Pampa Harvester Athletes of the Week (October 12 - October 18)

Photos courtesy of Chartershots and Charla Shults

Kinley Duke is No. 10 and a junior on the Lady Harvester volleyball team. Hard work, dedication and a commitment to improving are qualities that help athletes succeed both on and off the court. For Duke, those qualities have earned her recognition as this week's Athlete of the Week.

Duke understands that success in athletics doesn't happen overnight. It takes countless hours of practice, determination and a willingness to put in the work when nobody is watching.

“Being Athlete of the Week means more than just a post, but it shows how much time and effort I put in the gym,” Duke said.

While some people may see Duke as someone who keeps to herself, she says there is much more to her personality than meets the eye.

“People might think I'm quiet, but I'm actually really funny, and I love being outside, and I also love animals,” Duke said.

As the season continues, Duke is focused on enjoying the experience while preparing herself for future opportunities. Rather than concentrating solely on individual accomplishments, she wants to continue growing and learning.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to have fun and learn for the next season,” Duke said.

In addition to her time in the gym, Duke also competes in track and field, participating in the 4x100-meter and 4x200-meter relays.

While athletics are an important part of her high school experience, Duke also has ambitious plans for her future. Following graduation, she hopes to attend college and pursue a career in medicine, specifically helping children born with cleft lips.

“My plan after high school is to go to college and become a plastic surgeon for cleft lip babies,” Duke said.

Her interest in medicine also carries over into the classroom. Duke said her favorite subject is anatomy and physiology, a course she believes will help prepare her for her future career.

“My favorite subject is A&P because it's very interesting and can also help with my college plan,” Duke said.

Whether she is putting in the work in the gym, competing on the track or preparing for a future career in medicine, Duke continues to demonstrate the importance of dedication and having goals beyond athletics. Her Athlete of the Week recognition is a reflection of the time and effort she has invested in becoming a better athlete while continuing to work toward a bright future.

Pampa head coach Kaylee Samulowitz praised Kinley Duke for her experience, leadership and the valuable contributions she brings to the team.

“Kinley is such an experienced player and brings a lot of game knowledge to our team,” Samulowitz said. “She always has a great attitude and works super hard in the weight room and at practice. Kinley is a really good athlete and plays an important role on our team. We are lucky to have her as part of our program.”

Aiden Hammond, a junior linebacker and fullback who wears No. 11 for the Pampa Harvester football team. For Hammond, success is about more than individual accomplishments. It is about giving everything he has for his teammates, making a difference on the field and helping others along the way.

Hammond, this week's Athlete of the Week, takes pride in being someone others can count on, whether he is competing under the Friday night lights or lending a helping hand away from athletics.

"I love helping people, and I consider myself a giving person," Hammond said.

That attitude carries over to the football field, where Hammond strives to make every opportunity count and contribute to his team's success.

Being recognized as Athlete of the Week is something Hammond appreciates because it reflects the effort he puts into helping the Harvesters compete.

"To me, Athlete of the Week means that I'm putting everything that I have out on the field to help my team succeed, and I'm proud that I have people recognizing that," Hammond said.

Despite receiving recognition for his efforts, Hammond remains focused on the goals he established for himself heading into the season.

"I haven't changed my goals, no matter the accomplishments I get, and my one and only goal is to get All-District linebacker," Hammond said.

His competitive spirit extends beyond football. Hammond also plays basketball and competes in track, staying active in athletics throughout the school year.

While Hammond is determined to make an impact on the football field, he also has plans for his future beyond high school. He hopes to pursue a career in anesthesiology, a field that would allow him to continue his passion for helping others.

That desire is also reflected in his favorite subject in school.

"Health science, because I love helping others," Hammond said.

Whether he is working toward All-District honors, competing in multiple sports or preparing for a future in healthcare, Hammond continues to demonstrate a commitment to hard work, personal growth and helping those around him.

For Hammond, being a Harvester means giving his best for the people counting on him, both on and off the field.

Pampa Head Football Coach Floyd White, who also serves as Aiden Hammond's position coach at linebacker, had plenty of praise for the junior standout, highlighting his work ethic, leadership, positive attitude and dedication both on and off the field.

“Aiden is one of those guys that you absolutely treasure as a coach because he wants to be great in everything that he does,” White said. “He's always one of the first ones in, and he's always got that infectious, fired-up personality. I wish more kids had his drive and ambition to be great. I can't wait to see what the future holds for him because he's got many great things ahead of him. He's not only good on the football field, he's good in basketball, he runs track, and he does the things it takes. He's an A student. He's just an all-American great kid that you want on your team. I'm glad we have him instead of him being somewhere else.”

Congratulations to Kinley and Aiden for representing the Harvesters with pride, dedication and leadership.