​Scenes from the Division I state track and field championships, held on Saturday, May 30, at Rockford High School (Dan D’Addona). Another high school season is in the books, and there have been numerous elite performances across the landscape of high school sports. But who was the top performer of the 2025-26 school year? The finalists consist of each sport’s Player of the Year as well as a number of multi-sport athletes who made a significant impact in several areas. Vote here. More on each nominee below. The poll will stay open for two weeks.
Bryce Morrison of Hamilton reacts after winning the Division II 150-pound championship at the MHSAA individual wrestling finals on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Ford Field. The Dux junior was an all-state running back and a state qualifier in track and field. The football Defensive Player of the Year was a dominant two-way force, earning all-state honors. The all-state soccer standout helped lead a rejuvenation of the Panthers’ soccer program. After a year of competing underhand and earning the No. 2 singles regional title, this Panther moved up to No. 1 singles, dominating even more by winning conference and regional titles.
The River Rat proved to be a distance threat in both cross country and track and field, earning Cross Country Runner of the Year honors. The water polo player of the year was also a skilled swimmer for Zeeland. The Maroons’ senior was named Boys Basketball Player of the Year and helped Holland Christian reach the regional finals. The basketball defensive player of the year spearheaded a district-title youth movement for the Panthers. The top swimmer in the area earned multiple all-state honors to help lead the Maroons to a runner-up finish at the state meet.
The Maroons’ junior claimed the Division III state diving title, while another Panther won the first state diving championship for the West Ottawa boys. The Hawkeye captured the state wrestling title after a career that included surpassing 150 wins; he went 53-0 as a senior, marking only the second perfect season of this century. For the second consecutive year, Anderson was named the hockey Player of the Year. Nowak stood out as the top boys bowler in the region. The track and field athlete of the year, Hulst, finished third in the state in the hurdles; he also had a strong season as quarterback and defensive back in football and as a basketball player.
The Chix left-handed pitcher earned baseball Player of the Year honors, posting an ERA of just 1.03 for the season. The boys’ lacrosse Player of the Year was also a standout on the football field for the Dux. For the second year in a row, a Panther was named Golfer of the Year, and he also contributed as a solid hockey player. The rugby Player of the Year led the Panthers to the state semifinals. The all-state middle hitter helped lead the Blackhawks to a top-10 ranking in the inaugural MHSAA season of boys volleyball. The Dutch senior excelled in soccer, basketball, and golf, among other contributions, underscoring a season rich with multi-sport excellence.