Senior swimmer David Cheng has found success thanks to the supportive environment provided by his teammates. Outside of the pool, Cheng values volunteering and music.

Chico High's Ally Richelieu is still fairly new to the game of tennis. But the junior Panther has been able to establish a mental edge to help carry her in the postseason.

Makenna Joyce has always been a natural leader since her freshman year. Each season, the Pleasant Valley volleyball player has learned to thrive in the fast-paced, quick tempo Vikings offense.

Before he carved out a crucial role in the Orland football team's backfield, the Trojans couldn't even find a proper spot for Beni Martinez on offense. The reason he didn't get many opportunities on offense had nothing to do with a lack of talent, but rather, Orland's scheme not meshing his skill set.

That hasn't been the case in 2019. Martinez has rushed for 306 yards and six touchdowns this season, while averaging 5.5 yards per touch. On defense, his 33 tackles rank third on the team.

Las Plumas High tennis player Katy Cotter doesn't seem to crack under the pressure. It's one of the many strengths the senior Thunderbird has relied on as being the No. 1 singles player.

Dominic Tovar has emerged as one of Durham's most valuable playmakers at a time when the team very much needed it. Described by coaches as a quiet, positive leader, Tovar, a running back and defensive back, is off to a fast start in his junior year — his first full season on varsity. Check out the story and more at: https://www.chicoer.com/tag/prep-athlete-of-the-week/

In her young career as a distance runner, Chico High sophomore Sophie Sims has already leapfrogged much of the competition during races. She's already accomplished a feat former Chico High standout Hannah Dillard accomplished and she's in pursuit of achieving more accolades throughout the season.

The Oroville High football team has scored at least 30 points in each of its first four games. Its offensive line, in particular, left tackle Logan Williams, deserves a lot of the credit. A two-year varsity starter, Williams has developed into a vital piece of the offense and a trusted voice in the Tigers' locker room.

Marisela Trenado-Alba only tried out for volleyball as a freshman after she didn't make the cheer team. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise. A four-year varsity player, Trenado-Alba, has taken on more responsibilities as senior, particularly after teammate Morgan Avrit sufferred a season-ending injury in the offseason. Read more at https://www.chicoer.com/tag/prep-athlete-of-the-week/.

Lukas Hartley is a senior do-it-all running back for the Paradise football team, which has started the season winning four straight. Full story at https://www.chicoer.com/tag/prep-athlete-of-the-week/.