PEAK PERFORMERS—the following is a collection of environmental portraits for the Colorado Springs Gazette's 2024 Peak Performers of the Year awards recognizing an outstanding high-school athlete in each sport throughout the region. Each image was made at a different location inside Concrete Couch, a community park built on what was formerly an industrial waste-yard just outside of downtown Colorado Springs.
The Classical Academy sophomore quarterback Kelsey Peterson (12) was named Gazette Peak Performer of the Year for women's flag football. This season marks the first for the sport within Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) competition play. “There were lot of new things to learn," Peterson said. "But I think being a point guard in basketball helped translate a bit!”
Village High School senior middle blocker Erika Sayer (22) was named Gazette Peak Performer of the Year for small-division volleyball. This season marked the first for the Village volleyball program. "In our first year, being nominated for recognition is amazing,” Sayer said. “I’m just happy I get to pave the way for others.” Sayer was recently offered a full-ride scholarship to Stanford University, where she has committed to play for their volleyball team.
Air Academy High School senior forward Ben Brown (13) was named Gazette Peak Performer of the Year for men's soccer. Through the years, Brown’s parents supported him as he played club ball, which he credits as being a major part of getting him to where he is today: The third best soccer player in Colorado, the 66th best nationally and a state title holder.“I feel incredibly blessed, and thankful for the people around me who helped me get there,” Brown said.
Bryce Riehl (2), a senior quarterback from Mesa Ridge High School, was named Gazette Peak Performer of the Year for large-division football. In 12 games, Riehl completed 171 passes on 256 attempts for 2,822 yards, 32 touchdowns and four interceptions. His passing yards were fifth-most in the state. "I would say I'm just super competitive. I love winning and I don't take losses very well."
Cheyenne Mountain High School junior forward Caroline Maytan (2) was named Gazette Peak Performer of the Year for women's field hockey. Maytan led the Red-Tailed Hawks to their first eight-win season since 2017, scoring 11 goals to go with five assists, both team highs.She also recorded eight steals, second-most of the team. “Our community really grew this year,” Maytan said. “We spent a lot more time outside of practice together, and on the field we just ‘clicked’ more.”