Atlanta Public Schools Athletes of the Month (September 2026)

Boys Athlete of the Month: Caden Houston

Sports: Football

Grade: 9th

Hudl Highlights: Caden Highlights

Septmeber Accomplishments: 833 passing yards, 10 passing Touchdowns, 445 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns

Coach quote: ” Caden has improved greatly and shown a lot of growth at a young age.”- coach Rodney Cofield

Future Plans: Caden is hoping for an invite to a Freshman All-American game.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Zykeiria Stephens

Sports: Cheerleading

Grade: 11th

Coach quote: “Zykeiria is a hardworking and dependable student-athlete who consistently demonstrates responsibility and commitment to the cheer program. She communicates effectively with her coaches and fellow cheerleaders and can always be counted on to support her team. Her positive attitude, reliability, and strong work ethic make her a valuable member of our cheerleading program.” – coach Bethani McDaniel

Future Plans: Zykeiria plans to attend to college and major in Nursing focusing on pediatrics.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Kemal Verdell

Hudl page: Kemal Verdell Highlights

Sports: Football

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Season stats (as of 10/1/2026): 17 Tackles, 7 Assist Tackles, 3 Passing Break Ups, 1 Tack for loss

Coach quote: “Kemal is a well-rounded student-athlete who successfully balances the demands of dual enrollment courses at Georgia State University and Carver Early College while excelling in athletics. A four-year starter at defensive back, he has made a tremendous impact not only on the football program but throughout the school community. His dedication, discipline, and athletic ability extend beyond the football field, as he also competes as a member of the track and field team. Kemal’s ability to maintain his academic responsibilities while contributing at a high level in multiple sports is a true reflection of his character, work ethic, and commitment to excellence.” – Coach Darren Myles

Future Plans: Attend college on a football scholarship and pursue a degree in Computer Science.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Aubree Hill

Sports: Cheerleading

Grade: 10th

September Accomplishments: Placed 3rd in the Roswell Cheer Competition.

Coach quote: “Aubree Hill is a consistent, loyal, and outstanding cheerleader who continues to exemplify excellence. She is kind, dependable and always willing to encourage those around her. Aubree is an exceptional scholar who takes pride in her academics and carries herself with maturity and integrity.” – Coach Aleya Caster

Future Plans: Aubree’s future goal is to attend college and major in law. She hopes to pursue a career in the legal field and make a positive impact in her community.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Raniya Hammonds

Sports: Cheerleading

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Raniya Hammond has served as a varsity cheerleader three years and continues to demonstrate strong leadership as a captain on the Varsity sideline and competition teams. This year, she was elected Ms. Black and Gold by her peers. Raniya consistently steps up when her team needs her, leading by example while remaining level-headed, positive, and encouraging through every situation. She was also recently inducted into the AJ Terrell Ambassador Program, further recognizing her leadership and character. In the classroom, Raniya maintains a 3.6 GPA with ambitions to attend college on a cheer or acrobatic scholarship.

Coach quote: “Raniya is the perfect example of a supportive athlete who understands her role and embraces whatever her team needs from her.” – Coach Jayla Bailey and Amanda Harrison.

Future Plans: My future plans are to go to a four-year university and major in sports management.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Tyler Johnson

Hudl page: Tyler Johnson Highlights

Sports: Football

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Had a big interception vs. Carver (Columbus)

Coach quote: “Tyler Johnson is very consistent both in the classroom and on the field. He is the leader of our defense.”- Stanley Pritchett head football coach

Future Plans: In the future, I want to go to college earn a degree in computer science. I want to work hard in school and football so I can reach my goals of going to the NFL and build a successful future for myself.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Deasia Jones

Sports: Flag Football

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: In the month of September, Deasia has caught 23 passes for 450+ yards and 12 TDs playing WR on offense. Playing safety defense, she has 6 INTs. She is also our punter and has helped the team on all sides of the ball.

Coach quote: “She’s everything to our team. She’s an asset on all sides of the ball. When 25 is hot, we’re hot! She is our difference maker and the face if flag football at MJHS.” Coaches: Thaddeus Brown, Omar Gibson, Desmond Lee, Timika Pearson, and Krystle Scarbough

Future Plans: Deasia is a graduating senior with plans to play flag football at the next level. She is excited about the growth of the sport and the opportunities she has to be a part of that history.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Bralyn “Bump Bump” Clayton

Sports: Football

Grade: 11th

September Accomplishments: Bralyn leads the teams in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks.

Coach quote: “That boy be sticking. He makes people go the other way. They go backwards.”” – Eric Williams, Maynard H. Jackson head football coach.

