Five MCS student-athletes have been recognized for their exceptional performances this season by the 2025 Western Athletic Conference (WAC). Each of the student-athletes has shown dedication and perseverance.
Soccer:
- Guillermo Martinez — First Team Overall WAC All-Star
- Salvatore Fileccia Jr., J.J. Narzymski, Trey Ruise — Divisional All-Stars
Volleyball:
- Natalie Ulmer — WAC Blue Division Defensive Player of the Year, Second Team All-Star
Each year, coaches and officials select All-Star athletes based on a combination of factors, including individual performance statistics, sportsmanship, leadership, and impact on their team’s success. These selections represent the top players across all schools in the conference.
“Pushing through injuries and bouncing back from tough games really shaped me this season,” said Fileccia, a sophomore. “Those challenges taught me grit, and that’s what helped me earn this recognition.”
Ruise, a senior, noted several factors that led to this success.
“Being named WAC All-Star means that all of the hard work I put in throughout the years is being recognized. It also means that our team was successful enough to have multiple players honored.”
He added that accepting a challenge to move his position made an impact, “I played the same position forever but it was not right for me; I was not in the spot where I could help the team most. Once I switched, I became way more involved in helping our team win.”
Narzymski didn’t expect he would ever achieve this recognition. As he reflects, the senior knows he always gave his all.
“There was a week this season where we played all B schools, which is tough being a D. Even with this challenge, personally and as a team, we never gave up and always showed up with 100 percent effort.”
The students say the community inspired them.
“My coaches and teammates always push and motivate me to do my very best. My coach would always make sure I was happy and healthy,” said Ulmer.
“They believed in me and my abilities,” said Narzymski. “They hyped me up and congratulated me when I deserved it and yelled at me all the same. Together this made me who I am today. I will miss playing Middleburgh soccer under Coach Johns and with my best friends.”
These recognitions mark significant achievements for the Middleburgh Athletics program and reflect the continued growth and competitiveness of athletics within the WAC. For the students, the recognitions are proof that effort leads to success.
“I feel extremely accomplished,” said Ulmer. “I am grateful to see that my hard work paid off.”
Martinez said, “It means a lot because I worked hard to get this recognition. I definitely earned this and am very thankful. All glory to God.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.