The spring sports season is fully underway with all sports competing in games and tournaments. Here are this week’s selections for the Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Merrit Hale, Free State

Hale and the Free State girls soccer defense held strong with a one-goal lead against Topeka-Hayden on Tuesday and won in a 1-0 shutout. Hale was also critical in helping the defense rebound after having given up two goals on Thursday in a 3-2 win over Shawnee Heights.

Merrit Hale

Hudson Hardesty, Lawrence

Hardesty threw a no-hitter against Olathe North on Tuesday in seven innings as a pitcher. He threw 11 strikeouts in 97 total pitches while also going 2-for-3 at the batter’s box. The Lions won 6-0.

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence pitcher Hudson Hardesty throws a pitch against Sioux Falls-Roosevelt at Lawrence on Friday, March 28, 2025.