25 Absolute Ballers Are Battling Right Now, And You Won't Believe What They Did This Season!

Alright, Seattle, listen up! While we're out here bleeding green and blue for our teams, you gotta hear about this wild poll going down right now, seriously! The Las Cruces Sun-News is throwing out a monster challenge: who's the best high school girl athlete from the 2025-26 season? We're talking 25 absolute legends from five different schools in the Las Cruces area, battling across eleven sports, and it's all on YOU to decide! This isn't just some local popularity contest, folks, these athletes earned their spots with some jaw-dropping performances that'd make any fan cheer.

State Champs and MVPs: The Lineup Is STACKED

Talk about a stacked roster! Every single one of these nominees met at least one HUGE qualification. We're talking Sun-News Super Team awards, like MVP or Offensive/Defensive Player of the Year. Then you've got the state championship winners, the All-District team honorees, and those who put on an outstanding performance at a state championship event. The bar is sky-high, and these kids cleared it easily. Let me drop a few names that just scream "future star." Addison Massey from Las Cruces volleyball didn't just win a 5A state championship, she also snagged District 3-5A Player of the Year AND the Sun-News' MVP for volleyball. That's a triple crown right there! Over on the hardwood, Ceanna McKines from Mayfield basketball was named District 3-5A Player of the Year and the Sun-News' MVP for basketball. And check this out: Sofia Herrera from Las Cruces was the Defensive Player of the Year in basketball AND a 5A state champion in the javelin throw. That's versatility! Shoutout to Autiana Caro, a Las Cruces wrestler, who pinned down a 5A state title in the 115-pound weight class. And in the pool, Dara Ayala from Centennial absolutely crushed it,

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winning a 5A state championship in the 50-yard freestyle. Unbelievable talent from every corner!

More Grit, More Gold: Who Else Blew Us Away?

The talent pool just keeps flowing! We’ve got more volleyball dominance with Caleigh Garcia, Sydney Pipkin, and Ava Price, all from Las Cruces, who won 5A state championships and made the All-District 3-5A Team. On the soccer pitch, Raylene Carillo from Las Cruces earned the Golden Ball and was District 3-5A Co-Player of the Year, alongside Ariyah Vazquez from Organ Mountain who also got Co-Player of the Year honors. Basketball saw more stars, with Selena Castro from Gadsden and Bella Walter from Centennial both named Co-Offensive Player of the Year by the Sun-News. And the track and field stars were flying! Melanie Gaytan from Gadsden finished second in the 5A long jump. Ashley Galaz from Organ Mountain cross country was unstoppable, winning four races, including the District 3-5A meet, and was the Knights' highest finisher at every event. Softball had its champs too: Jayleen Ponce and Ausaundra Roberto from Mayfield both won 5A state championships and made the All-District 3-5A team, with Natalie Menchaca from Organ Mountain also making the All-District team and being listed as one of the top area players. Even on the wrestling mat, Paige Jorge from Centennial proved her mettle, finishing second in the 170-pound weight class at the 5A state event. From the court to the mat, the pool to the field, these athletes delivered. So what's next? The clock is ticking, people! This poll runs from June 17 through the end of the month, shutting down at 11:59 p.m. at the close of June. You heard that right, time is running out to make your voice heard for these incredible athletes. Go cast your vote, tell your friends, and let's celebrate the next generation of absolute stars. Who's gonna take home the crown? It's all up to you!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.