Pirate Athletics
Pagosa Springs High School
Featured Athletes
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Track and Swim
Favorite Subject:
Math
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs White- She is my school mom and pushes me to be my best
Mrs DeGuise- She has supported me through everything
Favorite Athlete:
Any Track Athlete
Favorite Team:
Dodgers
What I Listen To:
Everything, but mostly Worship
Planned Career:
Don’t know yet but I am planning on going to college
My Family:
Mom- Davilyn, Dad- Rich, Sister- Daily
I Would Love To Visit:
Iceland and Ireland
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because you make life long relationships and learn how to build your character
Comments from Coach:
Lexie has proven herself to be mature beyond her years, a team player, and a consummate professional. She is a natural athlete and natural leader! She never complains if a practice is particularly difficult; she always strives to do her best. Joining the swim team to stay fit for her favorite sport, Track and Field, Lexie started off not knowing much about swimming and is now one of our best breast stroke swimmers. We hope she continues to swim as we believe with her committed work ethic, State competition is in her future.
-Darcy DeGuise
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Basketball
Favorite Subject:
Math & Science
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mr. Rackham because he is one of the most honest and down to earth people I’ve met. When he teaches his students, he teaches them the curriculum as well as interesting and useful life lessons.
Favorite Athlete:
Kobe Bryant
Favorite Team:
Lakers
What I Listen To:
Country and a little bit of everything
Planned Career:
Business and Marketing
My Family:
Parents: Patricia and Robert Shoffner
Two brothers – Connor and Mason and My cat named Ginger
I Would Love To Visit:
I would love to visit Amalf Coast, Italy because it’s a beautiful place and I would love to see the culture and scenery.
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes! High School sports provide a close community where every individual can express themselves. It also teaches life lessons that are applicable to the world outside of high school. These sports also teach young adults to have a since of commitment and dedication.
Comments from the Coach:
Miah is a senior and has been in our program for the last four years. Miah knows and accepts her role on our team. Whenever she is needed whether it be in a game or practice situations she’s always got a great attitude and does whatever is asked of her. She’s always very encouraging to our younger players and very supportive of her teammates on the varsity. She’s a great kid, a joy to be around, and an exceptional teammate.
~Coach Wes Lewis
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Wrestling
Favorite Subject:
Math
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Coach J because he always pushes me and helps me plan out my matches.
Favorite Athlete:
River Pitcher, Mitchell Lewis
Favorite Team:
Iowa Hawkeyes
What I Listen To:
Country
Planned Career:
Wrestling Coach and own business
My Family:
Dad – David and Mom – Tawnie
Sisters – Kayla and Kori
Brother - Colton
I Would Love To Visit:
New Zealand
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, very. Because they show you how to work hard and keep a positive mindset when things don’t go your way.
Comments from the Coach:
Cameron's passion for wrestling and his teammates is a major reason for the success of the wrestling team this season. Overcoming a knee surgery and repeating as a state champion is an extremely difficult challenge which Cameron embraced without hesitation. While pushing himself, he enthusiastically "coached" his teammates in practice and competition. Having a state champion in the practice room everyday unquestionably raises the level of everyone around him, and the team feeds off his confidence. Many people have taken an interest in wrestling and have followed the sport with greater interest because of his story. He is truly a "Triple Impact Athlete" and a great representative of these ideals.
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Wrestling
Favorite Subject:
English
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Coach Janowsky
Favorite Athlete:
Ryan Dungy
Favorite Team:
Iowa Hawkeyes
What I Listen To:
Country
Planned Career:
Radiologist
My Family:
Mom- Stephanie, Dad- Todd, Brother- Ethan
I Would Love To Visit:
New Zealand
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because they develop a hard work ethic along with good character
Comments from Coach:
As a wrestler, Brae Bergdolt improves daily and has won the 145 lb championship the last two weeks. His success in wrestling has been gradual and a clear result of his daily habits, from learning wrestling skills to his health habits and his academic habits. He is attentive to all aspects of being a student athlete and gets the most out of practice and classroom time. He then further invests his free time in improving himself in all areas. He is a great teammate and a great example of someone leads by example, making himself, his team, and his sport better.
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Volleyball, Swimming, Track
Favorite Subject:
English
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. Miller because she always pushed me as hard as she cold so I could achieve my best.
Favorite Athlete:
Katei Ledecky
Favorite Team:
Broncos
What I Listen To:
Alternative Rock
Planned Career:
Medical Field
My Family:
Mom – Elitsa
Dad – Granto
Sister - Nicole
I Would Love To Visit:
South America
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, high school sports are necessary for me. They teach hard work, determination and reveal character.
