Welcome to the first installment of the 2026 fall season for the Delta Dental All-USA Vermont Athletes of the Week voting by high school sports fans.
This week, and every week during the sports seasons, members of the public may vote for a top girls athlete and a top boys athlete. And since last year, we added to the list of weekly nominees: There are now two stories, one for girls and one for boys, with more athletes on each ballot.
How do I cast my vote?
All voting is through the ballots at burlingtonfreepress.com. We will not accept votes through email or through social media. To vote, click on the name of the person you want to select and refresh the page after each time you vote to be able to vote as often as you’d like.
Voting began Monday, Sept. 7 and continues through 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.
How do we learn who wins?
The winners will be announced in a story published at burlingtonfreepress.com on Friday, Sept. 11.
May I nominate a deserving athlete for a future ballot?
Yes. Please nominate a Vermont high school athlete by sending an email to sports@burlingtonfreepress.com (Subject Line: Athletes of the Week nomination). Additionally, please include the athlete’s school, sport and any relevant details from that week’s games in the email.
Girls Athlete of the Week nominees
Ari Conti, U-32 field hockey: The junior midfielder scored all five goals in the Raiders’ 5-0 win against Hartford on Sept. 1. In U-32’s season opening win against Mount Mansfield, Conti also contributed a goal.
Avery Hansen, St. Johnsbury soccer: Hansen tallied a goal and assist in the Hilltoppers 3-2 victory over Colchester.
Wynn Hazelton, Mount Mansfield soccer: The sophomore scored two goals in the Cougars’ season opening 4-2 win against St. Johnsbury and followed that up with two more goals in MMU’s 4-0 win over Rutland on Sept. 5.
Anna Juzek, Stowe golf: Juzek earned medalist honors at two golf matches, recording a 52 on Aug. 31 and then a 48 round on Sept. 2.
Sadie Lizotte, Essex field hockey: The sophomore has helped Essex open up the 2026 season with a 2-1 record while accounting for four of the team’s eight goals. Lizotte scored a hat trick in the Hornets season opening 4-0 win against Mount Abraham and the game winner in Essex’s 3-2 overtime win over Colchester.
Quinn Murphy, Fair Haven field hockey: The junior is off to a hot start scoring both of the Slaters’ goals against Rutland and adding two goals and two assists in Fair Haven’s 7-0 victory over Middlebury on Sept. 1.
Phoenix Woodard, Burr and Burton soccer: Woodard struck for two goals in a 6-1 win over Mount Anthony and tallied a goal and two assists in a 5-0 shutout of Brattleboro.
ContactAlex Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter: @aabrami5.
Contact Judith Altneu at JAltneu@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter: @Judith_Altneu.
This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vote for the All-USA Vermont Girls Athlete of the Week powered by Delta Dental
