2023 Next Level Athlete Celebration

The Celebration

Each coach spoke candidly about their respective athlete's growth and accolades over the last four years after which athletes had the opportunity reflect on their high school experience as well as publicly thank the people who have helped them get to this point.

Aliyah Sawyer

Ice Hockey | Albertus Magnus College

Assistant Ice Hockey Coach Rob Willis spoke of Aliyah's drive to being the best player possible. "There are very few girls that play ice hockey on 5A and Aliyah played on both JV and Varsity," Assistant Coach Rob Willis said. "You tell her what you need from her as a player, and she's going to go out and do it!"

Aliyah thanked several people who had supported her in her journey, but also specifically mentioned that she had appreciated the opportunity to work with Head Ice Hockey Coach, Ed Saxer, who was unable to attend the celebration. Aliyah indicated that, as a female athlete, of all the ice hockey teams she's played on, her treatment by her teammates and coaches while on the Pine Creek Ice Hockey team had been some of the best.

Brynae Stewart

Basketball | Colorado State University - Pueblo

Head Basketball Coach, Janean Jubic spoke of Brynae's talent, work ethic, and coachability. She also specifically mentioned that this past season Brynae had been scored her 1000th career point and been awarded Player of the Year in the 6A Colorado Springs Metro League. "WE all know she's great," Coach Jubic said. "But to get people across the entire League to realize that is a great accomplishment!"

Listen to Brynae's reflections on her high school journey in this interview by KRDO.

CJ Reid

Baseball | Butler Community College

Pine Creek had two Next Level Athletes continuing on to play baseball this year and the entire Varsity Baseball team, dressed in uniform, showed up to the Next Level Athlete celebration to show their support!

Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Parker, not only indicated he was excited CJ is going to have the opportunity to play at the collegiate level, but expressed genuine appreciation for the leadership skills CJ will bring to any organization who gets to work with him. "Everyone knows he's a great player, but he's also a great teammate, family member, and person!" Coach Parker said.

Colton Clay

Soccer | South Dakota School of Mines

Head Men's Soccer Coach, Ben Corley, spoke of Colton's athletic skills and commitment to shaping the overall drive and camaraderie of the team. "For as long as I can remember, Colton has had the biggest heart, has been a key contributor, and has had a passion for being a leader," Coach Corley said.

Joy Nnantah

Track | North Dakota State University

"She is the glue to our team," Head Track Coach, Sarah King, remarked after she shared Joy's achievements in the long jump and the triple jump throughout her high school career.

Listen to Joy's reflections on her high school journey in this interview by KRDO.

Nate King

Wrestling | United States Air Force Academy

Head Wrestling Coach, Billy Gabel, commended Nate for his dedication both to his sport as well as his academics commenting, "I get to see kids for all four years, and those that are putting in the effort to become a better person and a better athlete stand out."

According to Coach Gabel, who has been at Pine Creek for 21 years, there has been a wrestler that has gone through the Pine Creek wrestling program and had the opportunity to compete in the USAFA wrestling program every year since 2008. Three of these athletes even served as Team Captains. Nate, an accomplished athlete in his own right, will continue to lead at the next level.

Listen to Nate's reflections on his high school journey in this interview by KRDO.

Ryan Baca

Soccer | Northeastern Junior College

Head Men's Soccer Coach, Ben Corley, highlighted the fact that Ryan had been named 1st Team All-League player as well as the Gazette's All-Area player during his time at Pine Creek. Ryan was also the leading goal-scorer (10), with most of them being game-winners. Aside from his athletic accomplishments, Coach Corley indicated Ryan's character and sense of self had played just an important a role in getting him to where he is today. "Both of these guys were about asking, 'What can I do for the program?' not, 'What can the program do for me?' " Coach Corley said, referring to both Ryan and his teammate, Colton Clay.

Taylor Mallery

Cross Country and Track | Metro State Denver

"Taylor Mallery is one of the fastest runners to ever come through Pine Creek," Coach Flannery commented. "From the beginning it was obvious that he was one of the most talented runners to ever come out for the team."

"Thank to my coaches, my teammates for pushing me, and my parents for lugging me around to practices ever since I was little," Taylor said.

Tyler Genrich

Baseball | University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)

"He's got the wing span of a pterodactyl!" Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Parker, commented jokingly about Tyler. He then went on to highlight Tyler's growth as a player, his commitment to hard work, and his strength. "You can walk by the batting cage with your eyes closed and you can just tell who's swinging the bat!" Coach Parker said. "It just sounds different."

Tyler publicly thanked numerous people that have provided meaningful support to him throughout his life, but then also took the time to say, "I want to also thank my teammates who are an extension of my family."

Wesley Erling

Golf | University of Colorado

Head Boys Golf Coach, Joey Fillo, spoke of Wesley's talent and drive, both of which often need no introduction and speak for themselves.

Wesley spoke of his journey in re-connecting with sport and the joy he experienced in winning Regionals as well as taking 4th place at State this past year as a part of a group. "It IS better with a team!" Wesley commented. Wesley also took the time to thank Coach Fillo and Assistant Coach Janean Jubic saying, "You two helped me be the golfer I wanted to be and made golf fun again." Wesley ended his expressions of gratitude with this: "Mom, thank you for everything you've ever done - I would not be here without your support!"

Listen to Wesley's reflections on his high school journey in this interview by KRDO.

Will Stone

Track | Western Colorado University

In addition to thanking family members and coaches, Will Stone, who will competing on the track team at Western Colorado University, gave a shout out to his community. "Thanks to my friends and hurdling buddies!" he said. "They all make it very emotional to leave this place."