Tooele County athletes have proven themselves to be formidable competitors this year as Tooele High faced tougher competition in 4A and Grantsville continued its heated rivalries with top foes in Region 11. Tooele's Lauren Folta earned the Transcript-Bulletin top female prep athlete of the year, but we feel four additional ladies deserve honorable mention for their athletic accomplishments.

Sadie Palmer- Tooele

Palmer finished her senior year with the first ever girls state golf title under her belt. She was the only competitor at the state tournament that shot under par and hit a personal best with a 68.

The Buffalo golfer was named Utah Junior Golf Association Player of the Year in 2007 preceding her state title, but that was no surprise to coach Fred Killpack.

"We kept telling her how good she was and she didn't believe it," said Killpack. "It was the only thing holding her back, and I think she finally realized that this year."

Palmer competed with the boys team at Tooele high school, playing No. 1 and No. 2 her sophomore and junior years. Killpack attributes her success to her dedication, focus, and consistency.

"It's harder to win on an individual basis than a team basis, " Killpack said. "You can't have an off day, and Sadie doesn't. She's not just the best in 3A, 4A or 5A. She's the best golfer under 18 in Utah."

A leader on and off the field, Palmer has been involved with student government all four years of high school and is also an honor roll student.

"Besides her great athletic ability, she's an exceptional student," said Killpack.

Palmer accepted a full-ride golf scholarship to Southern Utah University where she will continue her education and golf career in the fall.

Alexis Bird- Tooele

Bird juggled two sports throughout her high school career. The buffalo senior was a varsity starter for the soccer team all four years and a varsity starter for the basketball team for two years.

Although she's received 2nd team all-region and honorable mention all-region in past years, Bird finally claimed a spot on the 1st team all-region list this year.

As goal keeper for the team, Bird met the high demands required of her said coach Chris Wilcox.

"She's been one of the designated captains through the season, she's a leader," said Wilcox. "She filled that key position for us and has greatly improved over the years. Definitely one of our better players."

A starting forward for the Buffs girls basketball team, Bird has also shown her strength on the court.

"She's very mentally and physically strong," said Karie Frederickson, Tooele girls basketball coach. "She can stand a lot of pressure."

Bird recently received the White-Kimber award at Tooele high school for her skill and character. She also garnered a 1st team all-region award for her 07-08 basketball season with a number of double-doubles and averaging 15 points per game. But what coach Frederickson finds most impressive about Bird is her drive to be team oriented.

"She's willing to sacrifice whatever she can to make things better for everyone," Frederickson said. "She's such a good kid."

Bird will continue her basketball career playing for Western Wyoming Community College on a full-ride scholarship.

Kylie Erickson- Grantsville

A triple-threat for the cowboys, Erickson made solid contributions to Grantsville's volleyball, basketball and golf teams.

In volleyball the four-year varsity player served her team as a captain and earned herself a spot on the all-region team.

"Not only is Kylie an extremely hard worker, she's a fun person to be around," said head coach Heidi Heath. "She kept the team together. She's also a very smart player and excels at everything she does."

Erickson was the lone senior on the regional champion basketball team this year and one of the team captains, averaging double digit scoring. She was awarded second team all-region and second team all-state from the Salt Lake Tribune.

Head coach Kenzie Newton praises the starting forward for her coolness on the court.

"Kylie is a great leader on and off the court," Newton said. "She's one of those players that if it's a tense moment and all of the other players are uptight she has the ability to get everyone to relax and play their game."

Erickson was also a leader on Grantsville's first girls golf team and was the only member of the Cowgirl's team to make it to the state tournament.

The senior missed earning an all region award by one stroke, according to head coach Jimmy Arellano.

"She's already accomplished a lot. She dropped about 20 strokes from the first match to the last," said Arellano. "Kylie is determined to be in the top and not just with the local girls, but wherever she competes."

Sammie Jensen- Grantsville

Jensen is another triple threat on Grantsville's list of athletes. The junior played a pivotal part on the school's volleyball, basketball, and track teams this year, all while maintaining a 4.0 cumulative gpa.

This was Jensen's first year playing volleyball as she's spent the last two years on the school's soccer team, but Jensen seems to be anything but a rookie.

"She's very fun to watch and very athletic in general," said coach Heath. "Some people are given a gift and Sammie is one of those people."

Jensen was also a team captain during the cowgirls stellar basketball season, averaging double digit scoring per game.

The Cowgirl guard garnered 1st team all-region and first team all-state from both the Deseret News and Salt Lake Tribune.

"Sammie's also a good leader on the court," said Coach Newton. "She just has a certain dedication and drive. She's stays in the gym after practice and puts in extra hours, and it shows."

Jensen added a lot of points to the Grantsville track team scores too.

This was Jensen's first year competing in the hurdling events and she placed fourth n the 100 hurdles and 7th in the 300 hurdles at the state competition. She also competed in the 100 open.

Track coach Tracy Stevens is confident in Jensen's athletic ability.

"Sammie can do well at whatever Sammie chooses to do well at," Stevens said. "You know that if you're going to put her in an event, she's going to do a good job."