When it comes to PHS, sports play a major role in many students’ lives. During state events, an All-State Sports Award is given out to players who have been selected by the Wyoming Coaches Association. 

Among some of those sports, PHS athletes were awarded All-State awards in football, volleyball, tennis and swimming. 

From the football team, all seniors, running back Reed Smith, linebacker Toran Graham, defensive lineman Lane Shramock, offensive lineman Sheldon Shoopman, defensive back Zach Ratcliff, tight end Sam Whitlock and specialist Hawkin Sweeny were all awarded All-State awards. 

To start in the deep end, junior Kami Jensen carried the diving team this fall season. Jensen shows a passion for the sport she dearly loves through an All-State award.

“It felt like a huge relief honestly,” Jensen said. “I was pretty stressed about it the whole season and especially the day of the competition, so when I found out I received the All-State award, I was beyond thrilled.”

Athletes express that being able to share and experience this kind of award with the team will make the victory very satisfying.

“My teammates and coaches were so supportive and happy for me,” Jensen said. “I felt so loved, and it made the win feel so much more than just 1st place on the podium.”

Senior Ethan Bartholomew has been an asset to the PHS boys tennis team. Bartholomew placed 6th overall at state for the boys line one singles spot this fall season.

“When I heard that I had won an All-State award, I was super excited,” Bartholomew said. “I knew it was an award that was a direct testament to my hard work and practice.”

Winning an award like this is a goal many athletes strive for. When there are so many athletes to be chosen from in the state, it can become a stressful season. These athletes put in hard work all season to acquire this award. 

Speaking of hard workers, sophomore Addy Thorington plays full rotation middle back and middle front on the varsity volleyball team. Some may think these sports are nothing alike, which isn’t wrong, but the way these athletes felt about winning these awards were very similar. 

“My experience winning the award was great and I was super shocked when I found out,” Thorington said. “I was shaking so much and I felt like it was a dream.”

An All-State award is very important to many of the athletes that compete in these competitions. Some will take advantage of this opportunity and work to achieve this title. This award is an honorable achievement for athletes.

“I think it’s an important award to win even though it’s a team sport,” Thorington said. “ It shows individual talent.”

PHS truly does show the power of being a team. Athletes have also said that coaches who support you are a big part of any sport. Teammates who get along and support each other are always gonna be a special part of being on a team. 

“I think that without my coaches and teammates I wouldn’t have ever been considered for the All-State award,” senior Toran Graham said. “They help me become a better player and teammate and help me get better everyday.”