Athletes of the Month

On varsity football since sophomore year, senior Tyler Geary, Gregg Schindler Male Athlete of the Month for October, 2021

By Ashley Hoskins

Choosing to play the sport he loves at an early age of five, Tyler Geary (‘22) gains support from his teammates and coaches, leading him to selection as the Gregg Schindler Male Student Athlete of October. With Monday practices filmed along with sprints and walkthroughs, and Tuesdays’ and Wednesdays’ intense practices, Geary maintains a close brotherhood throughout the season. “We always go over team offense and team defense on everything. Even though we have hard practices, we usually do senior dinners the night before the game. Even during the weekends we all go out, sometimes fishing or hanging with each other and always planning something. We’re all very close and our bonds are very tight, as if we were family,” Geary said. Getting down to business remains

After a win against rival River Ridge High School, Tyler Geary (#4) and his teammates celebrate their victory. Photo by Emma Diehl. important to Geary, but receiving support from his fellow peers is something he values that allows him to further his successful athletic career. “I play defensive end and tight end but ever since I’ve been playing football at a young age, I didn’t actually choose. I just stuck with it because my parents said it would be a fun sport, and ever since then I have been more competitive. Due to my biggest influence, my mom, she has always kept me going and supported what I love no matter what,” Geary said. While winning four games since the beginning of the season, Geary faced setbacks during one of his games. Despite difficulties, he plans on furthering his football career and continues to progress further into the season. “The biggest challenges when we played Wiregrass and we lost. We had to step up our game and decided that we needed to fix some things, which were difficult. Although, my best moment in football so far would have to be when I tied the SAC record for one game in the season against Fivay High School. That being said, I plan on playing football in college. I’ve actually had some offers from Eastern Illinois, Monmouth University, and Austin Peay,” Geary said. Follow Geary and Mitchell’s varsity football on Max Preps for more information and upcoming dates

Caroline Knight dominates on the volleyball court, earning the title of Gregg Schindler Female Athlete of the Month for October, 2021

On Sept. 9, with Caroline Knight at outside hitter, the Mustangs improved their record with a victory over Sunlake High School. Photo by Audrey Koczanski

By Emma Diehl

The female Gregg Schindler Athlete of the Month is Caroline Knight, an outside hitter and junior on the varsity volleyball team. Knight earned this honor by exceeding the national average for sets played, hitting percentage, kills, and triple blocks, and by impressing her coaches and her teammates.

Knight began playing volleyball in seventh grade at the YMCA. Through both practice and skill, Knight earned player of the match twice this year.

“She has made a great improvement since coming into summer workouts and it helped us get the season off to a great start with three big wins. In a span of three games, she had 42 kills and was our player of the game against Wiregrass Ranch,” Coach Lea Weber (FAC) said.

Over the years, family played a large role in Knight’s athletic career.

“My parents have probably made the biggest impact on my volleyball life. They support me and come to every game that they can. They have also helped me in the recruiting process to play college volleyball. Every year I have been one of the youngest [team members], so my older teammates have definitely been big role models for me and have coached me to become a better player,” Knight said.

Standing at 5’11”, Knight is significantly taller than the national female average of 5’3” to 5’4”. This gives her an advantage in her position as an outside hitter.

“I’m an outside hitter because I love hitting, which is the outsider’s main job. [I’m also a hitter] because of my height. I love earning as many points for my team as possible. Right now, I am leading the team in kills,” Knight said.

Through her three years as a varsity athlete, Knight has worked with her coaches to improve her abilities, and began working closer with her teammates to win games.

“Caroline has such a fun, easy going, goofy personality. She gets along with everyone. The team loves her. Her personality and her ability to keep her teammates upbeat. I am always proud of Caroline. She has really stepped up when the team needed her and she has come a long way since freshman year,” Coach Weber said. Knight’s final game of the season will be at home versus Palm Harbor University High School at 7:30 pm. Come out and support Knight and her fellow Mustangs as they take on the Hurricanes on Oct. 14.