Future Plans: Bralyn wants to be a child therapist with his own private practice. He also wants to run a non-profit to help teens with their growth and development.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Arianna Flowers

Sports: Softball   

Grade: 10th

Septmeber Accomplishments: Batting Avg.: .727, SLG: 1.182, Hits: 8, RBIs: 8, Ks (Pitching): 34, Opponent Batting Avg: .200

Coach quote: “Arianna Flowers is key piece to what we do at Mays Highschool. She is a true team-player. She possesses the skill to control the game and has an amazing attitude. Additionally, after struggling her freshman year, she has put in the work to dominate and have an awesome sophomore season.” – Coach Travis Williams

Future Plans: Arianna Flowers, sophomore, has ambitions to purse a career as a veterinarian.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Kenneth Newton

Hudl page: Kenneth Newton Highlights

Sports: Football

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Kenneth Newton had three interceptions, 24 tackles, and five pass break ups.

Future Plans: Kenneth plans to attend college and play football.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Tenecia Richardson

Sports: Flag Football

Grade: 11th

September Accomplishments: Tenecia had two rushing touchdowns, one passing touchdown, one punt return TD, and 10 flag pulls

Coach quote: “Tenecia pushes herself outside of her comfort zone and is always striving to be a better version of herself.” – Coach Josh Washington

Future Plans: Tenecia wants to pursue playing flag football and basketball at to college level.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Vihaan Devireddy

Sports: Cross Country

Grade: 10th

September Accomplishments: Second place finish in APS Cross Country City Championship.

Coach quote: “Vihaan works hard and pushes himself to be better.” — Coach Isaac Seals

Future Plans: Undecided

Girls Athlete of the Month: Leilani Fullilove

Sports: Flag Football

Grade:10th

September Accomplishments: Flag Football started the year 2-0

Future Plans: Attend college.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Andre Taylor Jr.

Sports: Football

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Zero sacks allowed.

Future Plans: Attend college.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Aguan Deng

Sports: Softball

Grade: 11th

September Accomplishments: Batting average continues to climb. She has been driving the ball for extra bases with a homerun, 1 triple, multiple doubles and catching a number of pops that have come her way.

Coach quote: “Aguan has come a long way since last year. She has started to bring more power to the lineup this season. She has made every hit count and rising her average as a result of her dedication. She has bought both power and passion to the team this season.” – coach Jasmine Ramey

Future Plans: Undecided

Boys Athlete of the Month: Tashawn Beasley

Sports: Cross Country

Grade: 9th

September Accomplishments: Tashawn’s time continues to decrease. He achieved his PR in the APS Cross Country Championships.

Coach quote: “Tashawn is actively committed to two athletic training program and Dukes foundation, sometimes participating in three activities in one day. No complaints and gives maximum effort daily.” – coach Brandon Hackney

Future Plans: Tashawn plans to attend college. He is not sure what he would like to major in but he enjoys learning new things.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Kaylee Pinkston

Sports: Flag Football

Grade: 11th

September Accomplishments: After earning Defensive Player of the Year honors last season, Kaylee has picked up right where she left off. Through the first four games of the season, she has recorded an impressive 10 sacks and has consistently disrupted opposing offenses by living in the backfield. Her exceptional football IQ, lateral quickness, and relentless pursuit of the ball make her one of the most difficult defenders to block.

Coach quote: “Kaylee is the leader of our defense and represents everything we stand for as a unit—relentless effort, discipline, and execution. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence set the standard for our team.”- coach Gregory Sullivan

Future Plans: Kaylee plans to attend college after high school and hopes to continue her athletic career by earning a flag football scholarship.

Boys Athlete of the Month: Nasir Culpepper

Sports: Football

Grade: 12^th

September Accomplishments: Nasir has been a cornerstone of both the offensive and defensive lines this season. As a vocal leader in the trenches, he ensures his teammates are aligned, focused, and prepared to execute at a high level. His leadership, toughness, and consistency have made him an invaluable contributor on both sides of the ball.

Coach quote: “Nasir is the heart and soul of our offensive and defensive lines. His presence elevates the performance of everyone around him, and his leadership is a major reason for our success.”- coach Jamison

Future Plans: Daiveonte plans to continue his academic and athletic career by playing football at the collegiate level while pursuing his educational goals.

Girls Athlete of the Month: Amaris Jackson

Sports: Volleyball

Grade: 12th

September Accomplishments: Matches Played 8, Sets Played 18, Kills 12, Assists 18, Aces 9, Digs 13, Blocks 4, Serve Receives 19, Hitting % .285

Coach quote: “Consistency pays off.” – Coach Rheta Shaw-Smith

Future Plans: My future plans are to attend college and major in Business and Marketing, with a minor in Culinary Arts.

Boys Athlete of the Month: JaQuavius Vaughn

Sports: Football

Grade: 12th

Hudl Page: JaQuavius Vaughn Highlights

September Accomplishments: Rushing: 30 carries for 497 yards
Receiving: 20 receptions for 609 yards
Total Offensive Yards: 1,106 yards
Tackles: 20 solo tackles
Tackles for Loss: 10

Coach quote: “Game ain’t based on sympathy.” – Coach Kenneth Miller

Future Plans: Keith Reid’s future plans are to play college sports and major in Wildlife Biology.