The spring sports season officially kicked off, and local athletes helped their teams start their seasons on the right note with some wins. Here are this week’s selections for Athletes of the Week:

Stella Comparato, Lawrence

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Lawrence junior Stella Comparato kicks the ball in a 2-1 win over Gardner-Edgerton on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Lawrence.

Lawrence girls soccer won its season opener over Shawnee Heights on Tuesday, and Comparato scored two goals in the win.

Nathan Young, Free State

photo by: Kahner Sampson/Special to the Journal-World

Free State junior Nathan Young strides out to deliver a pitch to a Lawrence High batter on Friday, May 9, 2025, during the City Showdown baseball game at Lawrence High School.

Free State baseball finished its first weekend of action 2-0 after beating Sioux Falls-Jefferson 10-2 on Friday. Young made an impact on both ends, pitching three innings and earning the win while collecting two hits on three at-bats.