Athletic trainers with Mercy Sports Medicine are embedded inside many St. Louis metro area high schools and get to know the athletes throughout the year. As a way of highlighting outstanding students from these schools each month, a new Mercy Sports Medicine Athlete of the Month will be recognized. Athletes are nominated by coaches and selected by a committee.
Here are the Mercy Sports Medicine Athletes of the Month for the 2025-2026 school year.
January 2026
Makenzi Howard, a senior basketball player at Pacific High School, excels on and off the court. She’s a standout student maintaining a 4.1 cumulative GPA, and her dedication to academics is mirrored in athletics. She is a team leader, consistently helping guide younger teammates, making sure they understand their roles and encouraging them in a positive way – bringing the team together to play to their full potential. She stands out defensively, relentless on the boards and excels at attacking the basket to score. She volunteers her time at the summer, youth basketball camps, and in the fall she helps with the Little League basketball program. Her strong knowledge of the game and positive attitude make her a model for younger athletes to admire.
Jason Rayborn, a senior multi-sport athlete at Mehlville High School, is a four-year member of the wrestling program and a two-year varsity captain. He is consistently the first one on the mats at practice and gives 100% every at every practice and in classroom. He is a great leader and mentor to younger athletes, always willing to help them improve their skills. He is involved in cross country, track, band and leadership and outside of school volunteers with youth wrestling club. His coaches say he is a great student-athlete and is a prime example of what any coach would look for in an athlete.
December 2025
Campbell McCool, a junior swimmer and lacrosse player at Parkway South High School, pushes everyone on the team to do their best. Her confidence has grown over the years, which translated into leadership on the swim team. She helps creates an environment where it’s not just hard work but a drive to ensure that everyone does their best, which motivates her more than her own success. She earned two double event wins and plays a critical role on the team's relay success. In addition to sports, she is a member of National Honor Society, active in Young Life, volunteers to serve at concession stands and fairs across the St. Louis area, all while maintaining a 4.5 GPA with heavy AP and honors courseloads.
Cameron Nelson, senior wrestler at Saint Louis Priory School, is celebrated as an accomplished scholar and athlete. He scored a 35 on his ACT and has a cumulative 4.58 weighted GPA. As a wrestler, he placed second at districts and qualified for state as a sophomore. He was captain of the team both junior and senior years and founded the school’s Wrestling Club as a junior. He is set to place at districts his senior year, taking him to state and has hopes to finish as a state champion. In the classroom, Nelson earned First Honors all four years, was designated a National Merit Commended Scholar and received the College Board’s School Recognition Award and Presidential Service Award.
November 2025
Viola Johanson, a senior at Union High School, is a leader for both cross country and track in and out of season. She embraces hard work and challenges while always striving to be a better competitor, with aspirations of running at a college level. She pushed through injuries coming back to win three races, including the Four Rivers Conference Championship and Class 4 District 2 race where she ran her personal best 5K time. She earned All State honors with fifth place finish at the Missouri State Cross Country Championship. She takes her classroom work just as seriously maintaining a 4.45 GPA with 13 college-level courses, while balancing leadership in National Honor Society, sports, marching band and a part-time job.
Blake Hallsten, an Oakville High School senior swimmer, pushes himself in the pool and in the classroom. He finished the season with First-Team All Conference in 50-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle events, and earned the opportunity to compete individually in the 500-yard freestyle Class 2 Missouri State Championship. He has been involved with Missouri Youth and Government for two years.
October 2025
Kylee Brandt, a St. Clair High School senior volleyball player, exemplifies what it means to be a true student-athlete. She works hard and is a dedicated student who excels academically while taking rigorous course to prepare for college success. On the court, she is a tremendous leader who encourages her teammates, celebrates their successes and sets the tone with her positive attitude. She has a powerful swing, leading the team with kills for the season, strategically finding openings on the opponent’s court. She is committed to giving back to the program and community, helping lead the school’s volleyball game for grades 3-8 and serving as a role model and mentor for younger athletes.
Joseph Zagarri, a Union High School football player, consistently goes above and beyond to ensure he is the best player, student and person. He works hard on the field and is an outstanding student and leader within the school. His dedication, character and work ethic set a standard for others to follow.
September 2025
Katie Byergo, a senior volleyball player at Parkway West High School, had an outstanding volleyball season. She achieved the milestone of 1,000 career kills and is close to setting a new school record. She is a strong leader for the team in both words and deeds.
Vic Williams, a senior football player at Christian Brothers College High School, is back to full function after a season ending injury as a sophomore and painful junior year. At just 5’7”, he is small in stature for football but makes up for it with his aggressive and tough play on the field. He scored six touchdowns, rushed for 524 yards and averaged 15.9 yards per carry. Outside of sports, he is noted for outstanding character and being a “tremendous human being,” always putting others first with an engaging personality and big smile.
