Pepsi Athlete of the Week
Saluting the Student Athletes of the Wabash Valley!
Refreshment Services Pepsi is celebrating the accomplishments of High School Athletes in our area with the Pepsi High School Athlete of the Week.
Now through November 8th, Pepsi will pick a deserving High School Athlete of the Week based on YOUR submissions. Honorees will be awarded a plaque and a $500 scholarship weekly – and they just may get a shout out on air!
Submit your athlete’s accomplishments – both on and off the field, court, or track – below.
Submit Your Student Athlete!
Week 1 Winner
Lauren Tilley
Lauren Tilley's Accomplishments/Highlights
Lauren Tilley is a senior at Northview High School and is a 4 year Varsity Soccer Player. She has maintained a 3.59 GPA and will be graduating early after 7 semesters. Lauren has worked very hard, both academically and athletically. She began playing soccer when she was 3 years old and has always dreamed about one day playing in college. Her hard work and dedication has earned her just that. Lauren will be attending Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College majoring in Biology and has signed her National Letter-of-Intent to join the Pomeroy’s Women’s Soccer Team in the spring.
Week 2 Winner
Kaylob Mendoza
Kaylob Mendoza's Accomplishments/Highlights
Kaylob Mendoza is a first-class guy! Last year as a junior, he had a talented group in front of him and he did not get as much playing time as his talent showed. However, he always contributed to the team. I “caught” him cleaning up and mopping the locker room after his teammates left for the evening. When I asked him why, he said, “It needs done and the janitors will not be able to get to it tonight.” After a different game, he and his family were under the bleachers picking up trash, so “he could help contribute.” In the off season, he decided that he wanted to earn a starting spot the following year. He started watching what he ate and working out. He lost approximately 60 pounds, he became stronger in the weight room and faster on the field. Now, one year later, he is a starting varsity offensive lineman and was chosen as one of the four captains by his teammates. He is always polite and addresses adults as “sir” or ma’am” which is extremely unusual in our present society. He stands up for younger kids and underclassmen. Kaylob is a very good athlete, but an even better man of character that leads his team by example. Playing lineman is a thankless job much of the time, but this would be a fantastic way of telling him how appreciated he is to his team. He would be an excellent example of an “Athlete of the Week” and a tremendous representative for Pepsi. Finally, I am not Kaylob’s parent or guardian. I am just a supporter of the football team and a fan of his. How ever, in order to meet your qualifications, I have contacted his mother and received her permission. I have attached the screenshots of that conversation. The picture included is one of him and his mother. Please consider Kaylob for this award.
Week 3 Winner
Kyle Price
Kyle Price's Accomplishments/Highlights
Kyle Price, a Senior at Riverton Parke High School, is being nominated for the Pepsi High School Athlete of the Week. Kyle is a 3-year Captain and 4-year starter on the Panthers Varsity Football Team and had an outstanding 2024 Week 1 performance in Riverton Parke’s win over Cloverdale, 34-33. On Offense, Kyle had 3 touchdowns, consisting of 46-yard and 41-yard receiving touchdowns and a 58-yard rushing touchdown. On Defense, Kyle had a key QB sack as Cloverdale was threatening to take the lead late in the 4 th quarter. Kyle is picking up right where the 2023 Football Season ended. Kyle finished out last year with over 1000 career rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. As a freshman, in 2021, Kyle tied the school record for interceptions in a single game with 3. Kyle was selected as a member of the 2023 WRC All-Conference Football Team. Kyle was also selected for the 2022 and 2023 Wabash Valley Academic All-Conference Football Teams. Kyle is excited as his Senior Year kicks-off where he’ll help to lead the Panthers to a successful 2024 Football Season. Kyle is a 3-year member of the Panthers Varsity Baseball Team. He supports the team as a Pitcher and Outfielder and is looking forward to his Senior Baseball Season next Spring. During the offseason, Kyle spends much of his time in the weight room, training for the next season. Off the field and in the classroom, Kyle is an honorable and respected student and in the community. He has a 4.064 GPA and is on track for Academic and Technical awards. He has achieved honor roll consistently and received student of the month several times, which demonstrates stewardship, trust, accountability, and respect. Kyle is a member of FFA and National Honor Society. He is also a 9-year member of 4H. Kyle’s passion for sports and desire to help in his community are evident. But for those who know Kyle best, they understand that his main goal is to be a positive role model for the younger players, students, and neighbors around him.
Week 4 Winner
Margo Mallory
Margo Mallory's Accomplishments/Highlights
Margo is a great leader on and off the field. She is the Varsity Soccer Team Captain, Student Council President, Student Athletic Council President and a multi-sport athlete. She maintains the 2nd highest GPA in her class and is a member of NHS and the Hall of Distinction class representative.
Week 5 Winner
Matthew Dawson
Matthew Dawson's Accomplishments/Highlights
In a Week 2 matchup vs the Paris Tigers, Matthew helped bring secure the win with his offensive performance. Matthew completed 15 of his 26 passing attempts for 126 yards and 1 Touchdown Matthew rushed 19 times for 154 yards and another 4 Touchdowns.
Week 6 Winner
Chance White
Chance White's Accomplishments/Highlights
Chance is a four year varsity starter on West Vigo’s Soccer Team. Chance’s freshman year the team won the conference championship. So far, in his senior year, he has been named co-captain of the varsity team. Chance also plays on the travel soccer team through VCYSA. Off the soccer field Chance has volunteered for Helping Hands and is currently helping to referee at VCYSA. As for Chance’s academics, he has committed to achieving higher marks than he has in his previous three years. He is currently a B average student.