Gillian Parsons: Sportzwire's Athlete of the Week
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | May 16, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Sportzwire Athlete of the Week Presented by Envy Electrical: Gillian Parsons
The latest Sportzwire Athlete of the Week honor, presented by Envy Electrical, goes to Holy Redeemer junior Gillian Parsons after an incredible all-around performance that helped lead the Royals girls lacrosse team through a dominant stretch.
Parsons, a midfielder for Holy Redeemer and a member of the Class of 2027, turned in one of the most complete weeks of the season. Across multiple games, she piled up 21 goals, five assists, 27 ground balls, 26 draw controls, and seven caused turnovers while continuing to establish herself as one of the area’s premier all-around players.
The standout week also included a major milestone as Parsons recorded her 200th career draw control Friday night, adding another accomplishment to an already impressive resume.
While the statistics alone tell part of the story, Parsons’ impact reaches far beyond the scorebook. Coaches and teammates describe her as the emotional leader of the team — someone who constantly encourages younger players and makes sure every teammate feels involved and valued.
“Gillian is the team leader,” her nomination shared. “She always makes sure everyone is involved and is the biggest cheerleader of the younger girls when they get in the game.”
Her leadership was especially evident during Holy Redeemer’s senior night celebration. In a moment that perfectly captured her team-first mentality, Parsons asked to move to defense so a senior defensive player could get an opportunity to play offense and try to score on her special night.
That selfless moment reflected the qualities that separate Parsons from many athletes at the high school level. Beyond her natural athletic ability, she is known for doing the small things that help teams win — the hustle plays, communication, defensive pressure, and relentless work ethic that may not always appear in a box score.
“Gillian is a natural leader. She leads by example,” the nomination stated. “She does all the little things that don’t show up in the stats.”
A three-sport athlete who also competes in basketball and volleyball, Parsons has developed a reputation as one of Holy Redeemer’s most versatile and respected competitors. Her ability to elevate teammates while continuing to refine her own game has made her a cornerstone of the Royals’ success this season.
For her outstanding performances, leadership, and sportsmanship, Gillian Parsons is Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week for May 11, presented by Envy Electrical.
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