Colleen Ball ~ Girls Tennis

Congratulations to Colleen Ball, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Colleen has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria! 

Issaquah Head Girls Tennis Coach, Amy Huish, nominated Colleen and writes, “Colleen has shown excellent leadership and sportsmanship as one of the Varsity captains on the Girls Tennis Team. She has been an outstanding example to the entire program.”

Colleen’s hard work and dedication to tennis earned her a varsity spot all four years of high school.  This work ethic and dedication shines in her off season play at the Bellevue Club and Robbinswood.

Colleen excels in school an estimated GPA of 3.95 while taking 6 AP classes and 4 years of Japanese. Colleen has been Eagle Crew for 2 years, played violin in the Issaquah High School Orchestra for three years and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Colleen aspires to be a high school math teacher so she has tried to get as much experience with kids and the classroom as possible.  She volunteered with her 3rd grade teacher after school all through middle school and freshman year of high school.  She was an elementary school tutor 2nd graders and math tutor in Mr. Bachman’s math class. Colleen has also been a courageous chaperone on the Camp Orkila Trip for 5th graders.  

Colleen looks forward to attending Whitworth University this Fall.  She has been awarded Whitworth’s highest available academic 4-year scholarship, the Mind and Heart scholarship.  

Colleen is an exemplary scholar athlete.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Congratulations, Colleen, and best of luck in the future!

Justin Buckner ~ Baseball

Congratulations to Justin Buckner, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Justin has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria! 

Issaquah Head Baseball Coach, Rob Reese, nominated Justin and writes: “Justin is an outstanding young man. He has been a Captain of the Baseball team the last 2 years. Leader both on and off the field.” 

Justin is a stand-out, 3-year varsity starter and has received the honor of being named 2^ndTeam All-Kingco Pitcher in 2017 and 2018 .  Justin helped lead his team to State as 1^stPlace Kingco Champions in 2017 and 2^ndPlace in 2018.  Justin was also a 2018 Scholar Athlete.  In the off season, Justin is going into his 3^rdyear as starting 3^rdbaseman and pitcher for his Lakeside Recovery Senior Legion 18U Team and was recognized in 2016 and 2017 on the Perfect Game NW Showcase Top Prospects List.

In addition to athletics, Justin excels in school an estimated GPA of 3.3.  He has been a part of the IHS iVision program for two years, and winner of the Issaquah Schools Foundation Video Contest in 2017.  

In the community Justin volunteers for the Issaquah Schools Foundation event booths, Issaquah Little League and has been an Athletes for Kids mentor since 2016. 

Justin is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Justin has been a huge asset to the Baseball program at Issaquah High for the past 4 years and will truly be missed. This fall Justin is planning on attending Chapman University, in the Dodge College Television and Broadcast Journalism program. Congratulations, Justin, and best of luck in the future!

 Mackenzie Crandall ~ Girls Track

Congratulations to Mackenzie Crandall, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Mackenzie has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria! 

Issaquah Girls Track Coaches, Tracy Silva and Ms Ryker nominated Mackenzie and write: “We are nominating Mackenzie for her persistent dedication of always competing to her fullest potential. She runs every race with her whole heart. She is a leader on the relay team assisting with hand offs and a leader with the sprinter group as she leads warm ups.”

Mackenzie earned three varsity letters as a member of the Cross Country team, including one trip to State in 2016.  As a track athlete, she advanced to State as an individual in the 400m run in 2017 and 2018, won three State Championships in the 4x400m relay, and set the school record in the 4x200m relay with the third fastest time in Washington State history (2017).  Mackenzie was a key member of four KingCo team championships and two state championships (2015 and 2016). She committed to putting forth her best efforts every time she stepped on the track.  She was a fierce competitor who inspired others around her.

Mackenzie also excelled in school, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while taking multiple AP and Honors classes.  She was a copy editor of the school magazine and a member of the National Honor Society.

In her spare time Mackenzie served as an elementary tutor at Clark Elementary, teacher’s aide at local elementary schools in the district, babysitter, nanny, and a member of Young Life. She also played premier soccer for Eastside FC.

Mackenzie has been an exemplary scholar athlete.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  She will move on to attend West Point and run for the Army Women's Track Team.

Caiden Duke ~ Special Olympics

Congratulations to Caiden Duke who has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Special Olympics Coach, Rob Enghusen nominated Caiden and calls him inspiring. 

