Smyer High School hosted their Athletic Awards Ceremony for the 2025-26 sports year this past Monday night, presenting 49 awards to numerous athletes. Austin Martinez won the Strong As Steele award, which is awarded to the student-athlete that espouses the characteristics to the spirit of excellence of the district, and to be eligible you had to have participated in at least three sports and four school activities.
For football, Skyler Pond was the Offensive Most Valuable Player, Xyler Rumsey was the Defensive MVP, James Rampy was the Newcomer of the Year, Max Benevedes won the Fighting Heart award, Caleb Pearce won the Top Lineman award, Ryann Gutierrez won the Top Wide Receiver award and Sebastian Rodriguez won the Top Defensive Back award.
For girls basketball, Jada Hernandez was the MVP, Rylee Riedel and Ellie Nelson were the Co-Offensive MVPs, Kira Posadas and Kaia Brandon were the Co-Defensive MVPs, and Kenzie Zapata won the Fighting Heart award.
For boys basketball, Austin Martinez won the All-Utility award and Offensive MVP, Tango Pastusek was the Defensive MVP, Cash Pastusek won the Hustle & Heart award and Max Benevedes was the Newcomer of the Year.
For powerlifting, Mariana Lara was recognized for the Best Overall Growth in Squat (85 lbs.), Best Overall Growth in Bench (50 lbs.) and Highest Percentage of Growth in Bench (43%). Xyler Rumsey was recognized for the Best Overall Growth in Deadlift (60 lbs.), Esai Escamilla was recognized for the High Percentage of Growth in Squat (44%) and Aron Albert was recognized for the Highest Percentage of Growth in Deadlift (21%).
For volleyball, Ellie Nelson was the Offensive MVP, Adi Vega was the Defensive MVP, Marianna Lara won the Fighting Heart award, Kathryn Brown won the Setting the Standard award and Khloe Kimbrell-Morgan was the Hitter of the Year.
For cross country, Ismael Pizano was the Boys MVP, Skylar Wiseman was the Girls MVP, Austin Martinez won the Boys Fighting Heart award and Kira Posadas won the Girls Fighting Heart award.
For girls track, Ashtyn Burriss was the MVP, Gabriella Rodriguez won the Fighting Heart award and Kaia Brandon was the Teammate of the Year.
For boys track, Austin Martinez was the MVP, Max Benevedes won the Top Sprinter award, James Rampy won the Top Jumper award and Skyler Pond was the Most Improved Athlete.
For baseball, Caleb Pearce was the Offensive MVP, Colton Burriss was the Pitcher of the Year, Austin Martinez won the Golden Glove award and Skyler Pond was the Utility MVP.
For varsity cheer, Kira Posadas won the Outstanding Leadership award, Adi Vega won the Spirit of Cheer award, Alayna King and Khloe Jones were the Co-Best Stunt Bases, Krislyn Bolton won the Quickest Learner award, Bostyn Hodges won the Fearless Flyer award and Jada Hernandez won the Best Back Spot award.