Vote for The Republic's High School Athletes of the Week, March 23-28

Nominees include standout performances in track and field, softball, and baseball

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:13pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting various high school sports competitions, with sharp planes of color representing the dynamic movements and energy of the athletes.A cubist interpretation of Arizona's top high school athletes in action, celebrating their standout performances across multiple sports.Gilbert Today

The Arizona Republic is holding a poll for this week's high school athletes of the week, sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath. Nominees include Bryn Kupfer in track and field, Ryane Ast in track and field, Savanna Mares in softball, Malachi Joyner in track and field, Donovan Hinchey in track and field, and Will Parker in baseball. Voting will close on Thursday, April 2, and the winners will be announced the next day.

Why it matters

The high school athlete of the week poll celebrates the top performances by Arizona student-athletes and helps recognize their hard work and achievements. It also generates community engagement and interest in local high school sports.

The details

The nominees are based on performances in Arizona Interscholastic Association-sanctioned sports during the week of March 23-28, 2026. Bryn Kupfer won the high jump at the Brophy Fr. Olivier Invitational, Ryane Ast won the 800 meters at the same event, Savanna Mares had strong outings in the circle for Oro Valley Canyon del Oro softball, Malachi Joyner set the state lead in the shot put, Donovan Hinchey won the 110-meter hurdles, and Will Parker hit for the cycle with three RBIs for Mesa Desert Ridge baseball.

  • The poll opened on March 30, 2026.
  • Voting will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The winners will be announced on Friday, April 3, 2026.

The players

Bryn Kupfer

A junior at Snowflake High School who won the high jump at the Brophy Fr. Olivier Invitational on March 27, clearing 5 feet, 6.5 inches to move up to No. 2 in the state.

Ryane Ast

A senior at Waddell Canyon View High School who won the 800 meters at the Brophy Fr. Olivier Invitational on March 27, running 2:12.74 to move up to No. 3 in the state.

Savanna Mares

A freshman at Oro Valley Canyon del Oro High School who had strong outings in the circle, including a 5-1 win over Marana on March 25 and an 8-7 win over Vail Cienega on March 27.

Malachi Joyner

A senior at Gilbert Williams Field High School who won the shot put at the Brophy Fr. Olivier Invitational on March 27, throwing 59 feet, 11 inches to set the state lead.

Donovan Hinchey

A senior at El Mirage Dysart High School who won the 110-meter hurdles at the Valley Classic on March 27, running 14.50 seconds to move up to No. 4 in the state.

Will Parker

A junior at Mesa Desert Ridge High School who hit for the cycle with three RBIs in a 19-8 win over Gilbert on March 24. On the season, he is hitting .488 with six home runs.

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What’s next

Voting will close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026, and the winners will be announced the next day on azcentral.com and in The Republic on Saturday, April 4.

The takeaway

This week's high school athlete of the week nominees showcase the diverse talent and impressive performances across Arizona's high school sports landscape, from track and field to softball to baseball.