits in eight innings pitched this season. Emily Postema, Ravenna The softball standout for the Bulldogs holds a .419 batting average this season and is the team’s starting catcher. Madyson Prout, Fruitport The softball standout for the Trojans holds a .526 batting average with six doubles, one triple and four home runs, 16 RBI and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage at shortstop. London Rankin, Reeths-Puffer The boys track and field standout for the Rockets has posted season-best times in the 100 dash (11.29 seconds) and 200 dash (23.37). Toby Reed, Mason County Central The baseball standout for the Spartans holds a .259 batting average with seven RBI and seven runs scored. He also holds a .929 fielding percentage at second base with 13 putouts, including an unassisted triple play. Lilly Rice, Montague The girls soccer standout for the Wildcats is one of her team’s leading scorers, excelling in her role as a winger. Her exceptional speed and relentless drive make her a fierce competitor, always pushing herself to perform at the highest level. Lilly’s ability to navigate the field and find scoring opportunities is a testament to her dedication and skill, inspiring her teammates and fans. Blake Rider, Grant The baseball standout for the Tigers holds a .429 batting average and a .529 on-base percentage. Nate Ruhstorfer, Hesperia The boys track and field standout for the Panthers has recorded personal-best times in the 1,600 run (5:09.98) and the 110 hurdles (16.81). Kaden Ruiz, Mason County Central The baseball standout for the Spartans holds a .350 batting average and an on-base percentage of .952 with seven runs scored. He’s also registered 18 strikeouts, including an immaculate inning, as his team’s starting pitcher. Trevor Rusnak, Fruitport The baseball standout for the Trojans holds a .550 batting average with three home runs and 17 RBI from the plate. He also has recorded 17 strikeouts in eight innings with a 2-0 record and a 2.65 ERA as his team’s starting pitcher. Julio Sanchez, Kent City The boys track and field standout for the Eagles has recorded personal-best marks in the shot put (44 feet, 11.5 inches) and the discus (112 feet, 2 inches) this spring. Oliver Smies, Spring Lake The baseball standout for the Lakers holds a .500 batting average with 16 hits, 12 RBI and 17 runs scored. Fletcher Thommen, Montague The baseball standout for the Wildcats holds a .360 batting average from the plate and a fielding percentage of 1.000 as his team’s starting catcher. Austin Tyers, Grant The baseball standout for the Tigers has registered eight strikeouts in seven innings and has a 0.00 ERA. Luke Urso, Holton The baseball standout for the Red Devils holds a .377 batting average with 20 hits, including six doubles, 14 RBI, four walks and two stolen bases so far this season. Aaron Vanderwest, Kent City The baseball standout for the Eagles holds a .500 batting average with two triples and nine stolen bases and leads his team in all offensive categories. Easton Vasquez, Spring Lake The boys volleyball standout for the Lakers has recorded 56 digs, 13 assists and seven aces so far this season. Evan Waller, Shelby The baseball standout for the Tigers is currently hitting .297 from the plate with 11 RBI. Trevor Weiss, Shelby The baseball standout for the Tigers is 3-0 as a starting pitcher and holds a 0.37 ERA. Monroe Wilde, Ravenna The girls soccer standout for the Bulldogs has registered 77 saves this season as the team’s starting goalkeeper and currently has 388 career saves in her varsity career. Hunter Wilder, North Muskegon The boys track standout for the Norsemen has recorded season-best times in the 100 dash (11.6) and 200 dash (24.71). Jack Yonkman, Reeths-Puffer The baseball standout for the Rockets has recorded 12 strikeouts and only four walks allowed in 9.2 innings pitched and holds a perfect 0.00 ERA. Bode Zygmuntowski, Muskegon Catholic Central The baseball standout for the Crusaders is hitting .303 from the plate so far this season with 14 runs scored as the team’s lead-off hitter. He’s also posted a 2-1 record as a starting pitcher with an ERA of 2.68 and has registered 25 strikeouts in 15 innings. Follow Josh VanDyke on Twitter and Facebook for more West Michigan sports content If you would like your local high school sports news delivered free to your inbox daily, click here and sign up for one of our local high school sports newsletters. Love reading about local sports? Don’t miss any of the excitement from the season ahead. Purchase your subscription and get full access to every story on MLive.