Sportzwire's Athlete of the Week: Mid-Valley's Olivia Thomas
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | May 24, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire
Sportzwire Athlete of the Week — May 18
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Freshman sensation Olivia Thomas has taken the Pennsylvania track and field scene by storm, earning Sportzwire’s Athlete of the Week honors for the week of May 18 after a historic postseason run that continues to raise the standard for the Mid Valley Spartanettes program.
Thomas delivered one of the most dominant district performances in recent memory, capturing four gold medals while setting three District 2 meet records in the long jump, triple jump, and 100-meter hurdles. Competing against a loaded field of talented athletes, the freshman standout stole the spotlight with her versatility, composure, and elite-level performances.
Her remarkable season reached another level at the state championships.
At the PIAA Class 2A Track and Field Championships, Thomas broke her own school record in the triple jump with a leap of 39 feet, 11.5 inches and earned a gold medal in the PIAA 2A triple jump — an extraordinary accomplishment for a freshman competing on the biggest stage in Pennsylvania high school track and field.
Thomas competes in both track and field and cross country and has quickly become one of the most valuable athletes in Mid Valley’s lineup. Whether she’s racing in the 100-meter hurdles, competing in the long and triple jump, or contributing to the 4x100-meter relay, she consistently gives the Spartanettes opportunities to score major points in team competition.
Head Coach Nick Kazinetz says Thomas’ impact goes far beyond the medals and records.
“She is a silent leader,” Kazinetz said. “She is humble and leads by example. You can’t ask for more than that from any athlete.”
Thomas’ relentless work ethic has become contagious throughout the program. Coaches have noticed more athletes staying after practice for extra work and individual instruction after seeing the level of commitment Thomas brings every day.
Despite the growing attention surrounding her accomplishments dating back to junior high, Thomas has remained grounded and focused. Coaches credit her maturity and strong support system, including jumping coach Michelle Higgins and hurdles coach Tori Doyle, for helping her continue to thrive under the spotlight.
Kazinetz also praised junior high coach Jeff Jordan for helping identify the events where Thomas could maximize her tremendous athletic ability.
Beyond the accolades, teammates and coaches describe Thomas as kind, encouraging, and selfless — an athlete who never complains, embraces every challenge, and makes everyone around her better.
What separates Thomas from many athletes her age is not only her talent, but the historic level at which she is already performing. As a freshman, she now owns some of the top marks ever recorded in District 2 history and has already added a PIAA state gold medal to her resume.
For Mid Valley, Olivia Thomas is not just the future of the program — she is already one of its brightest stars.
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