Spartan Athlete of the Week: Katie Krauss and Rhett Smerklo

Congratulations to Varsity Soccer player Katie Krauss ’26 and Varsity Diver Rhett Smerklo ’27 for earning Spartan Athlete of the Week honors!

 

Katie Krauss is one of the most improved players in the entire Spartan Soccer program. At this stage last year, she was still learning the fundamentals of the sport, and now she is a player the team relies on for some of their most important work at the varsity level. Krauss is a dynamic player and a selfless teammate who can do any number of jobs in any number of positions. 

 

Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach Andy Aceves said, “Katie has spent most of the season playing in wide areas, where she has been one of the most consistent defenders and playmakers, but in the past two games, we asked her to play as a center forward, and she did an excellent job of scoring goals and creating opportunities for her teammates. She’s a great player and a great athlete, and she’s going to be an important part of this program for years to come. She is very deserving of the honor of Spartan Athlete of the Week!”

 

Rhett Smerklo has been a big part of the Spartan Swimming and Diving team this season. He broke the Southwest Preparatory Conference South Zone record on Saturday, January 27, for the Boys 1-meter dive at 468.95. He gives the Spartans an edge with his abilities at the diving board.

 

Director of Athletics Jon McCain praised Smerklo for his performance on Saturday. “Rhett showed his amazing skill in the 1-meter dive, leading the Spartans to a first place finish in diving. He has the chance to break the SPC overall record in his event, and I am excited to see how he finished the season.”

 

— Juliann Johnson, Sports Information Director