​The Eugene-Springfield region showcased many of the state’s top freshman athletes during the OSAA season, and now the moment has come to decide which local ninth-grader stood out the most in 2025-26. The Register-Guard, with sponsorship from Active Chiropractic, invites readers to vote for the freshman girl athlete of the year. The nominees for the 2025-26 Register-Guard Girls Freshman of the Year are Nuari Filipe of Springfield (basketball), Eva Johnson Hess of South Eugene (cross-country, track and field), Jaylee Litten of Churchill (softball), Lulu Mendoza of North Eugene (soccer), Camila Gonzalez Montes of North Eugene (track and field), Anna Sperley of Marist Catholic (swimming), and Nia Tuioti of Sheldon (volleyball). Cast your vote at registerguard.com/sports; the poll closes at noon on Sunday, July 19.
Nuari Filipe from Springfield was the top scorer on the Tigers’ Class 5A state runner-up team, and she was the only freshman to earn first-team all-state honors in 5A. She averaged 19.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game at the state tournament, establishing herself as a standout presence on the floor.
Eva Johnson Hess, representing Oregon Track Club, captured attention with a blistering early-season performance. She became the fastest freshman girl in Oregon, posting a 5,000-meter cross-country best of 17 minutes, 40.9 seconds. That time not only led ninth-graders by a wide margin but also ranked as the sixth-fastest among all girls, regardless of grade. Johnson Hess continued to impress in the postseason, placing third at the Class 6A cross-country state championships and demonstrating her versatility by finishing second in both the 1,500 and 3,000 at the track and field state championships (with personal bests of 4:30.84 and 9:47.08, respectively). She capped her season with a victory in the freshmen mile at the Brooks PR Invitational on June 7, clocking 4:41.41.
Jaylee Litten of Churchill earned Midwestern League pitcher of the year honors after posting an impressive 211 strikeouts in 132 2/3 innings. Her standout pitching contributed to Churchill earning Class 5A second-team all-state honors, underscoring her impact on the diamond as a young star.
Lulu Mendoza of North Eugene has been a key contributor on the soccer pitch for the Highlanders. She earned Class 5A honorable mention all-state recognition while helping North Eugene advance deep into the state tournament, highlighting her defensive tenacity and attacking instincts on the field.
Camila Gonzalez Montes, also of North Eugene, made a splash on the track and field stage. She surged to a fourth-place finish in the 800 meters at the Class 5A state championships, recording a personal-best time of 2:16.41 and establishing herself as one of the premier middle-distance runners in the state.
Anna Sperley of Marist Catholic showcased her talents in the pool, contributing across events and earning recognition for her dedication and competitive spirit in swimming. Her performance helped elevate the Spartans in regional and statewide competition.
Nia Tuioti of Sheldon made her mark in volleyball with formidable presence at the net and on the court, contributing to the team’s success through her leadership and athleticism.
Fans are encouraged to participate by voting for their favorite candidate at registerguard.com/sports. The poll will close at noon on Sunday, July 19. This year’s selections highlight the depth and breadth of the area’s young talent across multiple sports, from basketball and track to softball, soccer, swimming, and volleyball. The outcome will reflect the community’s recognition of the hardest-working ninth-graders who stood out during the 2025-26 season, as well as the future potential of these athletes within Oregon high school sports.