Caiden has been an active athlete while attending Issaquah, playing on the Special Olympics Basketball team and Track & Field Team. 

In his spare time, Caiden loves to swim, ride his bike and scooter.  He also has the need for speed, racing go-karts at K1 Speed in Bellevue.

Caiden is an excellent representation of what is important in a scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Congratulations, Caiden!

Kendall Gentzen ~ Fastpitch

Congratulations to Kendall Gentzen, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Kendall has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Head Fastpitch Coach, Ron Hatlen, nominated Kendall and writes: “Kendall is what, as a coach, you love to have on your team. She has maintained a 3.92 GPA even while taking many AP classes. She is the ultimate teammate, always helping her team, designing new practice plans, in charge of the ILL (Issaquah Little League) clinic for our team, fundraising and team bonding. She always has a smile on her face and gives 100%, regardless whether we are up by 10 or down by 10 on the scoreboard and is a prime example of our team covenants (Drive, Attitude, Trust and Selflessness).”

After writing an excellent essay on why she would be a good leader, the team nominated Kendall as Team Captain. She has been named All-Kingco as an outfielder and more importantly a scholar athlete award winner all four years of playing softball. Kendall is also a Rotary Athlete of the month award winner. 

Outside of being an outstanding athlete, Kendall excels as a student, focusing on math and science.   She is a member of the National Honors Society, and the Teen Leadership and Children club (TLC).  Kendall has also participated in SIFF (Sharing Interests and Forming Friendships) and is a member of the Issaquah High School Eagle Crew.   

In the community Kendall has volunteered with organizations such as the Pacific Science Center where she supported, the Art of the Brick exhibit, the Open Windows School summer program and Kelsey Creek Children’s summer camps.  She has also volunteered her time with other local charities such as Salmon Habitat restoration, cancer research fundraisers and low-income donation centers.   

It is clear that Kendall is an exemplary scholar athlete.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Kendall plans on attending Cal Poly this fall to study biomedical engineering.  Congratulations, Kendall, and best of luck in the future!

Cade McDougall ~ Special Olympics

Congratulations to Cade McDougall who has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Special Olympics Coach, Rob Enghusen nominated Cade and writes, “I nominate Cade because of his positive attitude, and commitment to Special Olympics.  Cade always has a great attitude, and is very coachable.  He is at every practice and event, always with a smile.”

Cade has been an active athlete while attending Issaquah, playing in the special Olympics basketball for 3 years, Special Olympics softball in 2017, Special Olympics bowling in 2018, and the practicing with the Special Olympics soccer team in 2017.

Cade give back to him community, last year volunteering for Keeping Issaquah clean, picking up trash around the Salmon hatchery.  He attends the Issaquah Community Center Youth Group to interact with peers, do hikes, walk around town.  His favorite walk it to yogurt!

As a whole, Cade loves being involved with friends and the community.  When he sees something he can do to help, he will take the initiative to do it.  This is not always is good, but his intentions are pure, always wanting to help clean up trash, and put chairs away.  Cade like to be part of the team to get things done and take care of the place he calls home, Issaquah.

Cade is an excellent representation of what is important in a scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Congratulations, Cade!

Meg Raman ~ Girls Golf

Congratulations to Meg Raman, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Meg has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Girls Golf Coach, Tom Bakamus nominated Meg and writes: “Meg has shown great leadership skills with her knowledge of golf and willingness to help others. She has been a valuable member of the team for four years and one of the prime reasons the 2017-2018 girls golf team is the Kingco League and tournament champions!" 

This year Meg was co-captain of the golf team, a 4-year scholar athlete, has been nominated Most Valuable Player 2 of her 4 years, and recognized 2^nd Team All-Kingco last year and 1^st Team All-Kingco this year. She will be participating at State for her 4^th year in a row.  Meg is well known and liked throughout the league, and coaches rave about how she handles herself on the course even through bad times. At the end of the day her smile and respect for others always comes through.

Outside of Issaquah High School Meg’s passion for 9 years has been playing recreational cricket.  

Meg excels in school, maintaining a 3.9 GPA while taking advanced placement and honors classes.

In the community Meg is enrolled in the Junior Health Scholar Program at Swedish Hospital in Issaquah, clocking over 200 hours of service credits. Meg shadows nurses and doctors as well as helps with feeding and bathing patients. She is earning her certificate in Patient Experience and Health Professions Studies.

