Athlete of the Month: Celebrating Excellence in Local Sports Teams

Advertise | Subscribe | Submissions | Podcasts | Radio

THESE LOCAL BUSINESSES SUPPORT OUR ATHLETES

Collinsville Gators' Van Keulen Swims On Two SWISA Relays Championship Teams

July 2 2025 at 12:17 PM

GRANITE CITY - Tate Van Keulen enjoyed a highly successful Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association...

Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of Mo.: Hard Work Fuels Isaiah Smith’s Sports Excellence

July 1 2025 at 10:55 AM

WOOD RIVER - Isaiah Smith, a rising senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized...

Stillwater Senior Living Female Athletes of Mo.: Petrillo, Willaredt, IESA State Track Efforts Saluted

July 1 2025 at 10:16 AM

GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 recognized two Coolidge Junior High School students...

Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete Of Mo.: Finely Hatfield’s Dual Sport Commitment Highlights Athletic Versatility

June 30 2025 at 1:49 PM

GRANITE CITY - Finely Hatfield, a 13-year-old swimmer for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City,...

Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athletes Of Mo.: Lady Griffins Girls Volleyball Secures First With Undefeated Varsity Run

June 30 2025 at 11:26 AM

GLEN CARBON - The Lady Griffins varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams from Father McGivney Catholic...

Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete Of Mo.: Justin Terhaar Sets New McGivney Baseball Record With 62 Hits

June 26 2025 at 11:50 AM

GLEN CARBON - Justin Terhaar, a senior from Father McGivney Catholic High School, concluded a historic...

Morgan Mitton Swims Well In SWISA Relays For Montclaire Club, Hopes To Break Records

June 25 2025 at 5:09 PM

GRANITE CITY - Morgan Mitton, 15, had a very successful run in the Southwestern Illinois Swimming...

Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month: Jersey Girls Softball Star Ellie Davis Excels In 2025

June 25 2025 at 3:20 PM

JERSEY - Ellie Davis, a pitcher and first baseman for the Jersey Girls softball team, has been named...

BJ's Printables Female Athlete Of Mo.: Bivens Recognized For Defensive Play In Girls Soccer

June 23 2025 at 2:54 PM

EDWARDSVILLE — Alyssa Bivens, a key defensive player for Metro East Lutheran High School’s...

Midwest Members Female Athlete Of Mo.: Fallyn Sanders Excels in Cheerleading/Soccer At EAWR

June 23 2025 at 10:56 AM

EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Fallyn Sanders, a rising senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has bee...

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete Of Mo.: CM's Bella Thien Balances Athletics/Academics

June 20 2025 at 4:12 PM

BETHALTO - Slugger Bella Thien finished at the top of the Civic Memorial High School charts for RBI...

BJ's Printables Female Athlete Of Mo.: Alexa Stock Excels In Multi-Sports: Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball

June 20 2025 at 3:50 PM

EDWARDSVILLE — Alexa Stock, a junior at Metro East Lutheran High School, has been recognized...

BJs Printables Female Athlete of the Month: MELHS Sprinter Abby Packer Earns State Track Meet Spot

June 19 2025 at 2:57 PM

EDWARDSVILLE - Abby Packer, a graduated senior for Metro East Lutheran High School, qualified for...

Jenny Brown Emerges As Roxana’s Key Pitcher This Softball Season

June 19 2025 at 1:52 PM

ROXANA - Jenny Brown emerged as the ace pitcher for Roxana's girls' softball team, which closed wit...

Auto Butler Male Athlete Of Month: Hickman’s Performance A Highlight For Alton Redbirds’ Baseball Campaign

June 19 2025 at 10:00 AM

ALTON - Logan Hickman, an upcoming senior at Alton High School, has a bright future ahead as a Redbirds...

Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete Of Month: Griffin Leads CM Softball With Dual Threat Skills

June 18 2025 at 2:26 PM

BETHALTO — Megan Griffin delivered a standout performance for Civic Memorial High School’s...

Softball Standout Ava Cherry Delivers Key Performances for Roxana

June 18 2025 at 1:30 PM

ROXANA — Ava Cherry, a versatile athlete for the Roxana Shells, has made significant contributions...

Makenzie Rayfield Was Solid Rock For Alton's Girls Softball Squad

June 18 2025 at 10:37 AM

EDWARDSVILLE --- Makenzie Rayfield, who was a junior for the Alton High School softball team,...

Broyles Has Big Spring Season For Piasa Birds Girls Softball

June 11 2025 at 2:31 PM

PIASA — Kailyn Broyles had a standout season for the Southwestern girls softball team in 2025,...

Southwestern’s Thor Springman Named Male Athlete of Month

June 10 2025 at 2:32 PM

PIASA - Thor Springman, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, emerged as a key contributor during...

At Riverbender.com, the spirit of competition and sportsmanship comes alive as we honor the exceptional achievements of individual athletes across 12 distinguished local high school teams. Our Athlete of the Month feature shines a spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond on the field, displaying excellence, dedication, and a love for the game. From the relentless determination of the Edwardsville Tigers to the unwavering teamwork of the Alton Redbirds, we celebrate these athletes who inspire us all. Join us in recognizing the Athlete of the Month, a tribute to hard work, talent, and the vibrant sports community in our region. Explore profiles, interviews, highlights, and more, as we pay homage to the local heroes of our favorite sports.