SMAC female athletes of the winter season

Swimming — Addy Donnick, La Plata High, senior

After signing her National Letter of Intent to continue her academic and athletic prowess at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, Addy Donnick capped her third consecutive undefeated season in individual events by taking both the 3A/2A/1A state titles in the 100-yard freestyle and 100 backstroke, marking the third consecutive year she had attained both titles. Northern’s girls, led by seniors Aspen Gallaudet, Lyla Smith and Mary Katheryn Stum, captured the 3A/2A/1A team title courtesy of two relay victories and freshman Cedar Gallaudet won the state title in the 100 butterfly. La Plata junior Jadyn Woolsey took the 3A/2A/1A state title in the 50 free and joined Donnick on two relays that placed at the meet.

Wrestling — Daisy Rojas, La Plata High, junior

During a season in which she was initially just a small part of history, Daisy Rojas made history for the Warriors. Rojas was part of La Plata’s first recognized girls’ wrestling team then last month she became the first female wrestler in the program’s history to garner a state title when she captured the 145-pound crown with a first round pin. Northern junior Emily Boling earned her first state title in the 235-pound [heavyweight] class after finishing as the runner-up one year earlier and serving as a team manager as a freshman. Patriots’ Emma Hardemann reached the 125-pound title match but suffered a narrow decision loss one year after she had captured the state title in her weight class.

Basketball — McKenzie Thomas, St. Charles High, senior

During a season in which she eclipsed the 1,000-point plateau in career scoring, becoming only the fourth player in school history to reach that milestone, Thomas led the Spartans with 21.3 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for the Spartans. North Point senior Morgan Dow and junior Carson Burwell were instrumental in leading the Eagles to the 4A/3A state semifinals, Huntingtown junior Kayla Ripple and freshman Eva Powell played key roles in leading the Hurricanes to their first 2A South Region title in program history.

Indoor track — Northern High School girls team

Sometimes the sum of the parts is greater than the total value of each individual and the Northern team has ascended to the head of the class three straight years sans a dominant performer. Granted Gabby Cope won the state title in the shot put, but the Patriots also got valuable points from Gentry Bowie, Destiny Ryan, Morgan Little, Mia Halbert and Mya Summers. In addition, Chopticon senior Kathleen “Katie” Schwaner was the state champion in the 800, Great Mills Kayla Rorie won the 55 hurdles and Westlake’s Gabrielle Garner took the 55 dash.