Meg is an exemplary scholar athlete.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Congratulations, Meg, and best of luck in the future!

Nick Rodgers ~ Boys Track

Congratulations to Nick Rodgers, a senior at Issaquah High School.  He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Boys Track Coaches, Tracy Silva and Ms. Ryker, nominated Nick and write, “We value Nick for his dedication to not only his success and progress, but also to his team’s success. He shows maturity beyond his years and is a role model to the younger athletes. Nick Rodgers has volunteered himself do things such as lead warm up. He is always one of the first to arrive at meets help with setting up hurdles or cones and one of the last to leave helping carrying pole vault poles or pick up trash. He is willing to run whatever is needed of him. Even as a distance runner he was willing to lead off in the 4x4 and learn blocks.”

Nick has participated on the Boys Track team for 3 years and Cross Country team all four years, earning 3 varsity letters in Varsity and Track. Nick has served as Cross Country Team Captain in 2017 and as Track Team Captain in 2018.  This Spring, IHS Boys Track took home the State title and Nick competed at State in the 4x400 Relay. Between Track and Cross Country, Nick has been recognized as a scholar athlete eight times.  

Outside of Issaquah High, Nick volunteers as a coach with Issaquah Gliders running program and a youth soccer referee. 

 Nick also excels in school with an estimated 4.0 GPA while taking numerous AP classes. He is involved with the 6-time National Championship Advanced Sport Medicine program, is ASB Treasurer, and a valued leader of the Issaquah Eagle Crew.  Nick also is a recipient of Issaquah High Integrity Award and Outstanding Physical Education Student Award.

Nick is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Nick plans to attend Cal Poly next year to study biomedical engineering.  Congratulations, Nick, and best of luck in the future!

Joey Jensen

 Congratulations to Joey Jensen, a senior at Issaquah High School.  He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Assistant Basketball Coach, Jordan Humphrey, nominated Joey and writes, “Joey consistently shows up to practice with a positive attitude and ready to get better.  He is self-motivated on and off the court to continually perform at his highest level.  Joey’s hard work ethic showed every day in the drills which all paid off with success.”

Joey completed his 4th varsity season having earned most improved player 3 years in a row. (Freshman thru Junior) This year Joey continues to be a role model on the team, receiving the team award of TSU which stands for Toughness, Skilled, and Unselfishness.  This was the team motto for the year and Joey was the player who demonstrated all three at the highest level throughout the season.  Joey stood out in the district, making 2^ndteam All-KingCo. 

In addition to basketball, 6’7" Joey is an accomplished Track star, this being his 4th year on varsity.  The spring of his junior year Joey competed and won both Shot Put and Discus at the district competition and went on to win 8th in Shotput with a PR of 50'4 and 4th in Discus at the State competition.  He currently holds the state record in both events after a PR in both events at his first track meet. 

Joey is an exemplary scholar athlete with an estimated GPA of 3.2.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Joey plans to attend Washington State University and has his hopes to throw for the track team.  Congratulations, Joey, and best of luck in the future!

Brandon Leu

 Congratulations to Brandon Leu, a senior at Issaquah High School.  Brandon has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Head Swim Coach, Laura Halter, nominated Brandon and writes, “Brandon has been a varsity athlete on the Boys Swim and Dive Team all 4 years of High School. He has qualified for Kingco, Districts and State all 4 years and has made state finals all four years.  He has helped his team to 2 state records and an All –American Consideration Award in the Medley Relay. He is currently a member of all 3 relay records for Issaquah High. Brandon served as captain his senior year and was an outstanding leader in and out of the pool. His quiet style of leadership and dedication to his sport was a great example to all of his teammates and he was especially good at peer coaching the underclassmen in the pool.”

In addition to athletics, Brandon excels in school an estimated GPA of 3.67.  He is very involved at Issaquah High in Key Club and Sports medicine club.  Brandon served as the Vice-President of the Sports Medicine Club his junior year.

Brandon is also involved in the Issaquah community.  He has participated in Relay For Life for 4 years, volunteered at the Issaquah Food Bank, the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Club as summer camp counselor, and has been involved with Special Olympics Swimming in Washington, volunteering for 3 years.

