Congrats to our Burghardt Sporting Goods Athletes of the Month for February 2026, Valentino Vargas (Boys Wrestling) and Bryson Dorris (Boys Basketball). These two wonderful student athletes set a good example for others and exhibit the greatest all around attributes of our Core Values: Relationships, Communication, Growth, Love & Biblical Truth and our #PillarsofAthletics: Faith, Excellence, Commitment and Character. #AOTM

Head Boys Softball Coach, Dax Rodriguez had this to say of Lauryn, “Lauryn is new to softball, and it has been a pleasure to see her grow in her knowledge and confidence in the sport. Our staff has consistently noticed her effort and hustle on the field. She is willing to learn the game and is always asking questions to get better. Lauryn is going to be an important part of our team this season, and we are thankful for her effort!"

Head Girls Soccer coach, Lindsey Arendt had this to say about Stephanie, “Even at the start of our season, Stephanie has shown outstanding leadership, commitment, and work ethic. During the offseason, she took initiative by organizing team weight room workouts without being asked and consistently communicates with teammates to keep them engaged. While currently injured, Stephanie has shown incredible perseverance and a positive attitude. She has not complained and instead continues to support the team, stepping into a leadership role by encouraging and guiding her teammates.

Stephanie exemplifies our core values through her accountability, teamwork, discipline, and willingness to grow. She leads by example, demonstrates strong character, and brings a positive, team-first mindset every day. Stephanie is a role model for our program and truly deserving of Athlete of the Month."

Martin Luther High School recognizes an Athlete of the Month each month of the school year. Using the selection criteria below, the coaching staff of each varsity sport being played during any given month will nominate one individual in a sport being played that month. The ML Admin team will select a winner from the pool of nominees based on the selection criteria below in addition to performance statistics from competitions during that month.

Athlete of the Month selection will be based on the following criteria based of our core values:

Relationships

Commitment (toward practices, games and continued improvement)

Teamwork

Communication

Focus and Discipline

Accountability for oneself and others

Growth

Positive attitude and enthusiasm for their sport both on and off the field/court

Work Ethic

Willingness to learn (coachability)

Perseverance (overcoming challenges)

Love

Sportsmanship (respect coaches, officials, opponents, teammates)

Honesty (playing by rules, character)

Biblical Truth

Community service and involvement

Demonstrates their faith on a consistent basis.

It should be noted that the Athlete of the Month may not merely be the “star” player, but rather a team member who sets a good example for others and exhibits the greatest all around attributes of our core values.