The latest round of high school athletic performances has been tallied, and it is time for the community to cast their votes for the TCPalm Girls Athlete of the Week. This weekly poll highlights the standout achievements of student-athletes across the Treasure Coast, spanning Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. For residents of Vero Beach and the surrounding areas, this week’s slate of nominees features impressive showings from local competitors in weightlifting and basketball.
The poll covers performances from January 26 through January 31, offering a snapshot of the winter sports season as teams push toward playoffs and regional titles. Voting is currently open and will remain live until noon on Thursday. The winner of the fan vote will be awarded a custom Athlete of the Week shirt provided by BSN SPORTS. The weekly feature is sponsored by Audi Stuart.
Local Standouts from Indian River County
Two athletes from Indian River County have made the list of nominees following dominant performances last week.
Representing Vero Beach High School, senior weightlifter Sarah Castanon has been nominated for her critical role in securing team regional titles. Castanon won individual titles in both the Olympic and Traditional categories at the 154-pound weight class, helping lead the Fighting Indians to victory.
From Sebastian River High School, freshman basketball player Ka’Lynn Pound earned a nomination after a stellar game against Fort Pierce Central. The young athlete put up a game-high 17 points, pulled down five rebounds, and recorded two steals during a home win, showcasing the bright future of the Sharks’ program.
Vote Now: The poll is open to the public and accepts votes until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday. Winners are selected based on the fan vote and will be contacted by TCPalm staff.
Full List of Nominees
The competition is fierce this week, with athletes from neighboring counties delivering strong performances in wrestling, soccer, and basketball. The full list of nominees includes:
- Chloelynn Caldwell (St. Lucie West Centennial): The junior wrestler took first place in the 135-pound weight class at the inaugural Tri-County Invitational.
- Sarah Castanon (Vero Beach): The senior weightlifter secured both Olympic and Traditional titles at the 154-pound class, aiding her team’s regional victory.
- Reniah Flynn (Treasure Coast): The senior guard averaged 16.0 points over four games, helping the Titans win three of those matchups.
- Cailen Jones (South Fork): During a 5-0 Region 4-5A Final win over Jensen Beach, the junior forward recorded two goals and two assists.
- Luciana Licht (Martin County): The junior forward scored the only goal in a decisive 1-0 victory over West Boca Raton in the Region 4-6A Final.
- Ka’Lynn Pound (Sebastian River): The freshman basketball player led her team with 17 points, five rebounds, and two steals in a win over Fort Pierce Central.
- Paige Sossi (South Fork): Like her teammate Jones, this senior forward tallied two goals and two assists in the Bulldogs’ regional final win.
- Olivia Titherington (Lincoln Park Academy): The senior guard dominated with a game-high 23 points, adding three rebounds and three assists in a win over Treasure Coast.
- Quisiera Wilson (Lincoln Park Academy): The junior wrestler won first place in the 170-pound weight class at the first annual Tri-County Invitational.
Residents are encouraged to support these local athletes by participating in the online poll before the Thursday deadline.
