Since the Mansfield News Journal Scholar-Athlete program’s inception back in 1987, it has honored countless student-athletes all over mid-Ohio.

Here is the 2025-26 Mansfield News Journal Female Scholar-Athlete team featuring the Top 10 along with 16 honorable mentions.

In no particular order:

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Sasha Bulakovski

School: Ontario High School

Parents: Joy and Steve Bulakovski

Activities: Ontario High School Drug Free Senior | National Honor Society | Warrior Leadership.

Principal’s Comment: “Sasha is far more than an exceptional student-athlete; her accomplishments only begin to reflect the remarkable person she is. She consistently demonstrates strong moral character, outstanding leadership, and a deep sense of integrity. Sasha is highly motivated and possesses an exceptional work ethic that sets her apart.” – Chris Smith.

Katerina (Katya) Prykhodko

School: Lexington High School

Parents: Tetyana and Mykola Prykhodko

Academics: 4.687 weighted grade point average | 4.0 non-weighted grade point average | Ohio High School Athletic Association Archie Griffin Award recipient | Lexington High School Purple Blanket recipient.

Athletics: Cross Country: Team Captain | Three-year letter winner | Two-time individual Ohio Cardinal Conference champion | Two-time OCC Runner of the Year | Two-time All-Ohioan | Eighth-place individual finish at state in 2025 | 12th-place individual finish at state in 2024. Swimming: Four-year letter winner | 16th place finish in 200-medley relay in 2026 at state | second-place finish in 200-medley relay and 200-freestyle relay in OCC in 2026 | Ninth-place finish in 200-medley relay at state in 2025 | State qualifier in 2024 making her a three-time state qualifier. Track and field: Four-year letter winner | OCC champion in 1,600- and 3,200-meter run in 2026 | District champion in 3,200 and second in 1,600-meter run in 2026 | Third in the state in the 4×800-meter relay and 10th in the 1,600-meter run in 2026 | All-Ohioan.

Activities: National Honor Society | Youth in Government | Letters of Love

Principal’s Comment: “Katya is an outstanding student athlete here at Lexington High School. While she is an extremely intelligent young lady in the classroom and has a plethora of OCC and State finishes on her athletic resume, her leadership is what stands out more than anything. She was the perfect recipient of the OHSAA Archie Griffin Award as voted on by our coaches. In addition, she is an extremely successful three sport athlete throughout her high school career, while excelling and challenging herself academically not only here Lexington High School, but in her CCP course work as well. Katya is a special student athlete and her appointment to the West Point Military Academy speaks to who she is as a leader both academically and athletically.” – Jamie Masi.

Reese Bedingfield

School: Willard High School

Parents: Joe and Alanna Bedingfield

Athletics: Golf: Four-year letter winner | First team All-Sandusky Bay Conference in 2025 | Second team All-SBC in 2026 | Basketball: Four-year letter winner | Honorable mention All-SBC as a freshman | First team All-SBC, first team All-District, honorable mention All-Ohio as a sophomore | First team All-SBC, first team All-District, second team All-Ohio as a junior | Second team All-SBC, second team All-District, honorable mention All-Ohio as a senior.

Principal’s Comment: “Reese Bedingfield is deserving of the Mansfield News Journal Scholar-Athlete Award because she exemplifies excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, character, and service to her school and community. She is not only an outstanding student-athlete, but also an amazing person whose positive attitude and servant leadership make a lasting impact on everyone around her. Reese Bedingfield consistently demonstrates the discipline, determination, and work ethic required to balance the demands of academics and athletics at a high level. She approaches every responsibility with maturity and integrity, always striving to do her best both in the classroom and in competition. Her commitment to excellence reflects the true meaning of a scholar-athlete. Beyond her accomplishments, Reese Bedingfield is an outgoing and caring individual who is always willing to help others. She leads by example through her actions, encouraging teammates, supporting classmates, and representing her school with pride and respect. Her servant leadership is evident in the way she puts others before herself and does whatever it takes to help her team, school, and community be the best they can possibly be. Reese Bedingfield’s character, compassion, and dedication set her apart. She inspires those around her through her hard work, positivity, and selflessness, making her highly deserving of the Mansfield News Journal Scholar-Athlete Award.” – Doug Selvey.

