Saluting fall sports standouts with Bay City Athlete of the Week for Nov. 6

BAY CITY, MI — Each week through the 2024 high school fall sports season, we spotlight athletes from volleyball, cross country, boys soccer, girls golf, boys tennis and girls swimming with our MLive Bay City Athlete of the Week project.

We recognize athletes for a job well done and give readers a chance to decide the weekly honor. Cast your vote as often as you’d like until the poll closes at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.

SERENITY APSEY, BAY CITY CENTRAL

The Bay City Central volleyball team is never in short supply of spunk with Apsey around. The junior is not only an emerging force at the net at outside hitter but injects her energy into everything the team is tackling. “She’s our biggest cheerleader and always up for a challenge,” coach Christine Davila said. “Serenity has been a pleasure to have and has made a lot of improvements to her game throughout the season.”

ISABELLE BECKER, BAY CITY WESTERN

It was a star-spangled career for Becker with the Bay City Western girls cross country program. The senior capped it off with her fourth trip to the Division 1 state finals, where she placed 41st overall in a time of 18:42.1. The three-time Bay County champion also placed fourth in the regional and third in the Saginaw Valley League Championship, where she clocked a personal-record time of 18:14.8.

ZACK BECKER, UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING

Becker closed out his prep career in style, garnering All-State honors with the USA boys cross country team. The senior soared to a 28th place finish in the Division 4 championships, dicing a whopping 30 seconds off her personal record with a 16:40. “Zack has really grown into a driven, focused, committed runner,” coach Mike Peter said. “He has set a standard for our program that his younger teammates will strive to uphold.” Becker rose to No. 7 on the school’s all-time cross country list.

VAL COSTILLA, ALL SAINTS

It was trial by fire for Costilla with the All Saints volleyball team this season, and the sophomore showed she can handle the heat. The sophomore was thrown into the fray at the helm of the All Saints attack. “Val has done a great job stepping into the varsity setter role as an underclassman,” coach Katie Veihl said. “She has been doing a great job running our offense this season.” The Cougars now have an experienced setter to build around over the next two seasons.

SYERRA MILLS, CLARE

Every team wants to see growth from its players, and the Clare volleyball squad has witnessed Mills’ emergence this season. “She has been improving consistently throughout the season,” coach Shannon Taylor said. “She puts in a lot of effort, is committed to her team’s success, and brings great energy to our program.” The junior has stepped forward as a pivotal player at the net, notching 109 kills and 30 blocks.

NOELLE POBANZ, JOHN GLENN

In her third varsity season, Pobanz made an incredible transformation with the John Glenn girls golf team. After averaging 73.5 as a sophomore and 60.5 as a junior, she emerged as one of the area’s top players with a 52.8 standard this fall. “Goes to show what dedication to the game can produce,” coach Pete Remington said. “She spent all summer hitting the range and playing holes. During the fall season, she’d stay after practice and go out and play 9 or 18 holes. She would do this every day.”

ELIZABETH VANHORN, PINCONNING

The Pinconning volleyball team asks VanHorn to do a bit of everything – because the Spartans know she’s capable of doing it all. A standout at all six positions, she not only leads the team in kills and digs but is second in assists. “Liz is a natural athlete, period,” coach Kayla Shoultes said. “She gets the job done when asked. We are very lucky to have her talent, humor and all-around dedication to the sport.” The junior is also among the team leaders in serve percentage and serve receive percentage.

KASIA WEAVER, ESSEXVILLE GARBER

As a four-year competitor, Weaver understands the importance of team spirit to the Garber girls swimming team. “Kasia is a wonderful person to have on the team,” coach Erin Dowd said. “In practices, she works hard and keeps spirits up, but in meets, she shines. She is the team’s biggest cheerleader and celebrates everyone’s accomplishments.” The second-year captain also leads by example, consistently dropping time in her signature event, the 500 freestyle, and contributing to the relays.

NATALIE WOOD, OWENGAGE

The Owendale-Gagetown volleyball team is sparked by a real go-getter in Wood. The senior libero is a defensive dandy, able to keep the ball off the floor in astounding fashion. “Natalie brings experience and energy to our team,” coach Barbara Hellebuyck said. “She’s an intense competitor with a wicked serve. Watch out because she’s always the first to the ball.” Wood averages 14 digs per game for the Bulldogs.

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