Brandon is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Brandon has been a huge asset to the Boys Swim and Dive program at Issaquah High for the past 4 years, he will truly be missed. Congratulations, Brandon, and best of luck in the future!

Fall 2017 Recipients 

Claudia Longo

Congratulations to Claudia Longo, a senior at Issaquah High School.  She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Girls Soccer coach, Tom Bunnell, nominated Claudia and writes, “Claudia is the kind of athlete teammates lean on in pressure situations. She is a different level of a leader.  Claudia has been a captain for two years, fights through injuries and is just positive all the time. Obviously everyone respects her leadership on the field. During the games she is always keeping her teammates up and creates fun things for them to be excited about. Claudia has gotten better every single year and she has zero ego. That is the thing that is so impressive. I have coached a lot of great kids at Issaquah and she is definitely one of the great ones.”

Claudia has excelled all four years playing at Issaquah.  As a sophomore midfielder in 2015, She helped the Eagles win the 2015 Class 4A girls soccer State Championship.  As a senior, Claudia was on the Star Times All-Area Team, was on the 1^st Team 4A All State team, and won the United Soccer Coaches Award; All Region.  Claudia was also the 4^th ever Issaquah Eagle to be named to the West Team for the Girls’ High School All-American Game in Orlando Florida. Max Preps ranked Claudia as 33 in Nation and 3^rd in State.

Claudia is an exemplary scholar athlete with an impressive GPA of 3.99!  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Claudia has committed to play collegiate soccer at the University of Washington next fall.  Congratulations, Claudia, and best of luck in the future!

Cole Chase

Congratulations to Cole Chase, a senior at Issaquah High School.  He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Golf Coach, Tom Bakamas, nominated Cole and writes, “Cole has been a valuable member of the Issaquah High Golf Team from the first time he stepped on the course shooting a 1 under par score of 35 and  helping the team set a Kingco scoring record of 169 (11 under par). The last couple years he has taken the role of team leader on and off the course helping mold our team with his knowledge and understanding of the game.  He is respected throughout the league and a prime example of what you would want in an Issaquah High Athlete.”

Cole is truly an outstanding, 4-year varsity golfer.  He was named Most Improved Golfer his Sophomore year, and then Most Valuable and Team Captain his Senior Year.  Cole was also the Kingco and District Champion this year, shooting rounds of 70 and 66 for a 2-day total of 8 under par.  Not surprising, Cole earned a place on the 1^st team All Kingco.

In addition to athletics, Cole is a top student, maintaining an estimates 3.64 GPA, while taking AP courses.  Cole also is a DECA member and student leader.  Cole is active in the community, volunteering at the Issaquah Food Bank – sorting food and stocking shelves, helping to cook at the Ronald McDonald House in Seattle, and even helping as a Teacher’s assistant at Grand Ridge Elementary School. 

Cole is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Cole has an interest in Business and Finance and has made a verbal commitment to play D1 golf at Robert Morris University in Moon, PA. Congratulations, Cole, and best of luck in the future!

Glen Findlay

Congratulations to Glen Findlay, a senior at Issaquah High School.  He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Football Coach, Buddy Bland, nominated Glen and writes, “Glen leads by example by being the hardest working player on the field and in the classroom.  He is an excellent role model as he makes the often tough decision to live a high character and moral life. He is not only a tremendous football player, he is an exceptional student and a loyal servant to our school and local community.”

Glen is a leader, serving as Team Captain in 2017. Glenn’s senior year recognitions showcased his achievements in football, winning Dillon S. Reagan “Hammer Award” Offensive Lineman MVP, receiving All Kingco Honorable Mention –Defensive End, and was a nominee for the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award.  Glen also gave to the football community as a volunteer for Issaquah Youth Football.  Glen did all this while maintaining an estimated 3.695 GPA.  He earned 3 Varsity Letters from Issaquah High School Football and 4 student recognition awards from Issaquah High School. He has been appointed “Patrol Leader” in the Marines Reserves Pool Training.  Currently his GPA is 3.69 and he volunteers 5-10 hours a week at the Issaquah Food Bank.

Glen is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Post high school Glen is going to participate in the NROTC program in college and is going to serve in the United States Marine Corps.  Congratulations, Glen, and best of luck in the future!

