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 Meridian.
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