August 9, 2025

 

State Games 2025 Ochsner Rush Health Athletes of the Year Named

MERIDIAN, MS – Three standout competitors from the 2025 State Games of Mississippi have been named Ochsner Rush Health Athletes of the Year, recognized for their achievements, dedication and sportsmanship across multiple sports.

This year’s honorees are Aubrey Atchison of Biloxi (Youth Athlete of the Year), Kaytelyn Harris of Quitman (Female Athlete of the Year) and Daniel Wile of Meridian (Male Athlete of the Year).

The 2025 State Games of Mississippi welcomed more than 5,000 amateur athletes competing in more than 40 sports. “It has been amazing to witness the levels of competition and spirit throughout this year’s events,” said Missye Dozier, Executive Director of the Games. “We’re deeply thankful for our sponsors and volunteers who continue to support our mission and help celebrate the achievements of Mississippi’s amateur athletes.”

Modeled after a national program, the State Games of Mississippi Athlete of the Year awards were created to honor athletes who embody the true spirit of the Games. Coaches, officials, athletes, volunteers and spectators submitted nominations from each sport, highlighting individuals who demonstrate outstanding participation, sportsmanship, character, achievement and positive attitude. From those nominees, three overall winners were selected — one male, one female and one youth athlete — to receive the program’s highest honor.

The State Games also named the 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Gene May of Collinsville.

A long-time supporter of the Games, Gene has volunteered at both the 4.6 Trail Run and the Sunfish Triathlon at Bonita for several years. His commitment to community and fitness extends far beyond volunteering. After retiring 18 years ago, Gene began running marathons — completing the full Magnolia Marathon in Meridian in 2016 at the age of 70. Since then, he has participated in multiple half marathons in Meridian and Hattiesburg.

Gene is a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren and shares his home with three beloved cats. In January of this year, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Despite this challenge, Gene and his wife Debbie remain active and positive, starting each day with a walk together.

 

Aubrey Lynn Atchison — 2025 Youth Athlete of the Year

Aubrey Atchison of Biloxi is a senior at Biloxi High School and has been playing softball for 13 years, including 3 years competing in the State Games of Mississippi. In the 2025 Games, she posted a .636 batting average, scored 4 runs, and tallied 5 RBIs. Her performance capped off a standout season that included First Team All-Region 4-7A honors, selection to the Mississippi Gulf Coast All-Stars Futures Game and recognition as Biloxi High School’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Aubrey’s path to success hasn’t been easy. After breaking her ankle in 2022, she faced a long road to recovery, eventually returning to the varsity team while still in 8th grade. Two more injuries followed, but Aubrey never gave up — showing up to train, support her teammates and lead through adversity. She says the challenges taught her patience, resilience and how to lead with grace.

“Softball is so much more than just a sport to me,” Aubrey said. “It’s where I found my passion, my people and my purpose.”

 

Kaytelyn Harris — 2025 Female Athlete of the Year

Kaytelyn Harris of Quitman has only been playing disc golf for a year and a half, but she’s already earned back-to-back gold medals in the State Games of Mississippi and placed in ten tournaments across the region.

This year, she reached a personal milestone by shooting her best tournament round at just four strokes over par. She said the biggest challenge isn’t physical, but mental: “I work at getting out of my head and just throwing. Each round, I make a conscious effort to just have fun and enjoy the sport, no matter the score.”

As a single mom to three young children, Kaytelyn found disc golf during a difficult time — and with it, a supportive community. “She’s out there every chance she gets — rain or shine,” said Disc Golf Commissioner Bruce Bullock. “Her dedication and improvement have been incredible to watch.”

 

Daniel Wile — 2025 Male Athlete of the Year

Daniel Wile of Meridian has been involved in endurance sports for more than a decade. He has participated in the State Games of Mississippi twice, earning one gold and one silver medal in cycling, as well as two gold and two silver medals in Masters Swimming.

A passionate cyclist, Daniel posted a remarkable time of 00:55:14.76 in this year’s cycling event — just milliseconds behind the gold medalist. His love of the sport began through triathlon training and over the years he has completed three Ironman races, including the prestigious 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. He was also named the 2021 Heart o’ Dixie Triathlon Champion.

Daniel said he enjoys the opportunity to focus solely on cycling during the State Games: “When you don’t have to save your energy for the run, you really get to empty the tank and see what you can do.” Off the course, he balances training with a busy life and credits his wife and family for their continued support and encouragement.

 

 

Other nominees for the 2025 Ochsner Rush Health Athlete of the Year included:

2 Gun                                      Michael Lang

5K Road Race                          Diego Suarez Reyes

Youth Archery                         Hunter Martin

All-Star Baseball                      Ethan Dodson

High School Baseball               Connor Lofton

Jr High School Baseball           Easton Stewart

Youth Baseball                        T.K. Rutledge

Bowling                                   Darrell Cooper

Chess                                       Leo Steinbach

Cornhole                                 Nathan Perkins

Equestrian: Barrell Racing      Madalyn Showes

Equestrian: Pole Bending       Dalten Abston

Fencing                                    Adam Ray

Martial Arts                             Jolee Staring

Mountain Bike                        Paul Graham

Paddle Race                            Jeb Berry

Pistol Competition                  Les Pogue

Youth Soccer                           Kailynn McMullan

Youth Soccer                           William Addington

Soccer High School 7v7           Annisten Snider

Youth Softball Recreational    Adalynn Haney

Sporting Clays                         Garreth Barham

Stickball                                   Edka Charlie

Masters Swimming                 Alison Davis

Table Tennis                            Mario Scott

Junior Tennis                           Holly Young

Trail Run                                  Calvin Green

Ultimate Flying Disc                Lee Kleyla

Volleyball 2 Person                 Kenneth Turner

Volleyball 4 Person                 Patrick Cook

 

About the State Games of Mississippi

 

Now in its 34th year, the State Games of Mississippi continues to provide premier athletic competition for amateur athletes from across the state, featuring more than 40 individual and team sports.

The Games officially kick off with a high-energy Opening Ceremony in downtown Meridian, featuring the Parade of Athletes, the ceremonial lighting of the State Games flame and a spectacular fireworks display.

The State Games of Mississippi is committed to keeping participation affordable for athletes through the generous support of sponsors. Founding Gold Sponsors include Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Ochsner Rush Health. Gold Sponsors include Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, the City of Meridian, Coastal Television of Meridian, Digio Strategies, Mac Haik Automotive, Meridian Community College, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians & Pearl River Resort, The Meridian Star, The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation and WTOK-TV.

For more information, call 601-482-0205 or visit www.stategamesofms.org.