Congrats to our Burghardt Sporting Goods Athletes of the Month for April & May 2025. Pra'ier Phillips (Track) and Rylee Wendt (Track) for the month of April and Tyler Michalski (Boys Golf) and Valentina Martinez (Girls Soccer) for the month of May. These four 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 Track Coach, Danielle Hawkins had this to say of Pra'ier and Riley, “Pra'ier is having an excellent sophomore season! She is consistently placing in the top 3 in both of her events and is a pivotal member of the 4x4. She is someone who does the work and understands what it takes to get better. She pushes others around her to strive for excellence and continues to grow and learn in every way she can. We are looking forward to seeing what Pra'ier will do in this upcoming post season!"

"Rylee has had an excellent track and field season so far this year. He continues to grow significantly in his events. He has consistently placed 1st in the 110HH and the 300H events in every outdoor meet we have been in this season so far. At indoor state, he took 3rd overall in the 60H, with all divisions of competitions lumped together. Rylee has also grown significantly as a leader, not only consistently leading by example, but also by being vocal, pushing others to do and be the best they can be. He has big goals not only for himself, but this team as well."

Head Boys Golf coach, Tom Brown said, “Tyler is as dedicated to golf as an athlete can be. He is disciplined and works on his game at every practice and on his own outside of practice as well. He is currently the #1 ranked golfer in the Metro Classic Conference. Tyler also gets along well with his teammates and his competitors. His focus, drive, and sportsmanship set a great example of what it looks like to represent Martin Luther in the sport of golf."

Head Girls Soccer coach, Lindsey Arendt said, "Valentina has been a steady and uplifting presence for our soccer program this season. Her work ethic, commitment to growth, and willingness to learn are evident in every practice and game. She has selflessly stepped into multiple positions when the team needed her, doing so without complaint or hesitation—always trusting her coaches and putting the team first. Valentina leads with humility, encourages her teammates consistently, and models strong communication and sportsmanship. Her positive attitude, quiet leadership, and perseverance through challenges make her a true example of what it means to be a Spartan athlete rooted in faith and love."

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.