Athletes from 11 different schools have been named the Chagrin Valley Conference Athletes of the Week for the week ending Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Each athlete was nominated by his or her coach. All statistics incurred from Monday, May 5, 2025, through Sunday, May 11, 2025.
BASEBALL
Name: Sam Barcikoski
School: Berkshire
Grade: 11
Stats: Went 1-0 on the mound, allowing just three hits with 10 strikeouts in seven scoreless innings; finished the week leading the team with eight stolen bases and tied for the team lead with seven runs scored; second on the team in hits and doubles
Coach’s Quote: “Sam has been a steady piece of our lineup and pitching rotation all year,” said Berkshire coach Brian Hiscox. “When we score runs, it’s usually because he is getting on base as our leadoff guy and creating havoc on the bases. When he pitches, we know he’s going to be around the zone and compete. He makes opposing teams swing the bat and doesn’t give up a lot of free passes, giving our team a great opportunity to win if we can provide run support.”
Name: David Crooks
School: Independence
Grade: 10
Stats: Batted .500 (5-for-10) with five runs scored, five RBI, and three walks; posted a .615 on-base percentage with a .500 slugging percentage
Coach’s Quote: “David Crooks has one of the best approaches at the plate on the entire team, never looking to do too much, but hunting for line drives and singles,” said Independence coach Jim Crooks. “It’s been a successful approach not only for him, but the entire team, as his consistency helps to turn the lineup over and get us back to the top of the order.”
Name: Ethan Malek
School: Beachwood
Grade: 11
Stats: Batted .571 (8-for-14) with a .684 on-base percentage and .857 slugging percentage, four doubles, three walks, one run scored, two stolen bases, and eight RBI
Coach’s Quote: “Ethan was on fire at the plate this week and was a driving force in three of our wins,” said Beachwood coach Matt Lamovec. “He will be an integral part of our offense and pitching rotation as we prepare for the tournament.”
Name: Eric Nemunaitis
School: Chagrin Falls
Grade: 11
Stats: Batted .455 (5-for-11) with two runs scored, two RBI, and two stolen bases; pitched three innings of relief
Coach’s Quote: “Eric has been a solid, steady player all season long,” said Chagrin Falls coach Michael Sweeney. “He has played excellent defense at second base and has been a consistent bat in the lineup, hitting in the No. 2 spot. He gives us depth on the mound as we can count on him to pitch at any moment. Eric is an outstanding teammate as well. He is willing to do whatever is asked of him.”
Name: Andrew Oros
School: Geneva
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .500 (7-for-14) with three doubles, one triple, one home run, four RBI, and seven runs scored
Coach’s Quote: “Andrew has been a true leader to this team and an incredible role model to our community,” said Geneva coach Clay Fertig. “He works hard, does the right thing when nobody’s watching, and has his priorities in order.”
Name: Devin Salinas
School: Jefferson
Grade: 11
Stats: Batted .600 (6-for-10) with a home run and six RBI
Coach’s Quote: “Devin has set the tone for our offense since moving to the leadoff position,” said Jefferson coach Scott Barber. “Devin is seeing the ball well and has led our team offensively all season.”
SOFTBALL
Name: Peyton Gambatese
School: West Geauga
Grade: 9
Stats: Batted .666 (8-for-12) with six runs scored and five RBI; recorded three putouts and an assist
Coach’s Quote: “It’s hard to believe Peyton is a freshman as she is so poised behind home plate, has a strong presence, and isn’t afraid to show off her arm getting the attention of baserunners,” said West Geauga coach Mark Percassi. “She’s also tremendous at framing and blocking balls. We’ve even allowed her to call some pitches, and she has a real feel for the game. Her hitting stats speak for itself, but the fact that she’s our two-hitter really says a lot, because we have a talented team, and she really contributes by being a spark near the top of the order. Peyton is also a tremendous middle infielder, but we’ve needed her to play catcher, and she is tremendous there as well. It’s going to be a fun few more years with this young lady.”
