Newton High’s Juan-Pablo Salgado Collegiate High’s Emma Mantovani

By Hayden Swope

Emma Mantovani, 3-2-1A state tennis singles champion, was chosen as the Wichita Collegiate Athlete of the Month. Mantovani had a record season last year, being the 3-2-1A State Singles Champion.

“I am super honored,” Mantovani said.

“Considering all the amazing athletes at Collegiate, I am grateful to have been chosen.”

Mantovani spent the offseason training with the best, and preparing herself to get back on the court.

“To prepare for the season, I have been training by practicing and playing matches in the summer and doing off-court training as I always have,” Mantovani said. “I have been working to get back into competitive match play.”

Mantovani isn’t only a leader on the court, but is also involved in a number of things at Collegiate.

“Other than tennis, I am senior class president, in competitive debate, model UN as president, human advocacy co-founder, student forum, the Spartan Voice newspaper, and on the student wellness board,” Mantovani said.

Mantovani has big future plans after high school.

“In the future, I plan to study history in college and then go to medical school,” Mantovani

By Hayden Swope

Dawsyn Valdoirs, a soccer athlete from Buhler, was voted the Wichita Small School Boys Soccer Poll Winner.

“It was an honor to be named preseason player of the year, and to be able to represent Buhler soccer,” Valdoirs said. Valdoirs spent his time in the offseason preparing his agility and momentum, focusing and working to better his skills for the 2022 season.

“This off season I worked on my speed, agility and stamina,” Valdoirs said. “I’ve always lacked on the running side so I wanted to become more dominant in this area.”

While Valdoirs has been growing all of his abilities, he’s also been stepping up to help lead a successful team into the playoffs.

“Some things I want to accomplish this year is team chemistry and make it to the postseason playoffs,” Valdoirs said.

Valdoirs is also on the Crusader baseball team in the spring, keeping him in shape for the upcoming fall soccer season.

After high school, Valdoirs aspires to continue playing soccer and take it to the next level.