The Norse News Athlete of the Year award is a traditional title at Spartanburg High School. The award is given to one male and female senior who show their elite athlete high-level skill in a certain field of athletics. Genesis Young (12) has received this year’s female athlete of the year for her athletic excellence on the basketball court and the track field. This season in basketball, she averaged 16.7 points, 14 rebounds, 1 block and 1 assist per game.
Leslie Boyd, head coach of the girls’ varsity basketball team, is very grateful to have been given the opportunity to coach someone so special.
“Genesis is simply irreplaceable. She is a selfless, caring, and humble person. Day after day, she came into practice or games with a smile on her face, regardless of the battles she may have faced. She is the epitome of what we want players to strive to be in our sisterhood. Spartanburg will be left a better place because of Genesis,” Boyd said.
Young has been a part of the Viking basketball program for a total of four years and has played a crucial role throughout her time at SHS. Young played at center post for the Lady Vikings and has achieved numerous accomplishments through her years of playing on the team. She has a accumulated more than 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. She has received several notable honors including two-time All-Region player, preseason top 5A Senior, selection to the North-South All-Star Game and State Champion in weightlifting in the Unlimited Class. Young has also broken the Spartanburg High School girls’ basketball record for most rebounds per game in a season, averaging 15 rebounds per game in the 2022-2023 season. The same year, Young remarkably broke the SHS girls’ basketball record for rebounds in a season totaling 1169 rebounds.
Athletic Director Todd Staley has had the pleasure of seeing Young’s growing talent throughout her high school years.
“Genesis Young is an exceptional young lady whose athletic ability has brought her much success in her career at Spartanburg High School. A two-sport athlete in basketball and track, Genesis left a lasting legacy for her performances on the basketball court. Her perseverance, hard work and positive attitude is an example for all athletes to copy,” Staley said.
Not only does Young excel in being such an incredible competitor but she displays the same type of determination on the track field. Young is a true leader in the throwing area of track and field. Over the years, she has continued to grow and develop her techniques and skills, especially in shot put. Her work ethic has made her one of the top throwers in the area. Genesis currently ranks ninth in the State and third in the County and Region.
Head girls track coach Audril Jones is very glad to have been able to coach someone like Genesis and can’t wait for what the future holds for her.
“Genesis is a great asset to the Track and Field program. She competes throwing the shot put and discus. One of her goals is not just to make herself better, but to develop and guide the younger throwers. When I think of Genesis, she does not focus on the medals she has won or going to win, but the motivation that she can continue to throw further with shot put, discus, developing others, and most of all continue throwing herself to greater heights of success because there is no finish line for throwers,” Jones said.
