Many Southern Tier athletes stood out during the spring season, with some breaking long-standing school records and others claiming first-ever New York State tournament victories. After compiling a very long list of Southern Tier athletes who have dominated in their respective sports, and all of whom have created headlines and made a significant impact this season, here are our choice for spring female athletes of the season in each sport:
Who’s yourpick for Southern Tier female H.S. athlete of the season? Fans’ Choice AOTS
Vestal’s Maggie Costello hit a walk-off home run at the bottom of the seventh inning in the Section 4 Class AA final against Horseheads, beating last year’s sectional champs 5-4. The junior shortstop led the team’s offense this season and was selected to the STAC West/Metro all-conference softball team.
Ithaca’s Sage Bliss stepped up in the absence of last year’s senior-heavy group that led Ithaca girls lacrosse to its first state semifinal. The junior attacker had two goals and two assists in the dominant 18-9 victory over Corning to claim the team’s fourth-straight Class A sectional title.
Union-Endicott’s Stella Diamantakos led Union-Endicott’s flag football team with 1000+ passing yards while averaging two passing touchdowns per game this season. The junior quarterback helped spark an eight-game streak into the postseason, including a subregional victory over last year’s Class A state champions, Scarsdale, to earn the team’s first Class A state quarterfinal appearance.
Binghamton’s Eva DiNunzio Welch recently became the first girls runner in Binghamton High School history to win three individual sectional titles. The senior track star won the Section 4 Class A title in the 800-meter event with a time of 2:21.83, then went on to achieve a new personal best with a time of 2:18.41 in the 800m at the 2026 NYSPHSAA outdoor track & field championships.
Note: All polls close on Saturday, June 20.
2026 Spring Female Athlete of the Season Poll
Fans’ Choice for AOTS
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Vote for the Southern Tier female ‘Athlete of the Season’ for spring
Reporting by Aniya Sumner, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Aniya Sumner, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin | USA TODAY Network
