Congratulations to Dominik Tomaj and Sasha Jackson for earning Student-Athlete of the Month for October! This new program aims to celebrate the tremendous student-athletes that we have here in WB. Each month, coaches have the opportunity to nominate up to 1 male and/or 1 female to be selected. The WBHS Administration Team is given the nominations and selects that given month's recipients through a voting process. Selection criteria includes: Athletic Excellence, Academics (3.0 GPA or higher), Leadership, Sportsmanship, Character, etc. Winners receive a Laker Anchor trophy and certificate, and their names and pictures are posted in a special board for a month. October Student-Athletes of the Month: Dominik Tomaj- WBHS Boys Varsity Soccer (nominated by Coach Kosteski)- "I am proud to nominate Dominik Tomaj for Student-Athlete of the Month in recognition of his outstanding performance in academics, athletics, leadership, and overall commitment. - Academic Excellence: Dominik demonstrates responsibility and dedication to his academic success while maintaining a strong balance between schoolwork and his athletic commitments. - Athletic Excellence: As a senior player and team captain, Dominik consistently demonstrates excellent soccer skills, determination, and commitment. He leads by example through his performances, work ethic, and dedication to helping the team succeed. - Leadership: Dominik is a positive role model for his teammates. He demonstrates maturity, respect, accountability, and the ability to motivate and encourage others. His leadership and experience make him an important part of our Lakers soccer program. - Effort: Dominik consistently gives his best effort in practices and games. He approaches challenges with a positive attitude, works hard to improve, and demonstrates a willingness to put the team's success ahead of individual recognition. - Overall Recommendation: Dominik represents the qualities of an outstanding student-athlete. His dedication, character, leadership, and commitment to excellence make him a deserving candidate for Athlete of the Month. I am proud to have him represent the West Bloomfield Lakers soccer program." **************************** Sasha Jackson- WBHS Girls Varsity Volleyball (nominated by Coach Armstrong)- "Sasha Jackson has officially surpassed 1,000 recorded varsity digs, becoming the FIRST player in WBHS history to reach this remarkable achievement! In volleyball, a dig is a defensive play that keeps the ball from hitting the floor after an opponent’s attack, allowing the team to continue the rally. Sasha’s impact on our volleyball program goes far beyond the numbers. As a tremendously talented defensive player, Sasha has been the starting varsity libero since her freshman year, consistently demonstrating exceptional skill, court awareness, quickness, and an unmatched ability to keep the ball alive. Her relentless pursuit of every ball, incredible instincts, and determination to never give up on a play make her an extraordinary competitor and one of the top defensive players in our district. Throughout her three seasons at WBHS, Sasha has continued to elevate her game while setting the standard for hard work, grit, and consistency. Her dedication to her craft, commitment to her teammates, and natural leadership have made her an invaluable part of our program. Now a junior and one of our varsity captains, Sasha leads by example every time she steps on the court, inspiring those around her through her work ethic, competitive spirit, and passion for the game. Sasha’s varsity career digs by season: Freshman Year: 197 digs Sophomore Year: 401 digs Junior Year: 402 digs Career Total: 1,000+ Digs and Counting! Sasha is truly the heart, soul, and backbone of our volleyball program. Her ability to anchor our defense, energize her teammates, and make game-changing plays is a testament to her tremendous talent and unwavering dedication. Reaching 1,000 career digs is an extraordinary accomplishment, and the fact that she is the first player in West Bloomfield High School history to do so makes this milestone even more special. We are incredibly proud of Sasha, not only for this historic achievement, but also for the competitor, leader, and teammate she continues to be. She represents WBHS Volleyball with tremendous pride, and we cannot wait to see what else she accomplishes! Congratulations, Sasha, on an incredible milestone! Your hard work, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make WBHS Volleyball better. Keep digging, keep leading, and keep making history! We are so proud of you and want to nominate you for Student-Athlete of the Month!" Join me in congratulating Dominik and Sasha for being the recipients of our OCTOBER STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE MONTH AWARD! Go Lakers! Tom DeGrand