Four standout Trojans were recognized for their excellence both on and off the field as Pahrump Valley High School named its Student-Athletes of the Month for August and September. Honored during halftime of the home football game on Friday, October 17, were August awardees Heavenly Ware (Volleyball) and TC Hone (Boys Soccer), along with September honorees Billy Sparks (Football) and Nyomi Skinner (Girls Tennis).
The Student-Athlete of the Month program, overseen by Athletic Director Jennifer Hagstrom, celebrates students who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership, and sportsmanship. Coaches nominate their athletes, and the PVHS teaching staff makes the final selections. Local sponsors supporting the recognition include Fit Zone, Hypno Comics, Our Place Coffee, Iceology, Mia Ava East Coast Pizzeria, and Pahrump Valley Community News.
“We appreciate local businesses supporting PVHS Athletics and most importantly our students,” Hagstrom said. “Each of these young people work hard at their craft, and it’s exciting to have community members take an interest and pay it forward.”
Heavenly Ware – Volleyball (August)
For senior Heavenly Ware, the recognition serves as motivation to keep striving. “I think it keeps me pushing,” she said. “It basically shows that I’m being noticed—my hard work is being noticed.”
Ware, a consistent force on the Lady Trojans’ front line, says her success in balancing academics and athletics comes down to time management. “I think it’s just to not procrastinate,” she explained. “When the work is in front of me, just do it, so later I can just practice.”
As a team leader, Ware focuses on personal connection. “I think talking to my teammates and connecting with them on a deeper level helps,” she said. “When I need to be motivated, I want someone who really knows me—not just telling me what to do.”
She credits Coach Lugo with helping her grow both as an athlete and as a person. “She showed me how important my love for volleyball is. It makes me keep pushing and wanting to put the dedication in to go somewhere within the sport,” Ware said. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a career as a therapist, while continuing to play volleyball beyond high school.
TC Hone – Boys Soccer (August)
Junior TC Hone says being chosen as Student-Athlete of the Month feels rewarding. “It feels good,” he said. “It shows that I’ve been keeping up with my grades and that I’ve been really dedicated to my sport.”
His biggest motivator? His mom. “She’s always checking in on me, making sure my grades are up and that I can keep playing the sport I love,” Hone said. “Also, I push myself—I know a lot of kids don’t want to do the work, but you just have to do it.”
A vocal teammate on the field, Hone believes in unity and communication. “We have good chemistry, so everyone listens to each other,” he said. “Mostly, I just say, ‘Let’s lock in.’”
He credits Callum Atwell, a former PVHS player, as an early role model. “When I was a freshman, he was a junior, and I was really nervous. He took me under his wing and showed me how soccer works here,” Hone recalled.
Balancing travel and academics requires planning. “You definitely have to plan things out, especially taking college classes,” he said. “Sometimes you have to do homework on the bus.” Hone, who still has another year ahead at PVHS, hopes to earn a soccer scholarship and play at the collegiate level—whether in the U.S. or abroad.
Billy Sparks – Football (September)
For junior Billy Sparks, earning the September honor for football was a confidence boost. “It just shows that I can be relied on,” he said. “I’m a good leader, and it makes me feel good about myself and my team.”
Sparks’ leadership shines through his steady attitude during games. “I’m always there to make sure nothing bad happens to our team, to keep our team up,” he said. “Losing or winning, we can’t get ahead of ourselves—we just have to stay grounded.”
He says that mindset is something he learned from Coach Baker, who has had a major influence on him. “He pushes me to my limits,” Sparks said. “He relies on me a lot, and knowing that someone trusts you makes you feel good about yourself.”
Balancing football and academics requires focus and consistency. “I just stay on top of things and don’t let myself fall back,” Sparks said. A multi-sport athlete who also wrestles, Sparks hopes to continue playing football at the college level after graduation.
Nyomi Skinner – Girls Tennis (September)
Sophomore Nyomi Skinner said being named Student-Athlete of the Month is a reflection of both effort and encouragement. “To me, it shows the dedication that the coach puts in and also the students,” she said.
Her love for tennis is strengthened by the people around her. “My sibling also plays, and that really helps me find enjoyment in the sport,” Skinner said. “My friends play too, and our coach is super encouraging.”
Balancing classwork and athletics can be a challenge, but she’s found ways to make it work. “I usually leave everything for the weekend, or I’ll stay up late or wake up super early—like around five—to get it done,” she said with a laugh.
One of her proudest moments came from cheering on a teammate. “Watching my friend Chanel succeed was amazing. She’s number one singles and made it to state,” Skinner said. “That was my proudest moment this season.”
In addition to tennis, Skinner competes in track and field, specializing in discus and shot put, and hopes to expand into running events this year. She plans to continue playing tennis throughout high school and beyond.
The Student-Athlete of the Month program continues to highlight PVHS’s well-rounded student body, celebrating not only athletic excellence but also perseverance, teamwork, and character. Through community support and dedicated leadership, PVHS athletes are proving that success starts with effort—on the field, on the court, and in the classroom.