Kennedy Fickes

School: Hillsdale High School

Parents: Mark and Tiffany Fickes

Athletics: Volleyball: Four-year letter winner | Defensive Player of the Year in 2025 | School records for digs in a season with 372 and in a career with 874. Basketball: Four-year letter winner | School record for free throw percentage in a season at 88% | Honorable mention All-Wayne County Athletic League in 2026. Softball: Four-year letter winner | First team All-Wayne County Athletic League in 2025 and 2026 | Second team All-Northeast District in 2025 | .443 batting average, 39 hits, 27 RBIs, 28 runs scored, five home runs, 2.62 earned run average, 59 strikeouts during senior season.

Activities: Editor of the yearbook | Student Council | Class Secretary | Captains Athletic Leadership Council | Member of Jeromesville Methodist Church.

Principal’s Comment: “Kennedy is an outstanding young lady. She is a leader in the building and is active in all aspects of the learning environment. She has excelled in the classroom, maintaining a GPA of 3.9. She has received 11 varsity letters in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Finally, she has participated in so many extra and co-curricular activities ranging from yearbook, student council, student government, and in various events at church. All these accomplishments are incredible by themselves, but she is also kind, welcoming, and the kind of friend everyone wants and needs in their lives. She is reliable, dependable, and the person others look up to. She will be missed.” – Tim Keib.

Mirielle Trumpower

School: Ontario High School

Parents: Jeff and Brooke Trumpower

Activities: National Honor Society | Key Club | Warrior Leadership Council | Young Leaders Institute.

Principal’s Comment: “Mirielle is a highly motivated young individual with a strong work ethic who exemplifies outstanding citizenship here at OHS. She embraces challenges with enthusiasm and consistently distinguishes herself as one of Ontario’s and the state’s top talents. With limitless potential, Mirielle is only beginning to make her mark on the world.” – Chris Smith.

Victoria (Tori) Kidney

School: Crestview High School

Parents: Rebecca and Matthew Kidney

Athletics: Soccer: Three-year letter winner | Two-year team captain | Honorable mention All-Mid-Buckeye Conference as a junior | Second team All-MBC and honorable mention All-District as a senior | All-Star Game selection | All-Academic all three years. Basketball: Four-year letter winner | First team All-Academic all four years | Honorable mention All-Firelands Conference as a sophomore | Second team All-FC and honorable mention All-District 6 as a junior | First team All-FC, first team All-District 6, second team All-Northwest District and special mention All-Ohio as a senior | Mansfield News Journal Senior Showcase selection. Track: Four-year letter winner | FC champion in the 4×200-relay (2024 and 2025) | FC champion in the 4×100-relay (2025 and 2026) | Three-year regional qualifier including in all three relays in 2025.

Principal’s Comment: “Tori is an exceptional young lady whose dedication, work ethic, and character consistently set her apart both in the classroom and athletically. Tori has demonstrated tremendous commitment to excellence in all that she does. Academically, she approaches her studies with determination and responsibility, always striving to do her best while balancing a demanding schedule of extracurricular activities and athletics. Beyond academics, she has been deeply involved in her school community, serving in leadership roles and positively influencing those around her through her example and encouragement. Athletically, Tori’s accomplishments speak for themselves. Earning All-Ohio honors in Girls Basketball is a remarkable achievement that reflects countless hours of hard work, discipline, and perseverance. However, what impresses me most is the way she carries herself as a teammate and leader. She competes with passion and humility while always supporting and uplifting others around her.” – Shawn Skelly.

Madison Henkel

School: Shelby High School

Parents: Joel and Heather Henkel

Academics: Earned Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from North Central State College | College Now Program | 3.795 grade point average | Shelby High School Honors Diploma.

