At the Capitol, from left: Mississippi House Representative Billy Adam Calvert, Daniel Wile, Kaytelyn Harris and Mississippi House Representative and Troy Smith.
State Games 2025 Athletes of Year Honored at State Capitol
Jackson, MS — Two of the State Games of Mississippi 2025 Ochsner Rush Athletes of the Year were recognized by the Mississippi State legislature and met Gov. Tate Reeves during a visit to the Capitol in February.
The 2025 Games featured more than 5,200 athletes competing in more than 40 events across 18 counties, and these three athletes personified the ideals of the State Games in participation, sportsmanship, special achievements and positive attitudes.
Three athletes were honored to be named Athletes of the Year in 2025. 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).
Both Kaytelyn and Daniel were able to attend the ceremony at the Capitol; Aubrey was unable to attend.
“It is a great honor to be recognized by our statewide lawmakers and Gov. Reeves,” said Missye Dozier, Executive Director of the Games. “State Games holds sporting events throughout the state, creating multiple opportunities for amateur athletes and contributing to the economies of each city in which they are held.”
The athletes were celebrated by the Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate through House Concurrent Resolution No. 41.
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.
About State Games of Mississippi
The State Games of Mississippi, a privately sponsored, non-profit organization, has been dedicated to promoting amateur athletics and a healthy lifestyle for Mississippians of all ages and abilities since 1992. From humble beginnings with 1,200 athletes competing in 12 sports, the Games have grown to become one of 37 states hosting State Games competitions annually. These Games not only promote physical activity but also offer an Olympic-like experience. Competitors vie for gold, silver, and bronze medals, emphasizing personal achievement, physical fitness and teamwork. State Games of Mississippi athletes also have the opportunity to advance to the national level at the State Games of America and we are proudly affiliated with the U.S. Olympic Committee.
The State Games of Mississippi is able to keep entry fees affordable thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including Founding Gold Sponsors: Meridian Coca-Cola Bottling Company and Ochsner Rush Health, as well as Gold Sponsors; BlueCross BlueShield of Mississippi, Paul & Sherry Broadhead Foundation, Meridian Community College, the City of Meridian, Pearl River Resort, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Max Haik Automotive Group, WTOK-TV and Coastal Television.
