2024

Athlete of the Week

Player of the Week is a recognition award for an outstanding athlete in each sport at Ida B. Wells. This accolade typically celebrates a player's exceptional performance during a specific week of competition. It highlights their skill, impact on the game, and contribution to their team's success. Players are highlighted in a weekly bulletin and on this website.

sophia Paladino -- JV #10

Freshman Sophia Paladino clinched the first athlete of the week title with an impressive in-the-park home run and a triple, collectively driving in a whopping 6 out of JV's 12 runs, securing a decisive victory against Hillsboro. As a three sport athlete who is also a captain, Sophia embodies athleticism, leadership, energy, and experience, enriching the IBW JV softball program in a number of ways.

Hayden Miramontes -- V #4

Freshman Hayden Miramontes earned the second Athlete of the Week title with an outstanding performance at the Nelson tournament. She had an impressive batting average of .800. Her contributions at the plate were pivotal, with 3 walks, 2 singles, 2 doubles, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. She was accountable for 50% of the runs our team earned last week. Additionally, her outfield performance was flawless, going 3 for 3. It was undoubtedly a stellar week for this freshman on the Varsity squad.

Kai Wisher -- V #15

Junior Kai Wisher earned the third Athlete of the Week for IBW Softball. As our shortstop, Kai had a 100% fielding percentage and five assists this week. At the plate, Kai earned three RBIs, scored three times, and had three hits, including a single, a double, and an iconic in-the-park homerun to win the game against Grant on Wednesday.

She consistently brings her boombox to the field, infusing the team with energy and enthusiasm before every game.

Kaia Young -- V #2

Senior, Captain, and Catcher Kaia Young earned the fourth athlete of the week. In a remarkable display of skill, Kaia secured one single, one double, two triples, and not one, but two homeruns this week. Her hitting translated into driving in six runs while crossing the plate herself five times. Moreover, Kaia's speed and strategic base running have made her a force to be reckoned with, leading the team in stolen bases and runs scored. Additionally, she's maintained an astonishingly low number of strikeouts this season compared to her teammates, a testament to her exceptional discipline and focus. Kaia's impact extends beyond her individual achievements; she's a true asset to our team in the dugout, keeping the energy high and the team focused. Her leadership and relentless dedication to excellence set the standard for her teammates to follow. Kaia is committed to playing softball at Linfield University after graduation.

Keira Thomas-- V #13

The fifth athlete of the week is Junior Keira Thomas. Keira is a St. Mary's student and has become one of our most reliable players on the field and at the plate. She has an incredible eye! This week, Keira led the team with six hits, a walk, four stolen bases, and an RBI. As our second baseman, Keira made four outs, including two pop-outs, two groundouts, and an assist on a bunt. Additionally, Keira leads the team with an impressive 14 singles and boasts an amazing 55% on-base percentage for the season.

Sam Stevens -- V #3

Sophomore Sam Stevens has been named the sixth Athlete of the Week for her commitment, performance, and honorable character. As a result of her outstanding dedication, impressive attendance at pre-season workouts, and zero-period weight room sessions, Sam achieved a significant milestone this week: her 200th career high school strikeout. Her pitching prowess is undeniable with several coaches and umpires commenting on her ability, but she's also proving to be a valuable asset to the team's lineup by consistently delivering quality at-bats. This week alone, Sam strategically contributed to three RBIs with well-timed hits. Additionally, her high character has not gone unnoticed, as numerous individuals have taken the opportunity to commend her for her classroom leadership and work with youth softball programs. Both IBW and the wider southwest softball community are privileged to have Sam as part of the team.

Ely Del Rosario -- JV #13

Elyanna (Ely) Del Rosario, a freshman on the Junior Varsity Softball team earned the seventh Athlete of the Week. Ely's outstanding performance this season includes an impressive .778 batting average and a remarkable .909 on-base percentage. In 22 plate appearances, she has only struck out twice, walked nine times, hit five singles and two doubles, driven in eight teammates, and scored 11 times.

Ely is an aspiring pitcher and a versatile utility player who contributes wherever needed (seriously, she's played 8/9 positions this season). Her excellent baserunning instincts, strong work ethic, and positive attitude make her a valuable asset to the team. Additionally, Ely's commitment to umpiring for Southwest Portland Little League this summer demonstrates her dedication to playing and supporting the sport.

We eagerly anticipate watching Ely continue to develop and excel in the seasons ahead at IBW.

Calla Cheah -- V #8

The eighth Athlete of the Week is senior Calla Cheah. Although soccer is Calla's primary sport, her softball season has been stellar. This week Calla batted a .778 had 7 hits including 6 singles and a double which led to 3 RBIs and put her in position to score 3 runs of her own. She even had an awesome catch in left field. This season, Calla is batting a .558 which includes 29 hits total, 21 singles, 5 doubles, a triple and 2 homeruns, earning her the fifth highest batting average in Portland High School Softball. In the field, Calla is a utility player and has played left field, right field, third base, second base, and even pitched for IBW. In her pitching debut at Senior Night she earned two strikeouts and she hadn't pitched since little league! She's a superstar.

Amber Barbour -- JV #15

This is Amber's first season playing softball, but you would never know it! She is fast on the bases and a quick learner. At the beginning of the season, Amber was in the outfield. Amber worked her way to being a powerhouse at third base, making five outs, including a diving catch in foul territory in front of the other team's dugout and a double play that earned her the athlete of the week. She demonstrated great patience at the plate by taking two pitches for the team and walking three times. Amber's attitude is amazing—she's always positive, encourages her teammates, and never gets down.

Final Four: Kai Wisher, Sam Stevens, Zoe Wise, and Hayden Miramontes

Zoe Wise #12, Sam Stevens #3,Hayden Miramontes #4 and Kai Wisher #15

All four of these athletes are underclassmen, and when we faced Westview (#1), they took on the challenge head-on. Westview didn't strike out once, so our defense had to be exceptional. Their pitching staff was deep so we had to get out there and swing. These four athletes will be the core of IBW next year, as nearly all the remaining playoff players will be graduating. These athletes have shown exceptional promise and resilience, making them the core of IBW's future.