Comments from the Coach:
Lynelle has been swimming since a very young age. She works very hard on being technically magnificent with her two best strokes: breast stroke and back stroke. Even when Lynelle experienced an ankle injury, she pressed on and attended practice, doing what she could to maintain her swimming. Lynelle never complains and always puts forth 110% effort, both in practice and at meets. Even though she is only a freshman, she is a quiet, humble leader. Whether it is demonstrating a stroke in practice or supporting her teammates by cheering them on in their events, Lynelle embodies the standards of the triple-impact athlete.
~Coaches H Miller and D DeGuise
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Swimming and Track
Favorite Subject:
Biology and AP Literature
Favorite Teacher and Why:
My two favorite teachers are Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Deguise. They both care about their students a lot and constantly make learning an enjoyable experience.
Favorite Athlete:
Michael Phelps
Favorite Team:
Denver Nuggets
What I Listen To:
Every type of music but country
Planned Career:
Anesthesiologist
My Family:
My mom – Trisha, and my siblings – Sage, Harmony, Rowan, Kane, Melody, and Willow
I Would Love To Visit:
Rome
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes! High school sports help to build a little community within your school.
Comments from the Coach:
Piedra joined the swim team with very little experience and has grown leaps and bounds in just a few months. She is an amazing student who has challenged herself every year of school with advanced classes, including every science class she could fit into her schedule. At practice and at meets Piedra maintains a positive attitude and puts 100% effort into improving her swimming skills. She is a senior to whom all of our swimmers look up, and she is always encouraging and cheering on her teammates. At our last swim meet, she cut 10 seconds off of her time and when one of her teammates could not swim in a relay, she stepped up and swam in her place. She was a beast in the water and an inspiration to her team and her coaches.
~Coaches H Miller and D Deguise
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Soccer and Baseball
Favorite Subject:
Shop - Mechanics
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. G because she knows so much about mechanics.
Favorite Athlete:
Hirving Lozano
Favorite Team:
Club Santos Luguna
What I Listen To:
Everything
Planned Career:
Mechanic
My Family:
Brothers: Luis and Alex
I Would Love To Visit:
Brazil
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because they teach sportsmanship and sports are very fun!
Comments for the Coach:
In Crested Butte this weekend, one of the officials sought Will out after the game to praise him for his positive influence and leadership on the field. Will also scored a technically perfect penalty kick against a very talented goal keeper. After the game, the official pulled Will and me aside and commended Will on not only motivating his own teammates in a positive manner, but also being positive with the opposing team.
~Coach Kurt-Mason
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Volleyball, Basketball, Track
Favorite Subject:
My favorite subject this year has been Global Science.
Favorite Teacher and Why:
My favorite teacher this year has been Ms. Hayward in my college and career prep class. She is passionate about teaching us skills that will guide us to be successful.
Favorite Athlete:
USA skier Mikaela Shiffrin
Favorite Team:
Stanford Volleyball Team
What I Listen To:
I will listen to whatever is playing.
Planned Career:
I would love to go into the Psychology department.
My Family:
My mom – Jenifer Pitcher, My day – Chris Pitcher, My sisters – Aspen and Miah Pitcher
I Would Love To Visit:
I would love to visit Venice and paddle the streets.
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Even though not all kids do high school sports and can find ways to be successful, high school sports have taught me skills I will carry through all my future challenges.
Comments for the Coach:
While River's position on the court has recently changed a bit, she has not let that affect her effort or attitude. She always puts the team first! When asked her thoughts on the changes, she was not only excited for how it brought up the team's competitive level, she said she didn't mind whether she sat out a few rotations or played all the way around. She is just as excited watching her sub come in for her as she is to go back onto the court. She brings her teammates energy level up, and is always encouraging them. On the court she is talking both offensively and defensively, which is something everyone on the court wants in a teammate. It is also fun watching her get some front row reps, as she has a crazy high vertical, and she finally gets to put that to use! Although a Junior, River is a leader, a trusted teammate, and she loves to take on hard tasks--something I have always loved about this athlete!
~Caitlin Forrest
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Golf
Favorite Subject:
Chemistry
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Coach Janowsky – He pushes me to be the best I can be and doesn’t let me give up.
Favorite Athlete:
Jordan Spieth
Favorite Team:
LSU
What I Listen To:
Not country
Planned Career:
Not sure
My Family:
Lil brother - Johnathon
Older brother – Hunter
Mom – Ginger
Dad - John
I Would Love To Visit:
Japan
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes – they teach you lessons and values that you can’t learn in school.
