Here are this week’s nominees for The Arizona Republic’s boy’s and girl’s athletes of the week, sponsored by Diamond Kitchen & Bath. Nominees are based on performances in AIA-sanctioned sports for May 18-23, 2026. Vote for the top selection in each of our polls below. Voting will close at 6 p.m. on Friday and winners will be announced the next day on azcentral.com and in The Arizona Republic on Sunday. Submit a weekly nominee at static.azcentral.com/sports/high-schools/nominations/).
Here are this week’s nominees, followed by poll (scroll down on poll to vote):
Girls
Sydney Root, Phoenix Xavier Prep, softball, So.: She pitched a complete game shutout against Queen Creek in a 6-0 win in the 6A state championship on May 18, throwing nine strikeouts while giving up just three hits and one walk.
Emma Shaffer, Oro Valley Canyon Del Oro, softball, Jr.: She went 1-for-4 against Marana Mountain View in a 4-3 win in the 5A state championship on May 18, hitting a three-run home run in the top of the first inning.
Macee Jackson, Tucson Salpointe Catholic, softball, Sr.: She pitched a complete game against Tucson Mica Mountain in a 4-2 win in the 4A state championship on May 18, throwing eight strikeouts while giving up just two hits and one earned run.
Boys
Parker Rahn, Chandler Hamilton, baseball, Sr.: He went 2-for-4 against Tempe Corona del Sol in a 10-7 win in the 6A state championship on May 19, hitting a double and a home run to finish with 2 RBIs to help lead the comeback victory.
Ashton Sanchez, Chandler, Arizona College Prep, baseball, Sr.: He went 3-for-4 against Scottsdale Horizon in an 11-3 win in the 5A state championship on May 19, finishing with three hits and 2 RBIs, including a home run.
Alain Gomez-Gudino, Scottsdale Saguaro, baseball, Sr.: He went 1-for-3 against ALA Gilbert North in an 11-4 win in the 4A state championship on May 18, hitting a 2-run home run.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Vote, Arizona HS Athletes of the Week, May 18-23, 2026