Name: Mackayla Gazdak
School: Wickliffe
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .700 (7-for-10) with three doubles, three runs scored, one walk, and seven RBI; posted a 1.000 fielding percentage
Coach’s Quote: “Mackayla continues to be a key contributor both offensively and defensively,” said Wickliffe coach Marlana Mucciarone. “Her presence in the infield brings stability to our defense, while her strong bat and ability to get on base make her a good fit in the leadoff spot to set the tone and create scoring opportunities early and often. A natural, versatile athlete with excellent instincts, she continues to play an important role in our team’s success.”
Name: Natalie Ianetta
School: Edgewood
Grade: 11
Stats: Batted .750 with two doubles, seven RBI, and a .769 on-base percentage
Coach’s Quote: “Natalie has been a spark all season at the top of our lineup,” said Edgewood coach Randy Vencill. “She has also been an anchor behind the plate and has battled through injuries, but keeps on coming back like the Energizer bunny.”
Name: Madeline Infalvi
School: Perry
Grade: 12
Stats: Batted .636 (7-for-11) with a .750 on-base percentage, two doubles, two RBI, and eight runs scored; walked five times and stole four bases; recorded nine putouts and two assists
Coach’s Quote: “Madeline had her strongest performance of the season last week, setting the tone for the team as the leadoff hitter,” said Perry coach Michelle Carino. “Madeline used her speed and ability to get on base to spark the offense. Her timely surge in performance comes at the perfect moment as the team heads into the playoffs.”
Name: Lila Manfredonia
School: Independence
Grade: 9
Stats: Threw a perfect game, striking out all 15 batters she faced; recorded 22 strikeouts in seven innings pitched with zero walks and zero runs allowed; batted .667 (8-for-12) with two home runs, two runs scored, 12 RBI, and four stolen bases; posted a 1.000 fielding percentage
Coach’s Quote: “This past week she came, she conquered, and she left—that’s all one can say about Lila Manfredonia,” said Independence assistant coach Zoltan Zoltai. “She not only enthralled fans at the ball fields with her pitching speed and use of pitches but also stole the spotlight with her power at the plate, hitting doubles, triples, and home runs. She plays at the highest level.”
Name: Brooklyn Whitely
School: Cardinal
Grade: 9
Stats: Batted .444 with one double, two home runs, four RBI, and four runs scored; stole four bases; recorded a .909 fielding percentage
Coach’s Quote: “Brooklyn had a memorable week at the plate,” said Cardinal coach Haley Adams. “She has had games where she has been up and down, but this week she was entirely locked in. She provides some speed for us in the middle of our lineup, but she really showed growth in power with two home runs in back-to-back games. She has a great IQ of the game, and she shows that while running the bases. She is also a very selfless player and will play anywhere at any time for the team.”
TENNIS
Name: Brady Vencill/Matthew Pierce-Ruhland
School: Edgewood
Grade: 10/10
Stats: Went 1-1 on the week
Coach’s Quote: “Brady and Matthew are a new doubles team this year but have been playing together since middle school,” said Edgewood coach Renee’ Mattson. “They are dedicated to improving their game and to having fun on court while doing so. I can’t wait to see what they accomplish next season.”
TRACK & FIELD
Name: Tommy Mooney
School: Chagrin Falls
Grade: 12
Stats: Won the 1600 (4:18.86) and placed sixth in the 800 (1:58.41) at the Woodridge Wrap-Up Invitational
Coach’s Quote: “Tommy has had an outstanding senior season,” said Chagrin Falls coach JJ Laseak. “He has continued to perform at his best during each meet and is focused on making a run, pun intended, in the postseason. The previous week, at the Optimist Meet, Tommy came in first in the 1600 and third in the 3200. I cannot say enough great things that this young man does in one quote. He is fun to coach and to be around and sets a fantastic example for the younger athletes.”