Comments for the Coach:
Nathan Smith has proven himself to be one of the top golfers ever for Pagosa High School. He not only was all conference again but also a four time state qualifier and Pagosa’s first ever all state golfer.
Nathan’s exceptional work ethic and attitude has not only served him well but has been a positive influence on all of his teammates for the past four years. As good as all that is, I believe Nathan to be an even better young man. He is a good student, very active in his church and youth group, and a positive role model for others. He will certainly be missed in our program but I expect him to do well at the next level.
~Coach Mark Faber
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Cross Country and Soccer
Favorite Subject:
English
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Coach White has always pushed me to exceed expectations and she has always believed I could accomplish anything.
Favorite Athlete:
Mikaela Shiffrin
Favorite Team:
US ski and snowboard team
What I Listen To:
Oldie but Goodies and everything except songs I hate
Planned Career:
Athletic Trainer
My Family:
Anita Bowles – mom
Ken Bowles – dad
Andrew Bowles - brother
I Would Love To Visit:
Iceland
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
I think high school sports are necessary to build character and make new friendships that can positively influence your future.
Comments for the Coach:
Annabelle has been a tremendous leader on our XC team. She is an athlete who strives for success and does not ever settle. She is determined to reach her goals, which this year in cross was to run the state course. Even though she battled some pretty serious knee injuries all season, she never gave up hope on that dream and ran a perfect race on Friday to secure the team's qualifying spot as the tie breaker! She is humble and kind and pours her body, mind, and heart into the sport. She has been a wonderful athlete this season and we are very thankful she is a part of our team.
~Coach Rachael Christiansen
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Volleyball and Basketball
Favorite Subject:
Math
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. Christiansen because she is always willing to help when you need it and she makes a bond with her students.
Favorite Athlete:
Gabrielle Reece and Teagan Stretton
Favorite Team:
Denver Broncos
What I Listen To:
Music I can jam to
Planned Career:
Something in the medical field
My Family:
Mom – Caroline
Stepdad - Akef
Sister – Emily and others
I Would Love To Visit:
Brazil
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because they teach you skills you will use throughout your whole life, like discipline, leadership, and teamwork. Plus you gain lifelong friends.
Comments from the Coach:
Audrey is the type of player any coach would want to have on her team. Audrey works hard, she wants to learn, and she takes constructive feedback and turns it around to make herself better on the court and a better team player. I really pushed Audrey this year in her role as the setter--the quarterback of the volleyball team--and she stepped up to the plate every time. She doesn't shy away from hard work and she takes care of her job on and off the court 100% of the time.
~Coach Katie Lorenzen
Audrey is happy to help in any way--before she was swinging she was happy to stick around and help with Varsity practice, she would do stats with a smile on her face, and she never hesitates to ask what the coaching staff needs of her. It's because of her work ethic and helpfulness that earned her the last Varsity jersey!
~Coach Caitlin Forrest
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Volleyball and Track
Favorite Subject:
Geography
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Ms. Miller because she always supports me.
Favorite Athlete:
Tara Davis
Favorite Team:
Broncos
What I Listen To:
A little bit of everything
Planned Career:
Something in the medical field
My Family:
Dad – Michael
Brothers – Michael and Devin
Stepmom - Hazel
I Would Love To Visit:
Anywhere in Europe
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because they teach you skills and lessons that you can use for your whole life.
Comments for the Coach:
Mackenzie's role on the team has changed more than anyone else's throughout the season. From outside hitter, to libero, to middle blocker, she has willingly stepped into each position with a smile on her face. When asked if she was comfortable doing so, she replied with an excited, "That sounds like a fun challenge!" Not only did she have a great attitude throughout each change, she DOMINATED in each position. This last weekend in Coal Ridge, with 2 key players gone, she stepped up big time and helped the team tremendously in taking 2 big games! How lucky we are to have an athlete so versatile and so capable. Throughout the season, Mackenzie has led selflessly and quietly, always quick to do the dirty work, and always happy to do whatever necessary to make her team better.
~Coach Caitlin Forrest
Mackenzie stepped up big this past weekend at our Coal Ridge tournament playing as a middle blocker. Mackenzie's effort and energy on the court played a big role in our victories and it was really fun to watch her excitement for each of her teammate's successes. Mackenzie's willingness to play wherever she was needed is the definition of a selfless teammate.
~Coach Katie Lorenzen
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Football, Wrestling, Track
Favorite Subject:
Wrestling Class
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Coach Janowsky because he makes class fun and interesting.
