The fall sports season is quickly coming to a close, as many sports have concluded their seasons, and the few that remain are in the playoffs. With seasons coming close to ending, local athletes have stepped up for their teams in big wins and strong finishes. Here are this week’s selections for Journal-World Athletes of the Week:

Ethan Curry, Lawrence

photo by: Val Montanez/Special to the Journal-World

Lawrence High junior wide receiver Ethan Curry pushes the Mill Valley defense after a catch on Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Lawrence.

Curry had a tall task last week by replacing Lawrence running back Tahj Edwards, but Curry ran for 99 yards on 15 carries in Lawrence’s 24-6 win over Free State.

Tessa Nover-Estes, Free State

Nover-Estes and the Free State Firebirds are back in the 6A state volleyball tournament after winning the Garden City regional. Nover-Estes has been the starting point of the team’s offense, and she’s closing in on 2,000 career assists.