Nominees for The Observer's Girls' Athlete of the Week

Top Girls' Performances in the 2025-26 High School Sports Season

The 2025-26 high school sports season has officially kicked off in North Carolina, and fans are already buzzing about standout performances from the greater Charlotte area. Here are some of the top nominees for this week's recognition.

Weekly Nominees

Emily Allen – Cherryville Volleyball, Senior

Emily Allen, a senior setter for the Cherryville Ironmen, delivered an impressive performance in two consecutive matches. On August 11, she recorded 15 assists, three kills, three aces, and three digs in a 3-0 victory over Thomas Jefferson Academy. The following day, she contributed 21 assists, six kills, two aces, and two digs in a 3-0 win against North Gaston. Her consistent play has been a key factor in the team’s early success.

Mallory Aull – Pine Lake Prep Tennis, Sophomore

Mallory Aull, a sophomore at Pine Lake Prep, made a strong start to her season. She won both singles and doubles matches, securing a 6-0, 6-1 victory at No. 1 singles and a 6-0, 6-0 win at No. 1 doubles alongside senior Carolina Endsjo. This helped Lake Norman Charter defeat Christ the King 9-0 on August 13. Aull is also the defending NCHSAA 2A state singles champion, having gone 16-0 in singles play as a freshman.

Adesnee Camp – Garinger Volleyball, Senior

Adesnee Camp, a senior setter for the Garinger Wildcats, led her team to its first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over Harding on August 14. She added three assists, two aces, two digs, and a kill in a 3-0 loss to Ballantyne Ridge on August 12. Her contributions have been crucial in shaping the team's early season momentum.

Sage Duerr – Lake Norman Volleyball, Senior

Sage Duerr, a senior for Lake Norman, had a standout performance in a 3-2 loss to Maiden on August 13, recording nine kills, two blocks, three digs, and one ace. Duerr, who has committed to Hobart and Wilson Smith College in New York, also played well in a 3-2 loss to Ardrey Kell, tallying eight kills, nine blocks, three digs, and two aces. Her skills continue to make her a key player for the team.

Annie Hitzemann – Charlotte Latin Field Hockey, Junior

Annie Hitzemann, a junior forward for the Charlotte Latin Hawks, scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Charlotte Catholic on August 13. Despite missing the Cary Academy tournament due to a hand injury, the Hawks still managed to secure several wins, including a 3-0-1 record in the event. Coach Joey Prestidge praised Hitzemann’s impact on the team.

Radnyi Karadkar – Ardrey Kell Cross-Country, Senior

Radnyi Karadkar, a senior runner for Ardrey Kell, set a personal-best time of 13:57.76 in the girls’ senior race at the Clash of the Classes on August 16. She finished sixth and helped her team secure first place overall. Her time was nearly 28 seconds faster than her previous performance at the same event last year, showcasing her continued improvement.

Mary Ellen Lovelace – Gaston Day Volleyball, Senior

Mary Ellen Lovelace, a senior setter for the Gaston Day Spartans, led her team to a 3-0 win over Covenant Day in their season opener on August 12. She recorded 36 assists and 13 digs in the match. Lovelace is an all-state setter for the reigning NCISAA 2A state champions, making her a vital player for the team.

Gia Lowe – Mooresville, Senior

Gia Lowe, a senior outside hitter for the Mooresville Blue Devils, had an outstanding performance in two games. She tallied 33 kills, 17 digs, three blocks, and two aces in a 3-0 win over North Mecklenburg and a 3-0 loss to Pine Lake Prep. Lowe also contributed 23 kills, 18 digs, five aces, and three blocks in three matches during the Queen City Showcase, helping the team go 3-0.

Ava Nadeau – Charlotte Latin Volleyball, Junior

Ava Nadeau, a junior outside hitter for the Charlotte Latin Hawks, had a season-high 18 kills in a 3-0 win over Christ the King on August 12. She has accumulated 60 kills, 28 digs, and seven aces this season, contributing to the team’s undefeated 6-0 record.

Kaylee Ward – West Lincoln Volleyball, Junior

Kaylee Ward, a junior libero for the West Lincoln Rebels, had a strong showing in a 3-0 win over North Gaston on August 14. She recorded 10 digs, three aces, three assists, two kills, and 12 serves received. In a 3-2 loss to East Rutherford on August 12, she had 24 digs, six assists, and 30 serves received. Her defensive skills have been essential for the team.

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