Favorite Athlete:
Dustin Clark, Trevor Moore, and Aaron Thompson
Favorite Team:
Broncos
What I Listen To:
Classic Rock
Planned Career:
Undecided
My Family:
Mom – Stacey
Brother – Tommy
I Would Love To Visit:
Europe
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, high school sports are necessary because they build character, teamwork, and responsibility.
Comments for the Coach:
We would like to nominate Tay Barker for the triple impact athlete of the week. Tay Barker is and always has been the epitome of a triple impact athlete. All season long Tay has stayed consistent in being the first athlete on the field and last athlete off. Anytime a coach asked for someone to help grab or put away equipment, Tay was always the first and most of the time the only athlete who would respond. Every day in practice, Tay gave everything he had. In the four year of coaching Tay, he has never said anything negative about his teammates, coaches, or the officials. In fact, when things got tough anyone on the team could look to Tay for a smile.
Thank you, Tay, for always being you. It has been a pleasure coaching you and we will miss you next year.
~PSHS Football Coaching Staff
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Football and Baseball
Favorite Subject:
Math
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Senor Lindner. I enjoy him because he’s a cool guy and always makes learning Spanish super fun.
Favorite Athlete:
Yasiel Puig
Favorite Team:
L. A. Dodgers
What I Listen To:
All genres
Planned Career:
I would like to own my own guided fishing company.
My Family:
Dad – Bennett
Mom – Melissa
Sister - Montana
I Would Love To Visit:
Lake of the Woods in Canada
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
I think they are necessary because it teaches leadership and good work ethic.
Comments from the Coach:
We would like to nominate Paden Bailey for this week’s triple impact athlete of the week. Words can’t express the impact that this individual has had, not only on the high school football team, but on the entire Pagosa Springs High School as well. Paden is and always has been a leader, making those around him feel valued and inspiring them to improve as an athlete and a person. As a freshman and sophomore, even the upperclassmen looked up to him. He helped build the football program by sharing his love of the game with others. On the field, Paden demonstrated hard work and dependability. He was the “playmaker”; we wanted to put the ball in his hands. Time after time, he kept a drive going by giving second effort and making big plays when needed. It has been an honor to coach Paden. He is loved and respected by his teammates, but most of all by his coaches. Paden, we appreciate you and will miss you.
~PSHS Football Coaching Staff
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Wrestling
Favorite Subject:
Strength and Conditioning
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Dan Janowsky because I know he wants what is best for me and he will push me closer to my goals.
Favorite Athlete:
Austin Desanto
Favorite Team:
Iowa Hawkeyes
What I Listen To:
Country
Planned Career:
I’m not sure yet.
My Family:
Dad – Chris
Mom – Tamara
Brothers – Luke and Clayton
I Would Love To Visit:
New York
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
I think high school sports are necessary because it teaches students at a young age to have discipline. Also it helps create goals in their sport which can carry on past high school.
Comments from the Coach:
Dylan is a great example of what we want our wrestling team to look like. He is humble and unassuming off the mat, but in competition he is a relentless fighter. A two-time state placer Dylan has strong credibility with his teammates, and he uses it in the most positive way. So far this year Dylan has been a superb leader in the offseason and preseason practices; he participates willingly in all team functions and then goes beyond with his personal time. Dylan Tressler a great example of the Triple Impact Athlete.
~Coach Dan Janowsky
3.0 years ago
High School Sports:
Volleyball, Swimming
Favorite Subject:
English because it inspires creativity and growth.
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. White has always been an important and influential teacher, coach and woman to me. She was a support to me my freshman year and continues to be so for me and many others. I also love her for keeping Christian Clubs alive at this school.
Favorite Athlete:
Vince Lombardi or Marial Zagunis
Favorite Team:
San Diego Chargers
What I Listen To:
I love rock music as well as stronger impact music. I also love thoughtful podcast.
Planned Career:
Nursing
My Family:
I have two amazing parents, Rich and Adrianne Metzger.
I Would Love To Visit:
Poland
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Any form of sport inspires students to push themselves daily. Likewise, practices, teams or events challenge students to commit to something that can be painful at times. Students learn to grow, to sacrifice, challenge themselves and reach outside themselves.
Comments from the Coach:
Madeline exemplifies all that is this award. She joined the team in order to get stronger after dealing with childhood injuries. As in her classes, she is a driven, tenacious, and hard-working competitor in the pool. Madeline comes to every practice ready to learn and improve on her strokes. At our first swim meet in Salida, Madeline took on the role of "team mom": she was ready with Sharpie markers to help her teammates tattoo themselves with their events; she was also behind the starting block at her teammates' events, jumping and cheering each of them on to the finish. In her own events, she demonstrated tremendous fortitude and pushed herself outside of her comfort zone. Her goal, of individually placing in a meet is surely on the horizon. Both Coach Miller and myself are so happy to have her on the team!
