State Games 2026 Ochsner Rush Health Athletes of the Year Named
MERIDIAN, MS – Combining the grit to rise above an injury and the dedication to stay with a sport throughout their lives, three top athletes who participated in the 2026 State Games of Mississippi have been named Ochsner Rush Health Athletes of the Year.
This year’s honorees are Wyatt Benvenutti of Bay St. Louis (Youth Athlete of the Year), Debra Everett of Collinsville (Female Athlete of the Year) and Mark Flores of Hattiesburg (Male Athlete of the Year).
The 2026 State Games of Mississippi welcomed more than 5,000 amateur athletes competing in more than 41 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 2026 Volunteer of the Year, Chance Davidson of Collinsville. Chance has been part of the State Games of Mississippi family for years. He first worked as a high school intern and has continued to return year after year, always willing to lend a hand wherever he’s needed.
Chance is a graduate of West Lauderdale High School, class of 2020, and earned a degree from the University of Mississippi in 2024. He recently completed his Master Electrician licensing and now works for Davidson and Sons Electric Company. When he’s not on the job, you’ll likely find him on the tennis court competing in local leagues in Meridian.
Wyatt Benvenutti — 2026 Youth Athlete of the Year
Wyatt Benvenutti, who plays junior high baseball, overcame a serious injury to continue to play and to win. This Bay St. Louis native was involved in a baseball-related accident in 2024 that left him permanently blind in his right eye. After three surgeries and six months of recovery, he worked tirelessly to adapt to his vision loss, rebuild his depth perception, and return to the game “he loves,” he said. “No matter what challenges I face, my faith reminds him that the accident is only part of my story and will never define my future.”
The 13-year-old attends St. Stanislaus Junior High School and has been playing baseball for eight years, competing in the State Games of Mississippi for the past two years. In 2026, Wyatt helped lead his team to a gold medal while posting an impressive .400 batting average, 3 RBIs, 2 runs scored, and 2 stolen bases.
Debrah Everett — 2026 Female Athlete of the Year
Debrah Everett has been playing beach volleyball for 28 years and credits the sport with teaching her discipline, resilience, teamwork, and the value of relationships.
Debrah hails from Collinsville and has competed in State Games of Mississippi four-person beach volleyball nearly every year since 2004, earning three gold, five silver, and three bronze medals.
Beyond competing, Debrah has made a lasting impact as a coach. She was recognized as one of Mississippi’s 2025-26 Tomorrow’s 25 Coaches, led her team to a district championship and a South State Semifinal appearance in 2023 — always building lifelong relationships with her athletes.
Mark Flores — 2026 Male Athlete of the Year
Mark Flores of Hattiesburg has been a devoted table tennis player for 31 years — although 2026 was his debut competition in the State Games of Mississippi. He made an immediate impact at the Games, earning the gold medal in Men’s Table Tennis.
Mark says table tennis is a sport he has loved since he was 10 years old. “It has become an essential part of my life, providing opportunities to meet incredible people and create lasting connections,” he said.
Thanks to table tennis, Mark was able to attend a prestigious university in the Philippines, where he represented his school in the University Athletic Association for five years. Mark continues to compete, he said, “because the sport gives me motivation, keeps me moving forward, and serves as a powerful tool for overcoming life’s challenges.”
Other nominees for the 2026 Ochsner Rush Health Athlete of the Year included:
2 Gun John Michael Pratt
5K Road Race Briggs Blackledge
Youth Archery Ben Jeane
All-Star Baseball Nick Young
High School Baseball Adam Rugg
Youth Baseball Bo Moffett
Bowling Brennen Cobb
Cornhole Wayne Perkins
Disc Golf Hayden Bain
Fencing Sean Thomas Holmes
Mountain Bike Trey Spillman
Paddle Race Chilly Billy Howell
Pickleball Theodore Sholette
Pistol Competition Kerry Smith
Youth Soccer – Female Madilyn Thomas
Youth Soccer – Male Jett Dotson
Youth Softball Oakleigh Davis
Softball High School Nala Duckworth
Stickball Debash Ben
Masters Swimming Tedd Gilbert
Swimming Youth Kaylin (K.K.) Ramirez
Junior Tennis Hayes Holliman
Trail Run Michelle Heidelberg
Ultimate Flying Disc Paul Ballard
Volleyball 2 Person Hayden Reid
About the State Games of Mississippi
Now in its 35th year, the State Games of Mississippi continues to provide premier athletic competition for amateur athletes from across the state, featuring more than 41 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, Mac Haik Automotive, Meridian Community College, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians & Pearl River Resort, The Paul and Sherry Broadhead Foundation and WTOK-TV.
For more information, call 601-482-0205 or visit www.stategamesofms.org.