Rome’s vibrant sports community recently celebrated its brightest young stars, as the prestigious Rome Sports Hall of Fame bestowed its highly anticipated High School Athlete of the Year honors for 2025. This esteemed recognition acknowledges the exceptional talent and dedication of high school athletes who have not only excelled in their respective sports but have also demonstrated remarkable leadership and sportsmanship within their school and local community. The ceremony highlighted the profound impact these individuals have on youth sports and their potential to inspire future generations.
Among the distinguished recipients were three outstanding female student-athletes from Rome Free Academy: Fiona McMahon, Isibeal McMahon, and Thylia Keoviengsamay. The McMahon twins, renowned for their prowess on the field hockey pitch, have been instrumental in RFA’s dominant 62-14 record over four years, consistently leading their team to sectional title games. Keoviengsamay, a formidable volleyball all-star, has also left an indelible mark on her sport, contributing significantly to RFA’s athletic achievements.
Joining them in this elite group were two exceptional male high school athletes: Tyler Lokker and Uzziah Grimes. Lokker, a co-captain, played a pivotal role in guiding RFA to back-to-back sectional title games, showcasing his leadership and skill during a formidable 19-2-1 season. Grimes, also recognized as a Sports Personality of the Year, embodies the spirit of athletic excellence and dedication celebrated by the Rome Sports Hall of Fame.
The celebration extended beyond the Athletes of the Year, acknowledging numerous other talented male student-athletes for their remarkable contributions across various disciplines. Honorees included football standout Lebron Bowman, first-team Section III all-star hockey player Jacob Bruno, and TVL Colonial Division first team baseball all-star Michael Catalano, each demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication in their chosen fields.
Further male award winners included Section III discus champion Jacob Ciccone, dynamic football player Isaiah DeJean, and bocce player Nico Fox, showcasing the diverse athletic talents within the Rome Free Academy. Also recognized were Section III Indoor Track champion Timmy Hill, TVL first team all-star Jordin Hluska, and Section III second team all-star hockey player Jackson Marchione, whose achievements reflect their tireless commitment to sports.
The female award winners also represented a broad spectrum of athletic achievements, highlighting the depth of talent among Rome’s young women. Among them were TVL basketball and softball all-star Haylee Bostwick, and TVL field hockey and volleyball all-star Christianna Clark, both recognized for their versatile athletic abilities. Section III Individual shot put champion Amiyah Ferebee and Section III first team volleyball all-star Kali Fountain were also celebrated for their outstanding performances.
Additional female honorees included TVL first team field hockey all-star Amelia Furbeck, Section III 200-meter dash champion Jaleea Garner, and TVL tennis and softball all-star Makayla Howard, who all showcased exceptional athletic prowess. The prestigious list continued with TVL first team bowling all-star Sophia Iglesias-Tosti, Section III Indoor Track weight throw individual champion Keyonna Mitchell, and TVL golfer of the year and Section III champion Rachel O’Rourke, culminating in recognition for state Individual bowling champion Mylie Weyant, further underscoring the incredible pool of athletic talent.
This annual recognition from the Rome Sports Hall of Fame not only celebrates individual achievements but also reinforces the strong tradition of athletic excellence and community honors that defines Rome’s educational institutions. It serves as a powerful testament to the hard work, perseverance, and passion of these young individuals, fostering a legacy of success that will continue to inspire the entire local sports scene for years to come.