Kenna Clawson

Congratulations to Kenna Clawson, a senior at Issaquah High School.  She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Cross Country coach, Gwen Robertson, nominated Kenna and writes, “Kenna is one of this year’s cross country team captains, Kenna is a tremendous competitor having competed at 4 State cross country championships and two State track championships. She leads as much by example as she does by passing on her knowledge and encouragement to her teammates. Kenna’s positive “can do” attitude permeates the team.”

Kenna has been involved in Cross Country for four years and Track for three years. She is a two-time team captain, All-State cross country all four years; 9^th, 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade, placing in the top 10 the last 3 years. Kenna was also a three-time Border Clash invitee, top runner on the 2016 State Championship Team, and placed in the top 50 at the Nike Cross National Regional Championships 3 years in a row. In track, Kenna has qualified for State Championship in the 3200 in 10^th and 11^th grade, placing in the top 10.

Kenna is a seven-time scholar athlete with a GPA of 3.79.  In addition to athletics, Kenna is a role model in the community, serving as a mentor for Athletes of Kids, and Director of Communications for Strong4Sam.  She has also been a member of the National Honor Society since 2016 for maintaining a GPA higher than 3.75.

Kenna is an exemplary scholar athlete.  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  And, recently, her hard work has paid off as she has committed to University of California, Berkeley to continue her cross country and track career. Congratulations, Kenna, and best of luck in the future!

Kate Tuohy

Congratulations to Kate Tuohy, a senior at Issaquah High School.  She has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah’s Girls Swim and Dive coach, Laura Halter, nominated Kate and writes, “Kate has been a member of the Girls Swim and Dive Team all 4 years of her High School career. She served as a captain for her team her senior year.  Kate has been a very positive influence as a team member and as a leader. She leads by example in and out of the pool.  She is quick to take initiative and great at keeping everyone focused and working hard.  Acting as a “Big Sister” to the incoming freshman she made everyone feel part of the team. Her infectious smile and quick wit keeps everyone smiling!”  With over 3.75 GPA, Kate is an exemplary student and was also recognized as a Kingco Scholar Athlete. 

Outside of the swim team, Kate is a great leader in many other ways.  She serves as the secretary to the ASB , represented her class to the school council as a junior and served on the Eagle Crew.  She is also involved in the Women in Science and Engineering Club.

Kate also works for the ACE mentorship Program and does volunteer work for the Issaquah Food bank in their bookshelf program.  She also serves on the Traffic Court at HIS and volunteers for the Washington Trails Association.

Kate is an exemplary scholar athlete.  She is a wonderful representation of Issaquah High School spirit, sportsmanship and dedication. Kate has been an amazing asset to the Girls Swim and Dive program for 4 years and she will truly be missed next year!  Her hard work and dedication have made her a shining example to represent Issaquah High School.  Congratulations, Kate, and best of luck in the future!

 Luke George

Congratulations to Luke George, a senior at Issaquah High School.  He has been selected as a Tutta Bella Scholar Athlete by the Issaquah Booster Club and Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria!

Issaquah Cross Country coach, Gwen Robertson, nominated Luke and writes, “Luke has a great running talent and he is learning to become a tremendous racer. He works hard throughout the year both in season and out of season. His daily enthusiasm is contagious and his positive outlook helps everyone around him. He sets a great example for his teammates with his work ethic and racing abilities.”

Luke has been involved in Cross Country for four years and Track for three years. Starting strong, as a freshman Luke was 2014 Student Athlete of the Year.  He was team captain in both Cross Country and Track, ran on the 2017 All-State cross country team, an invitee to the 2017 Border Clash, four-time State qualifier in cross country and once in track, and has been All-Kingco and All-District in both cross country and track.  If that was not enough, Luke also is a school record holder for Cross Country.

Luke’s athletic accomplishments reached beyond Washington State.  Last summer he was a silver medalist in the 800 meter and 1500 meter at the 2017Junior Olympic National Meet in Lawrence Kansas.  This spring he was awarded the Pacific Northwest Regional USATF Track Athlete of the Year award.  

Luke is a six-time scholar athlete with an estimated GPA of 3.6.  In addition to athletics, Luke is a role model as a member of ASB.  

Luke is an exemplary scholar athlete.  His hard work and dedication have made him a shining example to represent Issaquah High School. Luke has committed to Track & Field at University of Oklahoma.  Congratulations, Luke, and best of luck in the future!