Waukegan High School honored more than 190 student-athletes during its annual Senior Sports Awards program on May 20. The awards ceremony recognized athletes in 27 sports for their achievements on the field and in the classroom.
The female and male athletes of the year are Ashley Phillips and Xavi Granville.
Female Athlete of the Year – Ashley Phillips
Ashley has made her mark as a dual-sport athlete in flag football and softball, showcasing leadership, toughness, and excellence. As quarterback in WHS’s inaugural flag football season, Ashley led her team with poise and intelligence, recording multiple 100-yard rushing games and 10 touchdowns. She earned All-Conference Honorable Mention and was named the team’s Player of the Year and Sportsmanship Award winner. In softball, Ashley has been a varsity starter since her freshman year and leads the team in batting, fielding, and pitching, despite playing through a significant injury.
Male Athlete of the Year – Xavi Granville
Xavi Granville, a key player on the varsity boys’ basketball team, is known for his work ethic, high basketball IQ, and team-first mentality. He helped lead the Bulldogs to their first regional championship in six years and earned All-Conference and All-County honors, as well as IBCA All-State Special mention along the way. Xavi’s on-court performance – he scored more than 1,000 career points – combined with his vibrant personality and ability to uplift those around him, has made him a fan favorite and a role model.
The winner of the Mabel Holle Award, which is given annually to a female athlete who exemplifies leadership in the classroom and on the playing field, was Hailey “Kat” Salcedo.
Kat was a standout in both volleyball and softball, exemplifying exceptional character, sportsmanship, and leadership. Known for her positive attitude, work ethic, and unwavering support for teammates, Kat consistently leads by example—whether on the field or in the classroom.
The winners of the Leo Singer Award, which is given annually to a male athlete who demonstrates fair, dedicated, and honest sportsmanship, were Leo Maione and Ivan Rogel-Martinez.
Ivan Rogel-Martinez has competed in football, wrestling, and track throughout his four years at WHS, all while overcoming the unique challenge of being deaf. Ivan is a resilient and inspiring athlete who has consistently pushed himself to perform at the highest levels, earning All-Conference Honorable Mention in wrestling for three consecutive years. Ivan's hard work, determination, and leadership have left a lasting impact on the athletic community. Despite the obstacles, he maintained a 3.28 GPA.
Leo Maione is a four-year varsity baseball player and a leader on the varsity boys golf team, demonstrating sportsmanship, leadership, and integrity. His ability to lead by example has earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike. On the golf team, Leo mentored younger athletes and showed consistent grace under pressure, and is known for his positive demeanor both with teammates and competitors.
34 athletes were recognized for All-Conference or All-Conference honorable mention honors in their respective sports. Note: Not all spring sports have made their selections as of May 21.
All-Conference:
Flag Football – Alliayah Cade; Dance – Kymmaria Day, Indykah Muslar, Jaylene Ayala; Cheer – Jocelyn Quintanilla, Aliza Garza, Janell Sanchez; Boys Basketball – Xavi Granville, Jaali Love; Girls Basketball – Hadassah Brown; Girls Soccer – Angelica Pedroza; Wrestling – Lamero Ceaser; Girls Volleyball – Hadassah Brown; Badminton – Rosa Peralta-Saldivar; Boys Soccer – Carlos Banales; Boys Bowling – Lenny Camacho.
All-Conference Honorable Mention:
Flag Football – Ashley Phillips; Football – Davaughn Brown, Fabian Gonzalez, Davion Wright; Boys Basketball – Carter Newsome; Girls Basketball – Alliayah Cade; Girls Bowling – Leah Gonzales, Ashley Gonzalez; Girls Soccer – Karla Amador, Diana Zavala-Pasillas; Girls Track – Evelyn Petty; Wrestling – David Brown, Ivan Rogel-Martinez; Boys Track – Zabon Robinson; Girls Volleyball – Alanna Turner; Badminton – Estefania Gonzalez, Natalie Lopez, Xochilt Zamora; Boys Soccer – Jonathan Mejia, Axel Perez, Baseball- Leo Maione
26 students were named North Suburban Conference Sportsmanship Award winners. They included: Estefania Gonzalez, Leo Maione, Miley Asad, Gary Poison, Angie Perriott, David Brown, Jocelyn Lopez, DJ Cole, Madison Johnson, Kymaria Day, Emmanuel Tovar, Lenny Camacho, Karla Limon, David Flores, David Brown, Katherine Turcios, Axel, Perez, Jose Popoca, Bryanna Gonzales, Aaron Guadarrama, Isryelle Rocco, Karla Rodriguez, Ja’Cara Smith, Ariana Uriostegui, Lamero Ceaser, and Ashley Phillips.
34 seniors who were named North Suburban Conference Scholar Athletes were also recognized. Those athletes were: Antonio Granville, Arvin Paul, Ashley Aguilera, Axel Perez, Bryanna Gonzalez, Danai Serna-Jimenez, Damaris Melgoza, Estefania Gonzalez, Geovanny Guerrero, Gianna Godinez, Henry Rivera, James Hurtado, Jasmine Castro, Joel Zelaya, Jose Pulido-Martinez, Karla Rodriguez, Katherine Rivas, Katia Sanchez, Katy Gonzalez-Gallegos, Kimberly Carrillo, Lamero Ceaser, Lanaya Davis, Laniyah McCray, Layla Perkins, Leo Maione, Maylahnie Colvin, Mauricio Vega, Natalie Lopez, Neisa Escamilla, Reanna Cannon, Rosa Peralta-Saldivar, Shyanna Itza, Truth Thurman, and Yaritzel Robles.