Indians of the Month: October 2025

The following athletes were chosen by their coaches as Indians of the Month for October 2025.

VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

Laura Ruiz Rendon - SR L #7

Laura Ruiz Rendon has been a game-changer since she stepped on campus last year. The growth I saw in her this last month of volleyball was amazing. Not only was she improving her skills and asking for extra reps in areas she felt weak in, but she also grew in her leadership as a senior. She was always putting herself out there on the court, sacrificing her body, but now she was sacrificing and putting herself out there in another way. She gave many motivational talks and challenges in our state-run run, trying to bolster the girls in huddles during practices and games. It was evident to all the players that she wanted to win a State Championship through her talk and her walk. Her play and leadership helped us get as far as we did. -coach Matt Heyl

VARSITY SOFTBALL

Juliana Roberts - JR C #23

This month's Indian of the Month goes to a player who has made an incredible impact in every aspect of the game. She has been a consistent contributor on both offense and defense, always finding ways to help the team succeed. Her leadership, dedication, and "team-first" mindset set the standard for what it means to wear the uniform. Loyal, hardworking, and passionate about the game, she gives her best effort every day and inspires those around her to do the same. She truly embodies what it means to be an outstanding player to our program. -coach Jenny Long

VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Hudson Penland - SO

Consistency was the key this season for Hudson. He never missed a practice or a meet, providing needed stability and dependability for the Indians. He made the most of his first-ever cross country season, finishing inside the team's top-5 runners every single meet. He gave it all during each race, demonstrating an obvious desire to challenge himself and help the team. -coach Jamie Jimison

VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Avery Keim - JR

Avery demonstrated character, consistency, and leadership throughout this cross country season. She was a key contributor every step of the way for the Lady Indians, running her best when it mattered most. Avery had a strong 3rd-place All-Region run, elevating TFS to a first-ever Region Championship. Saving her best for last, she ran a lifetime best at the GIAA State Championship, while helping TFS to a landmark runner-up finish. -coach Jamie Jimison

PRECISION RIFLE

Mitchell McGahee - SR

Mitchell shot in the SE Regional monthly match in Anniston, AL, and made the finals in a strong field. -coach Tim Stamey

VARSITY BOYS SWIMMING

Caden Polley - SR

Caden is our senior captain on the boys side. He is very intentional in his leadership style. A dedicated athlete and teammate, we are already seeing fast swims from this young man. -coach Chris Kafsky

VARSITY GIRLS SWIMMING

Selah Wiltshire - SR

Selah is a senior captain. She has started this season wiht a purpose to lead and help continue our great swim culture. Her many stroke disciplines anchor our team. -coach Chris Kafsky

MS BOYS TENNIS

Javier Crespo - 8TH #1 Singles

The Indian of the Month for October is Javier Crespo. Javier had an incredible season for the boys tennis program. He led the way at the 1-singles position all season and helped his team win its third straight Southern Mountain League championship. Javier was unstoppable in the SML tournament, winning 8-3 in the semifinals against Banks County and dominating Rabun County in the final 8-1. Javier always had a great attitude and was always willing to help his teammates with their strategy and tennis technique. Javier is a deserving winner of the Indian of the Month and has a great future in tennis. -coach Anthony Cox

MS GIRLS TENNIS

Quinn Fessett & Olivia Newkirk - 8TH/5TH #2 Doubles

The Indian of the Month for MS girls tennis is the doubles combo of Quinn Fessett and Olivia Newkirk. Quinn, in her second year of tennis, found a renewed competitiveness and focus the latter half of the season. She was very steady leading her doubles team both vocally and by example. Olivia showed unbelievable growth throughout the course of the season, having just started practicing tennis in June. Her progress became evident late in the season. This doubles combo of Quinn and Olivia played a flawless match to clinch the girls team's first round Southern Mountain League victory over Rabun Gap to propel the team to the semifinals. They both showed poise and leadership to make it happen. -coach Anthony Cox

MS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Lincoln Penland - 8TH

Lincoln demonstrated tremendous leadership and character all season. Consistently, near the front of the Indians charge at every meet, he placed 3rd overall at the Tri-State Championships en route to a TFS victory. Lincoln followed that with 2 strong performances running for the TFS Varsity team, finishing in the team's top 4 in both meets. -coach Jamie Jimison

MS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Adaline Erdahl - 5TH

Adaline was a consistent top performer for the Lady Indians throughout the Cross Country season. She placed 4th overall at the Tri-State Championships, helping the team secure the team win. Adaline worked incredibly hard throughout the season, always bringing a smile to practice and challenging herself. -coach Jamie Jimison

MS BOYS SWIMMING

Logan Thompson - 8TH

Logan Thompson competed in four events (2 individuals and 2 relays) in his first swim meet of the season. Logan won first place in all four events with time improvements in each. Logan is a driven young man who has an incredible work ethic. Logan is also a leader on the swim team where he shows encouragement to his teammates. He passion and drive is infectious among the team. -coach Jinny Hanifan-Wagner

MS GIRLS SWIMMING

Kayleigh McEntire - 7TH

Kayleigh McEntire earned 18 points for the girls MS Swim Team in her first meet of the season. She placed 1st in the 50 yard Fly and the 100 yard Free where she dropped significant time in both events. Kayleigh, a veteran swimmer, has stepped up into a leadership role this season. Kayleigh is a wonderful teammate who comes to practice with a positive attitude and a drive to excel. -coach Jinny Hanifan-Wagner