Principal’s Comment: “Madison is an amazing athlete and an extremely hard worder. She dedicated this year to jumping further and higher and her work paid off. Madison, even more importantly, is a great teammate who encourages others and has a wonderful attitude.” – John Gies

Ashtyn Wine

School: Clear Fork High School

Parents: Ryan and Shannon Wine

Academics: National Honor Society | 3.88 grade point average

Athletics: Soccer: Division IV All-Ohio, Division IV District Player of the Year, Division IV First Team All-District, Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year, First Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in 2025 | Division IV First Team All-District, First Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in 2024 | Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in 2023 | Division II Second Team All-District, Second Team All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in 2022. Basketball: Division V Honorable Mention All-Northwest District, Honorable Mention All-Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference in 2025-26.

Activities: Student Council | Spanish Club

Principal’s Comment: “Ashtyn Wine is one of the kindest students who is willing to help anyone she meets. She is a dedicated student with a 3.88 grade point average and has regularly won academic honors. She is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish Club and is a dedicated athlete putting all of her efforts into basketball, soccer and track.” – Jennifer Klaus.

Addison Wolford

School: Loudonville

Parents: Jeremy and Cynthia Wolford

Academics: 4.0 grade point average | Class valedictorian

Activities: LEO Club | Drug Free Club | National Honor Society

Principal’s Comment: “Addison has been a tremendous representative of our school throughout her high school career, excelling in volleyball, basketball, and softball while earning 10 varsity letters. Her dedication, leadership, and tireless work ethic have allowed her to achieve success both individually and as a teammate. Over the years, she has earned numerous team, league, media, and distinguished honors, highlighted by being named All-Ohio Honorable Mention during the 2025–26 basketball season. In volleyball, she also established multiple career records, further demonstrating her commitment and competitive drive. Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Addison has equally distinguished herself in the classroom. As one of our valedictorians, she has maintained an exceptional standard of academic excellence while balancing the demands of three varsity sports. She is a respected leader, a positive role model for younger students, and an outstanding representative of our school and community. Addison’s character, determination, and achievements make her exceptionally deserving of this award.” – Christine Butts.

Riley Patrick

School: Mansfield Christian High School

Parents: Dale and Lindsay Patrick

Athletics: Three-time recipient of Mansfield Christian Champion of Excellence Award | Mansfield Christian Torch Award | Cross Country: Two-time All-Ohioan | Finished ninth and 14th at state meet the last two years | Academic All-Ohioan | Finished sixth for Team Ohio at Mideast Cross Country Championships | First team All-Mid-Buckeye Conference | First team All-Mansfield News Journal. Track: All-Ohioan | Two-time All-Ohioan in 1,600 and one-time All-Ohioan in 3,200 | Academic All-Ohioan | Mid-Buckeye Conference Female Athlete of the Year | First team All-MBC | Two-time All-Ohioan in indoor track.

Principal’s Comment: “She runs with such strength and discipline; it’s clear she is running for a higher purpose. She runs for more than just medals. The MCS Cross Country and Track programs have grown off of her dedication and leadership. The foundation she has built will sustain this team for many years to come. She has decided to continue running at Cedarville. Her dedication at practice, even when no one is watching, is a perfect example of what all coaches would love to have in an athlete. I have grown as a coach because of Riley being a member of this team. Riley’s dedication in the classroom is unparalleled. Her future is shining brightly.” – Marty McKenzie.

Honorable Mentions

Maddie Berry, Madison; Natalie Kennard, Shelby; Emmi Kemp, Crestview; Emma Reynolds, Madison; Jocelyn Noblit, Crestline; Bridget Belcik, Crestline; Allyson Morgan, Hillsdale; Zy’Eir Davis, Mansfield Christian; Kynzie Green, Highland; Jada Brokaw, Clear Fork; Haylee Stratton, Bucyrus; Hailly Thrush, Clear Fork; Katie Griffey, Lucas; Olyvia Culler, Lucas; Myah Midkiff, Lucas; Morgan Follett, Plymouth.

jfurr@usatodayco.com

740-244-9934

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Meet the 2025-26 Mansfield News Journal Scholar-Athlete Team: Top 10 Females

Reporting by Jake Furr, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal

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