~Coach Darcy Deguise
3.0 years ago

Name: Wil Aucoin
High School Sports:
Football, Wrestling, Track
Favorite Subject:
Lunch
Favorite Teacher and Why:
They’re all good.
Favorite Athlete:
Joe Burrow
Favorite Team:
LSU Tigers
What I Listen To:
60s and 70s
Planned Career:
I’m not certain what I want to do yet.
My Family:
Dad – Yody
Mom – Rebecca
Brothers – Clay, Grant, Aaron, Seth
I Would Love To Visit:
The Bahamas
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
High school sports are necessary because they can help you learn to work hard to reach your goals.
Comments from the Coach:
The wrestling program is proud to nominate Wil Aucoin for the Triple Impact Athlete of the Week. Wil won 6 matches in competition last week, and was instrumental in our dual meet success against Alamosa. This is the result of steady, unwavering presence in both practice and competition, and his continued effort to address his weaknesses. His willingness to sacrifice to make himself and his teammates better was on display in the practice room last week for his team to see. His efforts last week and throughout his time in the high school program have unquestionably made himself, his team, and the sport better.
~Coach Dan Janowsky
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Cross Country and Track
Favorite Subject:
Science or Shop
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. White. She is a very sweet person and always encourages people. I love here because she introduced me to fitness and taught me to love it.
Favorite Athlete:
Scott Anderson
Favorite Team:
Pagosa Springs Cross Country
What I Listen To:
Rap, classical, pop, and country. I try to be well-rounded.
Planned Career:
Welding to get money and then open a company in genetics or something.
My Family:
We are freaking amazing, even when we fight. We are close and I love them all. Mom – Sara, Dad – Mark, Twins – Sawyer and Arden
I Would Love To Visit:
Everywhere!!! There is so much I want to do and see.
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Sports have been a huge part of my life (especially running). It gives you time to think. They force you to push yourself and discover your true potential and give you’re a toughness found nowhere else.
Comments for the Coach:
Mason is such a wonderful runner on our team. He shows up ready to work every single day, but beyond that he is always willing to clean the buses, carry our supplies, and reach out to all the athletes on our team. He has been an integral part in bringing our two teams (girls and boys teams) into one cohesive team and we are very glad to have him!
~Coach Rachael Christiansen
3.0 years ago
High School Sports: Cross Country, Track, Swim Team Favorite Subject: Math Favorite Teacher and Why: Ms. Christiansen because she always pushes me to be my best. Favorite Athlete: Katelyn Tuohey Favorite Team: My Team What I Listen To: Everything except country Planned Career: Trauma surgeon working in the Middle East My Family: Dad (Tim), Mom (Gwen), Celia, Lucy, and 3 cats I Would Love To Visit: Kenya Are High School Sports Necessary? Why? Yes, because the work ethic you earn will stay with you forever and the bond you build with your team will never break. Comments for the Coach: Nell shows up to practice with a great attitude and is always ready to put in 100% effort every single day. She leads by example and is always cheering her team on, helping them grow in any way possible. She is positive, supportive, and determined. Her hard work helped lead her team to a first place finish at our home meet. We are very grateful to have Nell as a member of our XC team! ~Coach Rachael Christiansen
3.0 years ago

High School Sports:
Volleyball and Basketball
Favorite Subject:
English
Favorite Teacher and Why:
Mrs. Forrest – she is really fun and a great person to look up to as my coach and teacher.
Favorite Athlete:
Mikaela Shiffrin
Favorite Team:
US Ski Team
What I Listen To:
Tik Tok Songs
Planned Career:
Editor
My Family:
Blue (Mom), Brooks (Dad), Pitcher (Brother)
I Would Love To Visit:
The Swiss Alps
Are High School Sports Necessary? Why?
Yes, because they build friendships teach commitment and are so fun!
Comments from the Coach:
Tryouts are always a nerve-wracking time for freshman, and Elsa stepped in and led with grace. Her sweet disposition automatically draws people to her, and she used this skill to work alongside the underclassmen. She is always helpful with the net and prompt to assist wherever needed. Elsa also put in a lot of time and energy improving her game over the summer. Her arm swing has improved tremendously, and I am looking forward to her being the offensive threat we need! While blocking is typically her strength, I think everyone should be excited to see her hit the ball this season! For these reasons, I believe Elsa is an excellent nomination for the PSHS Triple Impact Student-Athlete of the Week.
~Coach Caitlin Forrest