Here are Reader’s Picks for the best Charlotte-area HS athletes, coaches, teams this year
This year, for the first time, The Charlotte Observer will name its high school athletes of the year. In addition to that, the Observer allowed readers to vote on the finalists, who were nominated by their Mecklenburg County schools.
The Observer will announce its winners Friday.
But after a weeklong vote that generated more than 150,000 votes, here are the Reader’s Choice winners.
Next year, the Observer will expand these awards to its entire coverage zone.
▪ BOYS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Independence lacrosse star Ryan Vestuti was a first-team all-conference pick after getting 35 goals, 59 ground balls and one assist during the season. He was named school offensive player of the year. The 3.9 GPA student was also named team captain and MVP in golf where he averaged a score of 41 and qualified for regionals.
▪ GIRLS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Christian pitcher Wynne Gore helped lead the Knights’ softball team to its second straight state championship. Signed to N.C. State, Gore had 20 wins, 153 strikeouts in 106 innings and a 1.11 ERA. She had two no-hitters and 11 shutouts. Gore also hit .516 with 27 RBIs and three home runs.
▪ BOYS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: a four-year varsity tennis player for Carmel Christian, Reid Hilton has a 4.764 GPA.
▪ GIRLS SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Christian freshman Anna Hinde, the Reader’s Choice for softball player of the year earlier this month, wins another award here. She led the Knights’ state championship softball team in batting (.607), home runs (13), RBIs (37) and runs (32). She is ranked among the nation’s top five freshman prospects nationally by several recruiting services. She carries a 4.5 GPA and won the school’s President’s Award for academic excellence. She is also a member of the school’s National Junior Honor Society.
▪ COURAGE AWARD: Myers Park softball player Amy Lautenschlager returned from an ACL tear her sophomore year and played what her coach called “flawless” centerfield with solid offensive numbers.
▪ BOYS COACH OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Catholic coach Shawn Panther won after leading his team to a state championship win.
▪ GIRLS COACH OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Catholic’s Dee Bier led her girls lacrosse team to the N.C. state championship game this season. The Cougars finished. 21-4 this season.
▪ TEAM OF THE YEAR: Charlotte Catholic’s golf team won after taking its fourth straight N.C. state championship this spring.
